Mǎyǐshàngshù from the Chinese region Sichuan is a dish with a name that you will never forget. 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.
cinnamon, fennel, garlic, shiitake mushrooms, black pepper, cloves, star anise
Optional
4ozvegetables of your choice[3]thinly sliced or cut into very small pieces
Instructions
Rice & Noodles
Prepare rice and noodles according to package instructions.
Drain. Keep the cooking water from the noodles.
Cook
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 soy sauce.
Mix and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.
Add the noodles and 1 cup of their cooking water. Mix well.
Optionally, add to taste: soy sauce, salt & pepper, a bit more cooking water.
Serve
Serve Mǎyǐshàngshù sauce over rice.
Enjoy!
Notes
[1] Substitute meat with mushrooms, finely chopped.[2] Substitute spaghetti with glass noodles and add them to the PAN uncooked.[3] Recommended: mushrooms, zucchini, rutabaga, turnip, celery, bell pepper, broccoli florets, or green asparagus.
Make it again and substitute the spices with 1-2 tbsp Asian bean paste.