Ants Climbing a Tree (Glass Noodles with Minced Pork)

Ingredients

• sweet potato glass noodles — 80
• minced pork — 30
• scallions (chopped) — a pinch
• ginger slices — a pinch
• salt — 2
• cooking wine — 1
• soy sauce — 1
• doubanjiang (chili bean paste) — 1
• sugar — a pinch
• cooking oil — a little

Steps

1. Cut the sweet potato glass noodles into shorter segments and soak in warm water for 20 minutes until softened.
2. Drain the softened glass noodles well.
3. Chop the scallions and slice the ginger.
4. Heat a little oil in a wok. Add the scallions and ginger, stir until fragrant. Add 1 tbsp doubanjiang and stir-fry until evenly combined, then add the minced pork and break it up while stir-frying. Season with 1 tbsp cooking wine, 1 tbsp soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir well, then pour in a small bowl of cold water and bring to a boil.
5. Once the broth is boiling, add the drained glass noodles. Toss a few times, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Turn up the heat and stir-fry quickly to reduce the sauce. Work fast — overcooking will cause the noodles to clump together and ruin the texture!
7. The finished dish should have a glossy, appetizing sheen.
8. Plate and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped scallions and white sesame seeds. Irresistibly delicious!
9. The glass noodles are glossy, soft and silky, while the minced pork is savory and tender!