Best Ants In Trees Recipes

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ANTS IN TREES



Ants in Trees image

Provided by Alton Brown

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 1/2 ounces mung bean noodles
2 ounces soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine
1 tablespoon sambal chili paste
1 teaspoon cornstarch
10 ounces ground pork
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 green onions, chopped, divided
1/2 cup chicken broth

Steps:

  • Soak the noodles in enough hot water to cover by 1 inch for 20 minutes. Use kitchen shears to cut the noodles into 3 to 4-inch pieces and drain thoroughly in a colander for 10 minutes.
  • Combine the soy sauce, rice wine, and chili paste in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth. Add the cornstarch and whisk until combined. Add the pork and mix until thoroughly integrated. Set aside for 30 minutes.
  • Place a 12-inch saute pan over high heat for 1 minute. Add the oil and swirl to coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Once the oil shimmers, add the meat mixture. Stir constantly for 2 minutes, breaking the meat up into very small pieces. Add 2/3 of the green onions and continue cooking and stirring until the meat is well browned and in very small pieces, approximately 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the broth. Cook until reduced, approximately 3 minutes.
  • Slowly add handfuls of the noodles to the pan, tossing with the meat mixture until combined and the pieces of meat cling to the noodles and no liquid remains. Serve immediately with the remaining green onions.

ANTS ON A TREE



Ants On a Tree image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 1 serving

Number Of Ingredients 11

Vegetable oil
3 ounces ground pork
1 teaspoon minced garlic
6 ounces shredded or thinly cut cabbage
3 ounces shredded or thinly cut carrots
5 ounces rehydrated thin mung bean noodles
1/3 cup premium soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced green onions
1 tablespoon sugar, brown or white
1/2 teaspoon minced skinless ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

Steps:

  • Heat a pan with some oil over medium heat. Add the pork and garlic to the pan and cook until the flavor permeates and the pork browns. Then turn the heat to medium-high, add the cabbage and carrots, and stir-fry until the vegetables soften. Next, add the noodles, soy sauce, onions, sugar, ginger and pepper, and continue to stir-fry until all of the ingredients are mixed and the entire dish is coated with soy sauce. You will know when it is done is when the whole dish is steaming hot, light brown and the noodles are transparent with a shiny glaze.
  • To assemble, use cooking tongs to hold and twist the stir-fry and transfer on to a platter.

ANTS CLIMBING A TREE (MA YI SHANG SHU)



Ants Climbing A Tree (Ma Yi Shang Shu) image

Ants Climbing a Tree (ma yi shang shu - 蚂蚁上树) is a classic Sichuan dish of glass noodles in a delicious sauce with ground pork. Our recipe is beyond easy.

Provided by Judy

Categories     Noodles and Pasta

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 oz. dry vermicelli/glass noodles ((110g))
1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon ginger ((finely minced))
1 tablespoon spicy fermented bean sauce/paste
4 oz. ground pork ((110g; can substitute ground chicken))
2 cups chicken stock ((475 ml))
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
2 teaspoons light soy sauce
¼ cup scallion ((chopped))

Steps:

  • Soak the dry noodles in cold water for 10 minutes. Rinse, drain and set aside. In a wok over medium heat, add the oil and minced ginger. Cook the ginger for about a minute, and add the spicy bean sauce. Let that cook for another minute, and then add the ground pork (or chicken). Stir-fry until the meat is cooked through.
  • Add the chicken stock, sugar, dark soy sauce, and light soy sauce. Bring everything to boil. Once boiling, add the glass noodles and scallions. Quickly stir everything together for 1-2 minutes. Serve alone, or with steamed rice!
  • Seriously. How easy was that?

Nutrition Facts : Calories 479 kcal, Carbohydrate 58 g, Protein 16 g, Fat 21 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 41 mg, Sodium 806 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

ANTS CLIMBING A TREE



Ants Climbing a Tree image

There are no insects in this Sichuan noodle dish; rather, the name Ants Climbing a Tree refers to the way the bits of pork cling to the noodles.

