Ingredients

1/2 lb ground pork
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine
1 teaspoon sesame oil
6 ounces bean thread vermicelli
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 scallions , finely chopped
1 garlic clove , crushed
1 tablespoon ginger , finely chopped
2 teaspoons chili bean sauce
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 scallions , thinly sliced on the diagonal ( green bit only , for garnish )
Ma Yi Shang Shu, also known as Ants Climbing a Tree, is a Szechuan dish that originated in China. The dish is named for its appearance, as the cellophane noodles resemble tree bark and the ground pork is said to resemble ants climbing up the noodles. The spicy, flavorful sauce is what makes this dish so beloved to Asian food lovers, it's also popular in Chinese-American cuisine. It's easy to prepare and can be customized with any ingredients that suit your taste.

Instructions

1.In a bowl, mix the pork, cornstarch, 1 tbsp of the light soy sauce, 1 tbsp of the rice wine, and the sesame oil.
2.Soak the bean thread vermicelli in hot water for 10 minutes until tender, then drain.
3.Heat the oil in a wok over high heat. Add the pork and stir-fry for 3 minutes until browned.
4.Add the scallions, garlic, and ginger, then stir-fry for 2 minutes until fragrant.
5.Stir in the chili bean sauce, broth, sugar, and remaining light soy sauce and rice wine.
6.Add the vermicelli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
7.Serve hot, garnished with sliced scallions.

PROS

Ma Yi Shang Shu is a flavorful, hearty comfort food that is easy to prepare and can be customized to your taste.

The cellophane noodles are gluten-free and contain very little fat, making it a great low-fat, light meal option.

The spicy ingredients in the recipe have been known to aid digestion and provide anti-inflammatory effects.

CONS

Some of the ingredients in Ma Yi Shang Shu, such as soy sauce and chili bean sauce, can be high in sodium and should be consumed in moderation.

The dish has a slightly higher calorie count due to the use of ground pork, but it can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet in moderate portions.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Ma Yi Shang Shu is a protein-rich dish that contains healthy nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. It’s a great option for anyone following a low-fat diet or looking for a healthy, gluten-free meal option. The spicy ingredients in the recipe have also been linked to supporting digestion and reducing inflammation, making it a great choice for those with digestive issues.

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