Best Easy Ants Climbing a Tree Recipe

Thin glass noodles are stir-fried with savory minced pork in a spicy bean paste sauce—the tiny pork bits clinging to the noodles like ants on branches. This protein-rich Sichuan family dish is fun, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 325 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • mung bean glass noodles 8 oz
  • ground pork 8 oz
  • scallions 2 pieces
  • garlic cloves 2 cloves
  • ginger 1 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Sichuan broad bean chili paste (doubanjiang) 2 tbsp
  • soy sauce 1.5 tbsp
  • Shaoxing wine 1 tbsp
  • dark soy sauce 0.5 tbsp
  • sugar 1 tsp
  • chicken broth 1 cup
  • sesame oil 1 tsp
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 35 g 43%
Protein 19 g 23%
Fat 12 g 33%
Serving size 200g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Soak the mung bean glass noodles in hot water for 10 minutes until softened, then drain and cut into manageable lengths with kitchen scissors.

  2. 2

    Finely chop the scallions, mince the garlic cloves, and grate or mince the ginger.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add ginger and garlic, stir-frying for 20 seconds until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Add ground pork and cook, breaking it into tiny pieces with a spatula. Stir-fry over high heat until the pork is no longer pink and slightly crisp, 4–5 minutes.

  5. 5

    Push the pork to one side, add the Sichuan broad bean chili paste to the empty side, and fry for 30 seconds to release oils, then combine with the meat.

  6. 6

    Pour in Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar; stir well to evenly season the pork mixture.

  7. 7

    Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add drained noodles; toss to combine, ensuring the pork clings to the noodles. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the noodles absorb most of the sauce.

  8. 8

    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and the chopped scallions, tossing briskly to mix. Serve immediately.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The defining ingredient is mung bean glass noodles combined with ground pork. The pork bits attach to the noodles, creating the classic 'ants climbing a tree' look and infusing rich, savory flavor into each bite.
Q. How do you prevent the noodles from becoming soggy?
To avoid soggy noodles, soak them in hot water just until softened and add them at the end. Stir-fry them with the pork and sauce until they absorb the flavor but remain chewy. Overcooking or simmering for too long can cause sogginess.
Q. What's the ideal heat level when frying the pork?
Cook the pork over high heat after sautéing aromatics. This ensures quick browning, crispy texture, and prevents excess moisture, resulting in pork that clings nicely to the noodles.
Q. How many calories are in each serving?
Each 200g serving contains about 325 kcal, with 19g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. This makes it a protein-rich, satisfying main dish.
Q. Which seasoning gives the dish its bold flavor?
Sichuan broad bean chili paste (doubanjiang) is essential. Its spicy, umami-rich profile infuses the pork and sauce, providing the characteristic depth and spice of this Sichuan classic.
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