Ants Climbing A Tree (Ma Yi Shang Shu)

Name: Ants Climbing A Tree (Ma Yi Shang Shu)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 1-2 servings
Ingredients: 250g vermicelli; 100g pork; 50g red bell pepper; 10g green onion; 8g ginger; 10g garlic; 15ml soy sauce; 2g salt

EASY8 INGREDIENTS6STEP45 MIN·

Posted: 23/10/2024

BY Lonnie

Posted: 23/10/2024

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When I was a child, my grandmother told me a story about a poor man who stir-fried vermicelli with minced meat. The tiny bits of meat resembled ants crawling on tree branches, leading to the dish being named "Ants Climbing a Tree." This dish embodies the wisdom of everyday life. Today, I’d like to share the recipe for Ants Climbing a Tree with you all.

1-2

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

STEP

45 min

TOTAL TIME

Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

Main Ingredients:

Vermicelli: The primary carbohydrate source in this dish.

Pork: Adds protein and a rich meat flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

Seasonings:

Red Pepper, Scallions, Ginger, Garlic: These not only add color and aroma but also help to eliminate any unpleasant odors and enhance the flavor.

Soy Sauce, Salt: These seasonings contribute saltiness and umami, balancing the dish's flavor.

Substitutions:

Pork: You can replace it with chicken, beef, or other types of meat.

Red Pepper: Feel free to use green peppers or other colored sweet peppers.

Soy Sauce: Can be substituted with other sauces or seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Ants Climbing A Tree

Tips for Success

To create an irresistible Ants Climbing a Tree, keep these tips in mind:

Choose the Right Vermicelli:

Opt for high-quality mung bean or sweet potato noodles. Soak them in warm water (not hot) in advance to ensure they turn out chewy and bouncy.

Meat Preparation:

Select lean pork to prevent the dish from becoming greasy. Once the oil is hot, quickly stir-fry the pork until it changes color, then add minced garlic and ginger to release their fragrance.

Control the Heat:

Cook over low heat to allow the red oil to fully release, resulting in a richer flavor for the dish.

Simmering Time:

Add just enough broth or water to barely cover the vermicelli. Cover the pot and simmer on low for a few minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the liquid.

Balance the Seasonings:

Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and salt to taste, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile.

Final Touch:

After thickening the sauce, sprinkle with chopped scallions and drizzle with hot oil to unleash an amazing aroma!

INGREDIENTS

Main Ingredients

·
250g vermicelli
·
100g pork

Accessories

·
50g red bell pepper
·
10g green onion
·
8g ginger
·
10g garlic

Seasonings

·
15ml soy sauce
·
2g salt

Grains & Tubers Noodles

BY Lonnie

Hey, I'm Lonnie. I specialize in Chinese cuisine, with expertise in the flavors of Shandong, Sichuan, Guangdong, and Hunan. I'm here to share my recipe insights and take you on a journey to discover the charm of Chinese culinary delights.

·Ingredients Needed and Substitutions
·Tips for Success
·Ingredients
·Cooking step
·Recipe Variations
·Serving Suggestions
·FAQs

COOKING STEP

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Step 1

Soak the Vermicelli

Place the vermicelli in warm water until soft. Drain and cut into three sections.

Step 2

Prepare the Ingredients

Mince the pork, and chop the red pepper, ginger, and garlic into small pieces.

Step 3

Stir-Fry the Pork

Heat oil in a pan and add the minced pork. Stir-fry until it changes color, then add the red pepper, ginger, and garlic, continuing to stir-fry until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the Vermicelli

Add the soaked vermicelli to the pan, along with a small spoonful of water and an appropriate amount of soy sauce for color. Stir quickly to prevent sticking.

Step 5

Adjust Seasoning

Monitor the liquid in the pan. Once it reduces, add a small spoonful of salt and stir well to combine.

Step 6

Finish

Mix everything evenly, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve immediately.

Recipe Variations

To make "Ants Climbing a Tree" even more interesting, consider adding the following ingredients:

Shrimp: The tender and chewy texture of shrimp pairs beautifully with the vermicelli and minced meat, enhancing the dish with a seafood flavor.

Mushrooms: The unique aroma of mushrooms elevates the overall flavor profile, adding richness to the dish.