Provided by Diana Kuan

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 oz. bean thread vermicelli noodles
2 Tbsp. fermented black beans
3 Tbsp. soy sauce
3 Tbsp. Sichuan chile oil
1 tsp. sesame oil
4 Tbsp. Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
½ lb. ground pork
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
3 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts kept separate
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. minced fresh ginger
2 cups chicken stock, vegetable broth, or water

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, soak the vermicelli in enough warm water to cover for 10 minutes. Drain, shake off excess water, and set aside.
  • Rinse the black beans to remove any grit. In a small bowl, mash the black beans with the back of a spoon for about 20 seconds (it does not need to be a smooth paste).
  • In a small bowl, stir together the soy. sauce, Sichuan chile oil, and sesame oil. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix 2 Tbsp. of the Chinese rice wine with the ground pork.
  • Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until a bead of water sizzles and evaporates on contact. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Add the pork and stir-fry, breaking up the pork with a spatula, until crispy and starting to brown but not yet dry, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the scallion whites, garlic, ginger, and fermented black beans and stir-fry for another 30 seconds. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp. rice wine and use the spatula to scrape up any bits that might be stuck to the bottom of the pan.
  • Add the stock, the drained noodles, and the Sichuan chili oil mixture. Simmer the noodles, tossing carefully with tongs so they get evenly cooked, until the broth is half absorbed, 3 to 4 minutes. (The vermicelli noodles will still absorb a lot of liquid post-cooking.) Transfer everything to a deep serving bowl, garnish with the scallion greens, and serve.

ANTS CLIMBING TREES



Ants Climbing Trees image

From "Food of the World" cookbook. The unusual name of this spicy Szechuan dish is supposed to come from the fact that it bears a resemblance to ants climbing trees, with little pieces of minced pork coating lustrous bean thread noodles.

Provided by Baz231

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

125 g ground pork or 125 g beef
1/2 teaspoon light soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon shaoxing rice wine
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
125 g bean thread noodles
1 tablespoon oil
2 spring onions, finely chopped (scallions)
1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 teaspoon chili bean paste (toban jiang)
2 spring onions, extra green part only, finely chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 tablespoon shaoxing rice wine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
250 ml chicken stock

Steps:

  • Combine minced meat with soy sauce, rice wine and sesame oil. Soak the bean thread noodles in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain.
  • Heat a wok over high heat, add oil and hear until very hot. Stir fry the minced meat, mashing and separating it, until it changes colour and starts to brown.
  • Push the meat to the side of the wok, add the spring onion, ginger, garlic and the chilli paste and stir fry for 5 seconds, or until fragrant. Return the meat to the centre of the pan.
  • To make the sauce, combine all the ingredients. Add the sauce to the meat mixture and toss lightly. Add the noodles and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 8 minutes, or until almost all of the liquid has evaporated.
  • Sprinkle with the extra spring onion to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 275.1, Fat 12, SaturatedFat 3.3, Cholesterol 24.4, Sodium 698.4, Carbohydrate 32.4, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 2, Protein 7.9

ANTS ON A TREE



Ants on a Tree image

Categories     Ginger     Pasta     Pork     Marinate     Whiskey     Sesame     Soy Sauce     Gourmet

Yield Serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 19

For marinating the pork
3/4 pound ground pork
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon Asian (toasted) sesame oil
6 ounces bean-thread (cellophane) noodles*
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh gingerroot
2 teaspoons Asian chili paste* or 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons Scotch
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Asian (toasted) sesame oil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander, or to taste, if desired
*available at Asian markets.

Steps:

  • Marinate the pork:
  • In a small bowl combine the pork gently with the vinegar, the soy sauce, and the sesame oil and let it marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  • In a bowl soak the noodles in warm water to cover for 15 minutes, drain them, and cut them into 3- to 4-inch lengths.
  • In a wok or large heavy skillet heat the vegetable oil over moderately high heat until it just begins to smoke and in it stir-fry 1/4 cup of the scallion, the garlic, and the gingerroot for 30 seconds. Add the pork and the chili paste and stir-fry the mixture, breaking up the lumps, until the meat is no longer pink. Add the noodles, the broth, the Scotch, the soy sauce, the vinegar, and the sugar and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the noodles have absorbed the liquid. Transfer the mixture to a platter, drizzle it with the sesame oil, and sprinkle it with the coriander and the remaining 1/4 cup scallion.

