Ants Climbing a Tree

A simple, homey Sichuan dish that is flavorful, quick, and satisfying. It comes together in less than no time. And, despite the odd name, no ants were hurt in making this deliciousness.

Course Main

Cuisine Chinese

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 359kcal

Author Imma

Ingredients

¼ pound (120g) bean thread noodles (vermicelli, cellophane, sweet potato noodles, or rice noodles)
1 teaspoon (5ml) Shaoxing rice wine
salt to taste
⅓ pound (150g) ground pork, beef, or chicken
2 tablespoons (30ml) or more peanut oil
1 teaspoon (3g) minced garlic
½ teaspoon (1-2g) minced ginger
2 teaspoons (10ml) light soy sauce
2 tablespoons (28g) chili bean paste
1¼ cups (300ml) chicken stock
½ teaspoon (2-3ml) dark soy sauce (for color)
1 head bok choy, sliced
3 scallions (green parts only) finely sliced
4-5 Chinese basil leaves
½ cup (75g) carrots, sliced (optional)

Instructions

Soak the noodles in hot water for 7-10 minutes. Drain them just before you start cooking.
Heat peanut oil (or canola) in a wok or saucepan, swirl to thoroughly coat the pan, and then add the garlic, ginger, and chili bean paste. Stir for 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.
Add ground meat and lightly salt. Add the rice wine and light soy sauce. Continue stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until all the ingredients come together and the meat browns.
Add drained noodles, stir, and add basil, carrots, and bok choy. Pour in stock with dark soy sauce.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer over medium for 5 minutes or more so all the flavors come together and the noodles absorb the liquid. Adjust seasonings with salt and light soy sauce.
Remove and serve hot.

Notes

Any bean thread noodle works just fine. But I like the medium ones because they have more of a bite.
Sweet potato noodles also work fine. Rice noodles also work as long as you don't overcook them.
Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition