Name: Sichuan Spicy Vermicelli Stir-Fry: Ants Climbing a Tree
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 2 cups mung bean vermicelli; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 0.5 pound ground pork; 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce, or more to taste; 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorn powder; 0.5 cup water; 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced

Chinese

Ants Climbing a Tree (Sichuan Spicy Vermicelli Stir-Fry)

Aug 20, 2025
by Adriel Grant
- 4.0 / 5 ( 2 Ratings)
1 Likes

PREP TIME

5 mins
COOK TIME

15 mins
TOTAL TIME

35 mins
SERVING

4 People
VIEWS

6

Experience the vibrant flavors of Sichuan with this delightful dish! "Ants Climbing a Tree" features delicate mung bean vermicelli coated in a savory sauce of ground pork and aromatic Sichuan peppercorns. A simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

2 cups mung bean vermicelli

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

0.5 pound ground pork

2 tablespoons dark soy sauce, or more to taste

2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorn powder

0.5 cup water

2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced

Nutrition

Carbohydrate

61 g
Cholesterol

37 mg
Fiber

1 g
Protein

10 g
Saturated Fat

5 g
Sodium

488 mg
Sugar

0 g
Fat

18 g
Unsaturated Fat

0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Soak the vermicelli: Place the mung bean vermicelli in a bowl and cover with cold water. Allow to soak for at least 15 minutes to soften. Drain well and set aside. (Time: 15 minutes)

02

Step

Prepare the pork: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and crumbly. (Time: 5-7 minutes)

03

Step

Infuse the flavors: Stir in the dark soy sauce and Sichuan peppercorn powder, ensuring the pork is evenly coated with the spices. Add the water and bring the mixture to a simmer. (Time: 2-3 minutes)

04

Step

Combine and cook: Add the drained vermicelli to the pan and gently toss to combine with the pork and sauce. Cook until the vermicelli is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If the mixture seems dry, add a tablespoon or two of water at a time. (Time: 5-7 minutes)

05

Step

Season and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional dark soy sauce, if desired. Transfer the "ants" to a serving plate and garnish generously with thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy! (Time: 2 minutes)

For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground pork with crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms.
Adjust the amount of Sichuan peppercorn powder to your preference. For a milder flavor, use less; for a more intense experience, use more.
If you don't have Sichuan peppercorn powder, you can lightly toast Sichuan peppercorns in a dry pan and then grind them using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
Make sure the vermicelli doesn't overcook and become mushy. It should be tender but still have a slight bite.

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Adriel Grant

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.