Ants Climbing a Tree Recipe（Ma Yi Shang Shu/蚂蚁上树）

Ants Climbing a Tree is a classic Sichuan dish featuring vermicelli noodles and ground pork as the main ingredients. The noodles are tender and the pork is savory, creating a rich and satisfying texture with layers of flavor. This dish is beloved for its unique and distinctive taste.

Many of you have expressed interest in making "Ants Climbing a Tree" at home but are worried about the complexity. To help, I’ve put together an authentic recipe for this dish, complete with detailed tips and tricks to ensure you can make it perfectly every time.

1.About "Ants Climbing a Tree"

"Ants Climbing a Tree," also known as minced meat with vermicelli, is a classic traditional dish from Sichuan Province. The name comes from the way the minced meat clings to the vermicelli, resembling ants climbing on branches. The exact origins of this dish are difficult to trace, but there’s a legend linking the name to Dou E, a character in a play by Guan Hanqing. It's said that Dou E made this dish by stir-frying finely chopped pork with vermicelli for her mother-in-law, who loved it and gave it the name "Ants Climbing a Tree."

The dish's main ingredients are vermicelli (or glass noodles) and minced meat, with additional flavor from carrots, ginger, scallions, and fermented bean paste. The final dish has a light and smooth texture, with a delicious flavor and a vibrant red color, making it a unique culinary experience.

2.Which Vermicelli to Use for Ants Climbing a Tree

For Ants Climbing a Tree, it is generally recommended to use sweet potato vermicelli. Sweet potato vermicelli is known for its firmness and elasticity, offering a smooth and chewy texture.

3. Can You Substitute Beef for Pork?

Yes, you can substitute beef for pork. Traditionally, Ants Climbing a Tree is made with pork, but if you don't eat pork due to religious reasons or personal preference, you can use other types of meat, such as beef or chicken.

4. Ingredients

To make Ants Climbing a Tree, you'll need the following ingredients:

Sweet potato vermicelli

Pork belly

Chopped scallions

Minced garlic

Chili peppers

Light soy sauce

Dark soy sauce

Hot water

Minced ginger

Green peppers

Doubanjiang (fermented bean paste)

Oyster sauce

Chicken powder

5. How to Soften Sweet Potato Vermicelli

Here’s how to soften sweet potato vermicelli:

Place the sweet potato vermicelli in a large bowl.

Add room-temperature water, making sure the water fully covers the vermicelli.

Let the vermicelli soak, the time needed depends on the thickness, typically around 20-30 minutes.

Gently stir the vermicelli with your hand to help it absorb water more evenly.

Once the vermicelli is soft, drain and rinse it, then it’s ready for cooking.

Important Tip:

Avoid using hot water to soak the vermicelli, as it can affect the texture, making it less chewy.

6. What to Pair with Ants Climbing a Tree

In China, Ants Climbing a Tree is typically served with rice, which complements the tender texture of the vermicelli and the savory, spicy flavor of the minced meat.

Besides rice, you can pair this dish with a light vegetable salad or stir-fried greens to add more texture and nutritional balance to the meal.

For those who prefer stronger flavors, a refreshing side of cold pickled vegetables can help balance the spiciness of the dish, offering a more complex and enjoyable dining experience.

7. More Delicious Vermicelli Recipes

Homemade Rice Noodle Stir Fry

Lo Mein Noodles

Xinjiang Stir-Fried Rice Noodles

Suan La Fen (Hot and Sour Noodle Soup, 酸辣粉)

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of Ants Climbing a Tree, let's get started on making this delicious dish together! If you enjoy our recipes, be sure to follow us—we'll keep bringing you more mouthwatering dishes.