Peas: Bright green peas not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a sweet taste that balances the richness.

Corn: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, making each bite enjoyable.

Wood Ear Mushrooms: The crispness of wood ear mushrooms contrasts nicely with the softness of the vermicelli, enriching the texture.

Serving Suggestions

Recommended Pairings

Rice: The rich sauce of "Ants Climbing a Tree" pairs perfectly with rice. Spoon a portion over your rice and let the sauce soak in, coating each grain with flavor for a truly satisfying meal.

Steamed Buns: Placing "Ants Climbing a Tree" inside a steamed bun creates a delightful combination of the smooth vermicelli, savory minced meat, and the soft texture of the bun, offering a unique flavor experience.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy "Ants Climbing a Tree" hot right after cooking. Take a small bite of the vermicelli first to appreciate the wonderful interplay of its smooth texture and the savory meat flavor.

Pair your dish with refreshing beverages like green tea or lemonade. This will help cut through the richness and enhance your enjoyment.

If you have leftovers, when reheating, add a splash of water to prevent the vermicelli from becoming dry or hard.

FAQs:

Should You Soak Vermicelli for "Ants Climbing a Tree" in Hot or Cold Water?

The best option for soaking the vermicelli used in "Ants Climbing a Tree" is warm water. Using boiling water may soften the surface of the vermicelli quickly, but the inside might remain uncooked, leading to a loss of elasticity and resulting in overly mushy noodles that could break apart during cooking. On the other hand, soaking in cold water takes a long time, especially for thicker varieties like sweet potato vermicelli, which may require several hours. Additionally, vermicelli soaked in cold water might not become soft enough during cooking, impacting the overall texture. Warm water acts like a little "magic." With its moderate temperature, it allows the vermicelli to soak evenly from the inside out. After about 20 to 30 minutes (adjusting based on the thickness), the noodles will be perfectly elastic and soft, allowing them to absorb the sauce and meat flavors beautifully during cooking.

How Long Should You Soak Vermicelli for "Ants Climbing a Tree"?

For sweet potato vermicelli, soaking in warm water typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. However, this timing can vary depending on the thickness of the vermicelli. Thinner noodles may be ready in around 20 minutes, while thicker ones might need closer to 30 minutes. During the soaking process, check periodically; once the vermicelli feels soft and has no hard center, it's ready. If you choose to soak in cold water, the time required will be significantly longer—around an hour or even more.

What Type of Vermicelli is Used for "Ants Climbing a Tree"?

The vermicelli typically used for "Ants Climbing a Tree" is a relatively thin and translucent sweet potato vermicelli. This type of vermicelli is more delicate and has a glossy appearance compared to other varieties like thicker noodles or rice noodles, making the finished dish visually appealing and appetizing. When preparing "Ants Climbing a Tree," it's essential to soak the vermicelli in water until soft, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the broth and seasonings effectively. Additionally, pay attention to the cooking time and heat to ensure the vermicelli fully absorbs the sauce and achieves the best texture.

What to Do If the Vermicelli in "Ants Climbing a Tree" Sticks Together

Cause: The vermicelli may stick together due to soaking for too long or not draining properly before cooking. Solutions: Soak Properly: Soak the vermicelli in warm water until soft, but avoid soaking for too long to prevent it from becoming overly mushy. Add Vinegar: Adding a few drops of white vinegar to the soaking water can help remove excess starch from the vermicelli's surface, reducing stickiness. Drain Well: After soaking, drain the vermicelli thoroughly to remove excess water that can cause clumping. Add Oil: Toss the drained vermicelli with a small amount of cooking oil to prevent it from sticking together during cooking.

What to Do If the Minced Meat in "Ants Climbing a Tree" Doesn't Separate

Cause: The minced meat may stick to the pan and not break apart easily while cooking. Solutions: Marinate the Meat: Marinate the minced meat with cooking wine and soy sauce for a short period. This not only enhances flavor but also makes it easier to break apart. Hot Pan with Cold Oil: Heat the pan first, then add cold oil. This helps to reduce sticking. Stir Quickly: Once the minced meat is in the pan, stir-fry it quickly to prevent it from clumping together or sticking to the pan.