Francis Lam’s Ginger Scallion Sauce

Francis originally published this recipe in a riotous post for Salon. Be sure to check it out as his instructions manage to be both thorough and hilarious, which is no easy feat.

Use this sauce anywhere you need firepower, literally. As Francis points out in the video below, this sauce is traditionally used to accompany poached chicken -- one of the quietest and perhaps blandest bites around. This sauce will bring life to anything it touches: Bring on the eggs, smear it on sandwiches, toss it with noodles and serve it atop any kind of protein, from tofu and pork to fish.

Cook to Cook: Be sure to use a large bowl -- bigger than you would think -- because you will be adding hot oil to the scallions and ginger, which will bubble up like lava.

Update April 2020: A lot of fans have recently asked us about this wonderful recipe. Martha asked, due to a peanut allergy, what oil could be a substitute for the peanut oil? Francis says any vegetable oil will work but stay away from olive oil because it will smoke too much. Kelly asked if a large batch could be frozen and thaw for use later; Francis says he has never frozen it before but thinks that it should work perfectly. 

Ingredients

• 2 ounces ginger (about a 3-inch piece), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks

• 6 ounces scallions (1 large or 2 small bunches), cut into 1-inch lengths

• 2 teaspoons sea salt, plus more to taste

• 1 cup peanut oil

Instructions

1. Place the ginger in the bowl of a food processor and process until the ginger is finely minced but not mushy. Scrape it into a large, tall, heatproof bowl (see Cook to Cook above).

2. Add the scallions to the processor and mince until they are the same size as the ginger. Scrape them into the bowl with the ginger.

3. As Francis says, “Salt the ginger and scallions like they called your mother a bad name and stir it well.” It should taste a little too salty.

4. Heat the oil in a pan until it begins to smoke, then pour it into the large bowl with the ginger and scallions. Stir lightly. Let cool to room temperature and serve. Keeps 2-3 weeks covered and refrigerated.