5 from 21 votes
Ants Climbing a Tree (Ma Yi Shang Shu / Spicy Bean Thread Noodles with Ground Pork)
Ants Climbing a Tree is a spicy noodle dish combining tender bean thread noodles with savory ground pork cooked in a chili bean paste sauce. The recipe calls for soaking the noodles before stir-frying the pork with flavorful Seasonings including soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and chicken broth. The noodles absorb the broth and sauce while simmering, creating a dish with balanced heat and umami suited to a filling meal or side dish.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
2
servings
Calories:
476 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Asian, Chinese
Ingredients
- 4 ounces bean thread noodles
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing rice wine or medium-dry sherry
- kosher salt
- 4 ounces ground pork
- peanut oil or canola or vegetable oil
- 3 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili bean paste
- 1 ⅔ cups chicken broth or stock
- ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 3 scallions light and dark green parts only, finely sliced
Instructions
- Soak the noodles in hot water for at least 15 minutes before you begin (drain them just before cooking). Add the Shaoxing rice wine and a couple generous pinches of salt to the ground pork and mix well.
- Heat about 1 tablespoon oil in a wok over high heat (you may need less with a nonstick wok). Add the ground pork and stir-fry until lightly browned and crispy. Add a teaspoon or so of light soy sauce. Then add the chili bean paste and stir-fry, taking care not to burn it (remove the wok from the heat for a few moments if it becomes too hot). Add the broth and the drained noodles and stir well. Add the dark soy sauce for color, and season with additional light soy sauce and salt to taste.
- When the broth has come to a boil, simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid has mostly evaporated and absorbed. Finally, add the scallions, mix well, and transfer to a serving dish or distribute into individual bowls.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Ground pork can be replaced with ground beef if desired.
- Double the recipe carefully, as the meat may sink when cooking larger quantities; use tongs to serve evenly.
- Nonstick woks are convenient, but carbon steel woks offer authentic cooking requiring more maintenance.
Nutrition Information
Calories
476kcal
(24%)
Carbohydrates
59g
(20%)
Protein
13g
(26%)
Fat
18g
(28%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
(12%)
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
40mg
(13%)
Sodium
1971mg
(82%)
Potassium
125mg
(3%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 476
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 476kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 59g | 20% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 40mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 1971mg | 82% |
| Potassium | 125mg | 3% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.