Ants Climbing a Tree (Sichuan Spicy Vermicelli Stir-Fry)

This well known Sichuan dish, also known as "ants climbing a tree," combines ground pork with mung bean vermicelli for a delicious main course.

• Preparation Time: 5 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 454 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups mung bean vermicelli
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce, or more to taste
• 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorn powder
• 0.5 cup water
• 0.5 pound ground pork

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place vermicelli in a bowl and cover with water; soak for at least 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until you can feel the heat above the pan. Put in ground pork; cook and stir until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Stir in peppercorn powder until evenly distributed. Add water and bring to a boil.

Step 3

Add drained vermicelli and mix evenly with the pork. Cook until all water has evaporated, about 5 more minutes. Taste and add more soy sauce if not salty enough for you.

Step 4

Transfer to a serving plate and top with green onions.