Chinese Essential scallion oil

This is the signature flavor of the Shanghai metropolitan area, along China’s central Pacific coast. In fact, nothing says “Shanghai” like scallions. But this iconic seasoning is more than just raw or cooked scallions, for the green and white parts are slowly toasted in oil to turn them nutty and enticing. Once the scallions are fully browned, drain off the oil and use the crispy bits as a scrumptious garnish on noodles or rice. This oil should be clear, and yellow. This the bases for many a sauce.

1. Clean and trim the scallions, and pat them dry (this is important, since you don’t want them to spatter in the oil). Then, slice them into either thin rounds or at an angle into long, thin ovals. 
2. Line a plate with a paper towel and place it next to the stove, along with a slotted spoon. Set a wok with the oil in it over medium-high heat. When the oil just begins to shimmer, add a few pieces of the scallion. What you want is for the onions to gently bubble, so adjust the heat as needed and then add the rest of the scallions. Stir them every minute or so, letting them slowly cook and giving them a chance to release their fragrance and gradually dry out. As soon as they start to smell toasty, and a few begin to brown, stir them almost constantly so they brown evenly. 
3. Once almost all of the onions are light brown and crispy, remove them from the oil with the slotted spoon and place them on the paper towel. Take the wok off the heat and serve, if you’re going to use it immediately; otherwise, let it cool and pour the oil into a squeeze bottle or jar. There should be only the tiniest specks of scallion in this clear, greenish sauce. The fried scallions can be used as a garnish for whatever you like. Refrigerate both the oil and the fried onions if you are not using them up right away.