Ants Climbing A Tree (Ma Yi Shang Shu)

"Ants climbing a tree" is one of the traditional signature dishes from Sichuan Province, China. It's named because minced meat sticks to the vermicelli, resembling ants climbing on tree branches. It's quite common in Sichuan Province. With modern developments, "ants climbing a tree" has also become a popular home-cooked dish that's relatively easy to replicate at home. The dish features a mild and smooth flavor profile, making it worth trying out in your own kitchen.

Many people enjoy eating "ants climbing a tree," but they may not know its origin and some important considerations. Below, I will provide a detailed introduction to the dish. If you're interested, take a look! If you have the time, give it a try—it's sure to be a hit with your family.

1.What is "ants climbing a tree"?

"Ants climbing a tree" is a dish that originated in Sichuan Province, China. According to legend, it was invented by Dou E, a famous character in Chinese literature. It is said that Dou E's husband passed away, and her mother-in-law fell ill and could not get out of bed. Dou E had to take care of her mother-in-law and go out to find medicine, all while facing financial difficulties. Unable to afford food, Dou E started buying groceries on credit. Eventually, a butcher refused to extend her credit any longer, but moved by her plight, he reluctantly gave her a small piece of meat.

When she returned home, she began to worry about what to cook. As she looked around, she suddenly spotted some leftover vermicelli from the Lunar New Year. Dou E had a bright idea and soaked the vermicelli in hot water until soft. Then she minced the meat, sautéed some scallions and ginger in a pan, added soy sauce and the vermicelli, stir-fried briefly, and finally tossed in some chopped green garlic and ground pepper. This resulted in a light and refreshing dish with a bright red color, satisfying in taste.

After tasting it, her mother-in-law praised it endlessly. Due to her failing eyesight, seeing the dish resemble ants climbing a tree, they decided to name the dish "ants climbing a tree."

2.Why introduce this recipe?

Firstly, vermicelli is a low-calorie, high-fiber food that, when consumed in moderation, can promote digestive regularity, aid in weight loss, and prevent constipation. Additionally, minced meat is rich in protein and fats, providing sufficient energy and nutrition for the body. The accompanying ingredients also enhance appetite and aid digestion.

Moreover, this dish is not just a delicacy; it also embodies emotional connection. Every bite seems to evoke the warmth of home and the taste of a mother's cooking.

3.What ingredients are used?

Sweet potato vermicelli: Sweet potato vermicelli is particularly suitable for making "ants climbing a tree" due to its resilience during cooking. This type of vermicelli not only has a smooth and chewy texture but also offers a unique chewiness. Moreover, sweet potato vermicelli has high water absorption, so it's important to add an appropriate amount of water during cooking to maintain its smooth texture.

Minced meat: Choose fresh pork and chop it into minced meat, then mix it with a small amount of starch. This helps the minced meat retain moisture better, preventing it from breaking apart during frying and resulting in a tender and easily seasoned texture.

Seasonings: Common Chinese seasonings such as doubanjiang (fermented bean paste), light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, etc.

4.How to handle the vermicelli?

Soaking: Use warm water or room temperature water to soak the vermicelli. Avoid using hot water to prevent the vermicelli from sticking together during soaking. Soak the vermicelli for about 30 minutes, until it becomes soft and there are no hard spots.

Drain excess water: After soaking the vermicelli until soft, drain off excess water and set it aside for later use.

Quickly stir: During the cooking process, use chopsticks to quickly separate and stir the vermicelli to ensure each strand is evenly heated and prevent them from sticking together.

5.Where can you buy the ingredients?

You can typically purchase the ingredients for making "ants climbing a tree" at Asian supermarkets. When selecting doubanjiang (fermented bean paste), you can choose according to your personal taste preferences.

"Ants climbing a tree" is a traditional delicacy, and its preparation is actually quite simple. Let's take a look at how to make "ants climbing a tree." When prepared correctly, it's deliciously smooth and satisfying. Once served, it tends to disappear quickly as everyone digs in.