🐜🌳 Ants Creeping on the Trees, also known as “Vermicelli,” is a delightful Chinese dish that combines a variety of flavors and textures. Let’s explore this dish in detail!
🤓 What is Ants Creeping on the Trees (Vermicelli)?
Ants Creeping on the Trees is a Sichuan cuisine dish that features ground meat, usually pork, and glass noodles made from mung bean starch. The name of the dish comes from the visual effect of the ground meat clinging to the noodles, resembling ants crawling on tree branches.
📜 History:
This dish originates from Sichuan, a province in southwestern China known for its bold and spicy flavors. It’s part of the rich tapestry of Sichuan cuisine, which is famous for its use of Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers to create a numbing and spicy taste.
🥘 Components:
The main components of Ants Creeping on the Trees include:
- Ground meat (usually pork)
- Glass noodles (mung bean vermicelli)
- Sichuan peppercorns
- Chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Scallions
- Cooking oil
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare Ants Creeping on the Trees:
Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to prepare this delicious dish:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Soak the glass noodles in hot water until they are soft and pliable, then drain and set them aside.
- Finely mince the garlic and ginger.
- Chop the scallions.
- Heat a pan or wok over medium-high heat.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add a few tablespoons of cooking oil to the heated pan.
- Add minced garlic, ginger, and chopped scallions. Sauté until fragrant.
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Cook the Ground Meat:
- Add the ground pork to the pan and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and slightly crispy.
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Season the Dish:
- Stir in Sichuan peppercorns and chili bean paste (adjust the amount according to your spice preference).
- Add soy sauce for saltiness and flavor.
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Add Glass Noodles:
- Toss the soaked and drained glass noodles into the pan with the meat and sauce. Stir-fry until everything is well combined.
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Serve:
- Transfer the Ants Creeping on the Trees to a serving plate.
🕒 Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Ants Creeping on the Trees can vary, but it typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish, depending on your cooking experience and the specific ingredients you use.
🍽️ Enjoy your Ants Creeping on the Trees, a delightful blend of savory, spicy, and numbing flavors combined with the unique texture of glass noodles! 🍜🌶️
Certainly! Here’s some nutrition information and health considerations for Ants Creeping on the Trees (Vermicelli):
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 300-400 calories per serving (varies based on portion size and ingredients used)
- Protein: About 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-40 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Fiber: Variable depending on ingredients
- Sodium: Varies based on soy sauce and chili paste usage
🥗 Health Information:
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Protein: Ants Creeping on the Trees provides a good amount of protein from the ground meat, making it a satisfying dish.
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Carbohydrates: The glass noodles in this dish are a source of carbohydrates. Be mindful of portion size if you’re watching your carb intake.
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Fat: The dish contains some fat, mainly from the cooking oil and ground meat. Consider using leaner cuts of meat or reducing oil if you want to lower the fat content.
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Sodium: The sodium content can be relatively high due to the use of soy sauce and chili bean paste. If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for reduced-sodium soy sauce or use it sparingly.
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Fiber: The dish may not be particularly high in fiber unless you add vegetables to it. You can enhance its nutritional profile by incorporating veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots.
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Spices: The use of Sichuan peppercorns and chili bean paste adds a spicy kick to the dish. Some studies suggest that moderate consumption of spicy foods can have potential health benefits, including improved metabolism and reduced appetite.
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Customization: You can customize this dish to suit your dietary preferences and nutritional goals. For a healthier version, consider using lean protein sources, reducing oil, and adding more vegetables.
Remember that the specific nutritional content of your Ants Creeping on the Trees may vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes you use, so it’s a good idea to calculate precise nutritional information if you have specific dietary requirements.
