How to Char Scallions
Charring scallions is about high heat and short timing. You want to blister the skin and soften the interior without turning the greens into mush, yielding a smoky vegetable that holds its structure.
Control the fire, keep the bite.
Dry your scallions thoroughly before they hit the heat; moisture creates steam, which prevents the char you are looking for.
- Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed grill pan
- Tongs
- Paper towels
What goes in.
- 2 bunchesfresh scallions
- 1 tbspneutral high-heat oil
- to tasteflaky sea salt
The blister method
The goal is surface contact. Use the heaviest pan you have to maintain temperature when the cool vegetables hit the surface.
The method.
Prepare the scallions
Trim the roots and remove any wilted outer leaves. Wash and pat them completely dry.
Coat lightly
Toss the whole scallions with the oil in a bowl until they are just glistening. Do not oversaturate.
Sear on high
Get your skillet to smoking hot over medium-high heat. Lay the scallions in a single layer. Let them sit undisturbed for 2 minutes until the white parts show deep brown, near-black char marks.
Finish
Flip once. Cook for another 60 seconds. The greens should be wilted but still bright green. Pull them immediately to a board and shower with salt.
Other turns to take.
Citrus Finished
Squeeze a quarter of a lime over the scallions the moment they leave the pan to brighten the smokiness.
Chili Oil Drizzle
After charring, toss with a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil and a pinch of red chili flakes.
When it doesn't go to plan.
If the greens are charring too fast, pull the scallions to the edge of the pan where it is slightly cooler.
Do not crowd the pan; if the scallions are touching too much, they will steam rather than sear.
Keep them whole. If you cut them before cooking, they will fall apart and burn through before the flavor develops.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I do this on an outdoor grill?
Yes, but lay them perpendicular to the grates so they do not fall through. Keep a close watch, as open flames will char them in under a minute.
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