Ants Climbing a Tree

This classic Sichuan dish is my definition of comfort food

After a long day of work, you probably don’t want to have to cook anything complicated. Whenever I have days like this, I like keeping it simple as well. Of course, simple does not necessarily mean bland, and this dish is both easy and flavorful. The name “Ants climbing a tree” stems from the fact that the small ingredients on top of the glass noodles look like ants climbing a tree. I’ll have to admit that I started cooking this dish purely because I thought the name sounded cute…

Ingredients

  • Ginger
  • Ground beef
  • Glass noodles
  • Chili oil (I like to use Lao Gan Ma)
  • Black bean sauce
  • Spring onion
  • Light and dark soy sauce (if you only have dark soy sauce, use a little more)
  • Chicken or beef broth
  • A little brown sugar
  • A little cooking oil
  • Optional garlic

Cooking plan

  • Soak your glass noodles in cold water for about 10 minutes.
  • Start by finely chopping your ginger and spring onion. Add them to an oil-coated pan on medium heat. You may also add garlic if you like. Make sure not to burn the ginger (and garlic).
  • Once your spring onion starts to brown a little, add your chili oil and black bean sauce.
  • Once they have become aromatic, add in your ground beef on high heat until properly browned. The texture should be very granular.
  • Next, add your broth to the pan. It should be able to nearly coat your glass noodles. (But don’t add them yet!)
  • To this broth, add light and dark soy sauce in equal parts. Also add a little sugar to taste. Once it starts boiling, also add your glass noodles (without the water).
  • Let it simmer until your noodles are cooked and the water has evaporated. You are now ready to serve.

ENJOY!