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

"Ants on a tree" is one of most well known Sichuan dishes. It is a combination of ground pork and mung bean vermicelli. In addition to that, we use Sichuan peppercorn powder, topped with fresh green onion, it is a very good main course for your dining table.

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

Ingredients

• ½ cup water
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ pound ground pork
• 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

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.