ANTS CLIMBING A TREE



Ants Climbing a Tree image

This recipe is from the January/February 1991 issue of Chile Pepper magazine. The intro to the recipe says, "In this dish, the bits of pork are supposed to resemble ants. It is made with transparent bean threads. Make sure you don't use rice noodles, which have a similar appearance." Serves 2 by itself or more with other dishes. Heat scale: medium. My ex-husband made this dish regularly, as it was one of his favorites; at the time, my tastes hadn't quite developed enough to appreciate it fully. Now I have come to really treasure this dish.

Provided by mersaydees

Categories     Pork

Time 35m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon dry vermouth, sherry or 1 tablespoon white wine
1 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 green onion, minced
3 jalapenos or 3 serrano chilies, stems removed, minced
1/4 lb pork, ground (do not use sausage) or 1/4 lb pork, diced (do not use sausage)
1/4 cup finely diced carrot
1/4 cup shiitake mushroom, soaked and minced (or other dried mushrooms)
2 tablespoons szechuan hot bean sauce
2 (2 ounce) packages bean threads, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes, drained and cut into pieces about 2 inches length

Steps:

  • Mix together all the sauce ingredients.
  • In a pre-heated wok over high heat, add the peanut oil. When the oil just begins to smoke, add the ginger, green onion, chiles, pork, carrot, and the mushroom, and stir-fry until the pork is well-browned.
  • Add the bean sauce and stir-fry for about 15 seconds or until combined thoroughly with the other ingredients.
  • Add the bean threads and sauce. Cook over medium high heat until the sauce is thickened and the bean threads just begin to stick to the wok.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 258.2, Fat 16.3, SaturatedFat 3.8, Cholesterol 47.6, Sodium 921.2, Carbohydrate 6.5, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 2.5, Protein 19.7

What are Ants in Trees Recipes?

Ants in trees recipes are a type of Chinese dish that is believed to have originated from the Sichuan province in China. The dish is named after the way the beef mince looks like ants crawling on the branches of a tree made of bean thread noodles. It is also known as Ma Yi Shang Shu, which directly translates to “ants climbing up a tree”. The dish consists of stir-fried beef mince, aromatic spices, and bean thread noodles, which are made from mung bean starch. Traditional recipes include dried chillies, Sichuan peppercorns, fermented soybeans, garlic, and ginger, which give the dish its signature spicy and numbing taste. The dish is usually served as a side dish or with steamed rice.

The History of Ants in Trees Recipes

Chinese cuisine is considered one of the oldest and most varied cuisines in the world, and ants in trees recipes have a long history in Chinese culinary traditions. The Sichuan province in China, known for its spicy and bold flavors, is believed to be the birthplace of this dish. The province is known for its use of dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns, which are considered a staple of Sichuan cuisine. The dish is said to have been invented during the Tang Dynasty, around the 7th to 10th century, and was originally made using ground pork instead of beef. The dish became popular during the Qing Dynasty, around the 17th to 19th century, and has since become a beloved dish in regions that appreciate spice and flavor in their food.

How to Make Ants in Trees Recipes

Ants in trees recipes are relatively easy to make and require only a few ingredients that are easily available in most grocery stores. The following are the ingredients for making the dish: • 200g beef mince • 50g bean thread noodles • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns • 4 dried red chillies • 1 tablespoon fermented soybeans • 4 cloves garlic, chopped • 1 inch ginger, grated • 1 tablespoon soy sauce • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine • 1 teaspoon sugar • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper • 1 green onion, chopped Instructions: 1. Soak the bean thread noodles in warm water for 15 mins until they become soft. Drain and set them aside. 2. Heat a wok over high heat, add vegetable oil. 3. Add Sichuan peppercorns, dried red chilies, and stir-fry until fragrant. 4. Add beef mince, fermented soybeans, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2 minutes or until beef mince is browned. 5. Add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, salt, and ground white pepper. Stir-fry for another minute. 6. Add the soaked bean thread noodles and stir-fry until the noodles and beef mince are mixed evenly. 7. Add chopped green onions and stir-fry for another 30 seconds. 8. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Health Benefits of Ants in Trees Recipes

