Chinese Mǎyǐshàngshù
You will never forget the name of this dish from the Chinese region Sichuan. In its classic version, thin glass noodles, also called bean threads, soak up a sauce made with ground meat. The result looks like ants climbing on tree twigs. That's why 'Mǎyǐ shàng shù' translates to 'Ants on a tree'. We used easier to find thin spaghetti and optional healthy vegetables. Our spice blend with Shitake powder is full of umami.
Ingredients
Shopping list
- 1.5 lb ground pork poultry, or veal
- 5 green onions sliced
- 10.5 oz very thin spaghetti aka capellini
- tamari or soy sauce
- oil
- salt & pepper
Optional
- 4-8 oz vegetables of your choice (see notes)
- cooked rice
Culinary Spice Kit
- Cinnamon, fennel, garlic, Shitake mushrooms, black pepper, star anise, cloves
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles according to package instructions. Keep the cooking water.
- In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
- Add meat and Mǎyǐshàngshù Spices. Mix and stir-fry until the meat is crumbled and cooked.
- Add vegetables (optional), green onions, and 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce.
- Mix and stir-fry for 3 minutes.
- Add the noodles and 1 cup of their cooking water. Mix well.
- Add more cooking water, tamari or soy sauce and/ or salt & pepper to taste.
- Enjoy!
Notes
* Recommended: thinly sliced mushrooms, zucchini, rutabaga, turnip, celery, bell pepper; or broccoli florets or green asparagus, cut in small pieces.
▪ Substitute spaghetti with glass noodles.
▪ Make it again and substitute the spices with 1-2 tbsp bean paste.
