Mayi Shang Shu Ants Climb a Tree

Delight your taste buds with "Mayi Shang Shu" or "Ants Climb a Tree," a classic Sichuan dish that combines bold flavors and a captivating name. This savory recipe features slippery glass noodles (mung bean vermicelli) soaked in a rich, umami-packed sauce made with ground pork, doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste), and a medley of aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and Shaoxing wine. The noodles cling beautifully to the pork bits, resembling "ants climbing a tree," a whimsical nod to its texture. Ready in just 25 minutes, this hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining. Serve it as a stand-alone main or pair it with steamed rice to soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce. Perfect for lovers of authentic Chinese cuisine and those looking to expand their palate!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 100 grams glass noodles (mung bean vermicelli)
• 200 grams ground pork
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 250 milliliters chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Directions

Step 1

Soak the glass noodles in warm water for 10-15 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, ginger, and half of the chopped green onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 4

Add the ground pork to the wok and stir-fry until it is browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

Step 5

Stir in the doubanjiang, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the pork is well coated.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken stock and sugar, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Add the softened glass noodles to the wok, tossing them gently to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavors.

Step 8

Drizzle sesame oil over the dish and stir to combine.

Step 9

Remove from heat and garnish with the remaining chopped green onions.

Step 10

Serve immediately as a main dish or with steamed rice on the side for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	874.7 grams (874.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1512

Total Fat 85.90g	110%
Saturated Fat 21.40g	107%
Polyunsaturated Fat 22.70g
Cholesterol 195mg	65%
Sodium 2209mg	96%
Total Carbohydrate 116.80g	42%
Dietary Fiber 7.90g	28%
Total Sugars 10.90g
Protein 70.10g	140%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 269mg	21%
Iron 9mg	47%
Potassium 776mg	17%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.8%

Protein: 18.4%

Carbs: 30.7%