Ants in trees recipes are a healthy and nutritious dish, and the following are some of its health benefits: • High in protein: The dish is made using beef mince, which is a good source of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, and it also helps to maintain a healthy immune system. • Low in carbohydrates: The dish is made using bean thread noodles, which are low in carbohydrates. This makes the dish a good option for people looking to maintain a low-carb diet. • Contains antioxidants: The dish contains Sichuan peppercorns, which are packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect the body against free radicals, which can cause damage to cells and increase the risk of cancer. • Contains anti-inflammatory properties: The dish contains ginger and garlic, which are both known for their anti-inflammatory properties. This makes the dish a good option for people suffering from conditions such as arthritis.

Conclusion

Ants in trees recipes are a popular and delicious Chinese dish that has become a favorite in regions that appreciate bold and spicy flavors. It is relatively easy to make and requires only a few ingredients that are easily available in most grocery stores. The dish is not only tasty but also healthy and nutritious, making it a good option for people looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Ants in trees, also known as ant's nest noodles, is a popular Chinese dish made with bean thread noodles, ground pork, and vegetables. The dish gets its name from the way the bean thread noodles look like ants crawling on trees. If you want to try making this delicious dish, there are some valuable tips you should keep in mind. Below are some tips and tricks that will help you create a perfect ants in trees recipe.

Tip 1: Choosing the Right Noodles:

The noodle is key to a successful and delicious ants in trees recipe. Bean thread noodles, also known as cellophane or glass noodles, are the best choice for this dish. They are translucent, light, and absorb flavors easily. When you cook them, they become tender and slippery, making them perfect for stir-frying. When buying bean thread noodles, choose the ones that are made from mung bean flour or sweet potato starch. They are thicker, firmer, and won't break as easily when you stir-fry them. Soak them in warm water for about 20 minutes to soften them before cooking.

Tip 2: Preparing the Meat:

The meat in ants in trees is traditionally ground pork, but you can also use chicken, beef, or tofu as a vegetarian option. When preparing the meat, marinate it in soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. If you can, use a wok or a large skillet to cook the meat. Stir-fry it on high heat until it becomes brown and crispy. This will give the dish a nice depth of flavor.

Tip 3: Choosing Vegetables:

Traditional vegetables used in ants in trees recipes are cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. However, you can also use bell peppers, bok choy, or snow peas to add more flavor and texture. Make sure to cut them into thin strips or small pieces so they cook evenly with the noodles.

Tip 4: Making the Sauce:

The sauce for ants in trees should be savory, slightly sweet, and a little bit sour. To make the sauce, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar in a small bowl. You can also add some chili sauce or chili flakes to add some heat. Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more sugar or vinegar if needed.

Tip 5: Assembling the Dish:

Once all your ingredients are prepped, it's time to assemble the dish. Heat up the wok or skillet on high heat with some oil. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they start to soften. Then add the meat and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until it's cooked through. Add the softened noodles and sauce to the wok and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined. Garnish with some chopped scallions or cilantro and serve hot.

Tip 6: Tweaking the Recipe:

If you want to add your own twist to the traditional ants in trees recipe, there are many ways to do it. Some ideas include: - Adding peanuts or cashews for some crunch - Using shrimp or tofu instead of pork - Adding more vegetables, like bean sprouts or broccoli - Spicing up the sauce with ginger or garlic

Conclusion:

Making ants in trees can seem daunting, but with these valuable tips, you'll be able to create a delicious and authentic Chinese dish in no time. Remember to choose the right noodles, prepare the meat, choose the perfect vegetables, make the sauce just right, assemble effectively, and add your own touch to it. Happy cooking!

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