There’s something incredibly satisfying about a simple bowl of noodles that’s bursting with flavor and texture. This Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly—bright scallions, tender broccoli, and that garlicky butter sauce come together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to when you want something comforting without fuss.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I honestly find myself coming back to this Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe on busy weeknights or whenever I want a dish that's fresh yet filling. It’s super quick, loaded with veggies, and the buttery, garlicky sauce feels indulgent without being complicated. Plus, it’s flexible enough to tweak to your taste or what’s in your fridge.
- Speedy to make: From pantry to plate in about 20 minutes, so no long waits or complicated prep.
- Flavorful simplicity: The combination of scallions, ginger, and garlic in butter is a total game-changer.
- Veggie-packed: Broccoli adds a lovely crunch and healthy boost, making it a balanced meal.
- Super customizable: You can add eggs, mushrooms, or edamame to suit what you like or have on hand.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe plays a delightful role—from texture to flavor. Choosing the right noodles and fresh scallions really elevates the dish, and the soy sauce balance is key to avoid overpowering saltiness.
- Dry ramen noodles or Pad Thai rice noodles: These soak up the sauce beautifully while staying tender—not mushy.
- Neutral cooking oil: Using a light oil like canola or vegetable ensures the buttery flavors shine without adding heaviness.
- Small broccoli florets: Crisp-tender is the goal so they add crunch without overpowering the noodles.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and brings the garlic, ginger, and scallion flavors together perfectly.
- Green onions (scallions): You want them fresh and sliced thin for that bright pop of flavor and color.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is a must—it’s the backbone of the aromatic sauce.
- Freshly grated ginger: Adds warmth and just enough zing to brighten the dish.
- Chili flakes: Customizable heat—add more if you like it spicy, or swap for chili oil for a different flavor layer.
- Lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari: Balances saltiness without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Shelled edamame (optional): A great protein boost that also adds lovely texture.
- Toasted sesame seeds or toasted sesame oil: Adds nutty fragrance and a bit of crunch.
- Fried or soft-boiled eggs (optional): For topping to turn this into a more substantial meal.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe is how easy it is to adjust. Sometimes I swap the broccoli for shiitake mushrooms, which brings a lovely earthiness. You can also mix in tofu or chicken if you want more protein.
- Variation: Once, I tried adding some sautéed shiitake mushrooms instead of broccoli—they soak up the sauce differently but taste amazing.
- Dietary modification: To keep it vegan, skip the butter and eggs and replace with coconut oil and extra veggies or tofu.
- Spice level: Play around with chili flakes or use chili oil for a smoky kick—just add gradually and taste as you go.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is crucial to get flavorful noodles. Then cook your ramen or rice noodles just until al dente—usually 3 to 4 minutes according to package directions. Be careful not to overcook; the noodles will finish cooking briefly when tossed in the sauce later. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Broccoli Until Crisp-Tender
Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add your broccoli florets. Stir and sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes until they soften slightly but still have that satisfying crunch. Transfer broccoli to a bowl so we can add more flavors to the pan.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Reduce your heat to medium, then add the remaining tablespoon of oil plus the butter. Toss in two-thirds of the sliced scallions, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Stir everything for about 3 minutes until the aromatics soften and the kitchen starts smelling amazing. This garlic-butter base is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Toss It All Together
Pour in the soy sauce and stir to combine. Then add the cooked noodles, sautéed broccoli, edamame if using, and toasted sesame seeds. Use tongs to toss everything gently, coating the noodles evenly with the sauce. This is the moment when flavors meld into one irresistible dish.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Divide the noodles between bowls. Top each bowl with a fried or soft-boiled egg for some luscious richness and the remaining scallions for freshness. If you want a bit more heat, drizzle some chili oil on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe come together effortlessly and taste even better. These little details help keep the noodles perfectly saucy without becoming mushy.
- Don’t overcook noodles: Cook them just till al dente and finish tossing in the sauce to avoid sogginess.
- Slice scallions thinly: Thin slices give you the best texture and flavor bursts without being overpowering.
- Use lower-sodium soy sauce: This avoids making the dish too salty, especially since butter adds richness.
- Reserve some scallions for garnish: Adding fresh scallions right at the end adds brightness and a lovely color contrast.
How to Serve Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about simple garnishes that add flavor and texture. For this dish, I stick with the remaining raw scallions for freshness and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a subtle crunch. If I’m feeling indulgent, a soft-boiled egg on top turns it into a complete meal, and a drizzle of chili oil adds a lovely spicy kick that I adore.
Side Dishes
This recipe holds up well as a main by itself, especially with that added egg or edamame. But if you want a balanced meal, I often pair it with a crisp cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables to cut through the richness. A simple miso soup on the side also works beautifully for a cozy dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve plated these noodles in wide shallow bowls, twirling the noodles into a neat nest before topping with eggs and chili oil. Adding finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil can freshen up the look and give a little extra pop. If you want to impress, sprinkling some crushed peanuts or fried shallots on top adds a delicious crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After making this Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe, I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to avoid soggy noodles from condensation.
Freezing
Personally, I don’t recommend freezing this noodle dish because the broccoli and noodles tend to become mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated leftovers reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, I add a splash of water or broth to a skillet and warm the noodles over medium heat, tossing gently to keep everything coated and prevent sticking. Microwaving works too—just cover and stir halfway through. Adding a little extra butter or oil when reheating helps revive that luscious sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Definitely! While ramen or Pad Thai rice noodles are recommended for their texture, you can also use soba, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Shiitake mushrooms make a great substitute and bring an earthy flavor that complements the garlic and butter. Alternatively, snap peas, green beans, or thinly sliced zucchini work well to add crunch and color.
The recipe has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the chili flakes, but it’s very easy to adjust. Add more chili flakes or drizzle chili oil for extra spice, or omit entirely for a mild version that's still full of flavor.
Yes! Simply swap the butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil, leave out the egg garnish, and make sure to use soy sauce without any animal byproducts. Edamame is a great vegan protein addition here.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe is one of those easy dishes I always keep in my back pocket. It feels fresh, satisfying, and somehow special without much effort. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do, whether it becomes your weeknight staple or a flavorful last-minute dinner surprise for friends. Give it a try—you might be amazed how something so quick can taste so good!
Print
Quick Scallion Noodles with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy 20-minute scallion noodle recipe featuring tender broccoli florets, aromatic garlic butter sauce, and a spicy chili kick. Perfect for a simple weeknight meal, these noodles are enhanced with toasted sesame seeds and optional toppings like soft-boiled eggs and edamame for added protein.
Ingredients
Noodles and Vegetables
- 6 oz. dry ramen noodles (or Pad Thai rice noodles)
- 3 to 4 cups small broccoli florets (or substitute 8 oz. shiitake mushrooms)
- 1 whole bunch green onions (scallions), trimmed and thinly sliced, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced or thinly sliced
- 2 tsp. freshly grated ginger
- ¼ to ¾ tsp. chili flakes (or substitute chili oil)
- ½ cup shelled edamame (optional for added protein)
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 Tbsp. neutral cooking oil, divided
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- ¼ cup lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (or 1 to 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil)
- Fried or soft-boiled eggs for serving (optional)
- Chili oil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and prepare noodles according to package instructions, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Sauté Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add broccoli florets and sauté until crisp-tender, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer broccoli to a bowl and reduce heat to medium.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and remaining 1 tablespoon of oil along with two-thirds of the chopped scallions, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Cook until softened and aromatic, about 3 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce to combine.
- Toss Noodles and Veggies: Add the cooked noodles back into the skillet along with sautéed broccoli, edamame (if using), and toasted sesame seeds. Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the noodles into bowls. Garnish with the remaining scallions and top with a fried or soft-boiled egg if desired. Drizzle with chili oil for extra spice.
Notes
- Use lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
- Substitute broccoli with shiitake mushrooms for a different texture and flavor.
- Adding shelled edamame boosts protein content for a more balanced meal.
- Top with a fried or soft-boiled egg to enrich the dish and add creaminess.
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level or use chili oil for a different type of heat.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure using vegetarian-friendly soy sauce or tamari.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.33 cup
- Calories: 367 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 625 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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