Stir Fried Vermicelli with beef (Ma Yi Shang Shu, 蚂蚁上树)

Ma Yi Shang Shu, or stir fried vermicelli with beef, is a deliciously satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Sichuan cuisine right to your table. This quick and easy recipe makes for a perfect weekday dinner, showcasing tender mung bean vermicelli noodles coated in a savory sauce with ground beef. With just 20 minutes of preparation time, you can enjoy an aromatic meal that pairs beautifully with steamed rice. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it suitable for various occasions, from family dinners to casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes to make, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of ginger, garlic, and chili bean paste creates a rich and spicy flavor profile.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it alone or over rice for a complete meal that everyone will love.
• Gluten-Free Adaptable: Easily swap ingredients to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required as everything cooks in one pan.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful dish, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure everything comes together smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick pan
• Big bowl
• Small bowl
• Cooking spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick pan: Prevents sticking while cooking the vermicelli and allows for easy stirring without mess.
• Big bowl: Ideal for soaking the vermicelli noodles properly before cooking.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing sauce ingredients without cluttering your workspace.
• Cooking spoon: Essential for stirring and ensuring even cooking throughout the dish.

Ingredients

For the Noodles

• 4 oz. (110 g) dried mung bean vermicelli noodles

For the Stir Fry

• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced

For the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon doubanjiang
• 4 oz. (120 g) ground beef
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing apple vinegar (or dry apple juice)
• 1 teaspoon sugar

How to Make Stir Fried Vermicelli with beef (Ma Yi Shang Shu, 蚂蚁上树)

Step 1: Soak the Vermicelli Noodles

Begin by placing the vermicelli noodles in a big bowl. Add hot water to cover the noodles completely. Soak according to package instructions or for about 15 minutes if there are no instructions provided. Once done, drain thoroughly and toss them with 1/2 tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients – doubanjiang, chicken broth, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing apple vinegar (or dry apple juice), and sugar. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Aromatics

Heat 1/2 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat until hot. Add minced ginger, garlic, and sliced green onions. Cook and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the pan. Use a spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until fully browned, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Doubanjiang

Stir in doubanjiang and cook for an additional minute until all beef pieces are evenly coated with the spice mix.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Pour in the chicken broth along with soaked vermicelli noodles and prepared sauce. Stir gently to mix well. Cover the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Uncover and stir again to check noodle doneness; if they seem tough, cover again for another minute or so.

Finally, cook uncovered over medium-high heat until most liquid evaporates—about another minute. When ready, transfer everything onto a plate and serve hot as a main dish!

How to Serve Stir Fried Vermicelli with beef (Ma Yi Shang Shu, 蚂蚁上树)

Serving stir fried vermicelli with beef is as delightful as preparing it. This dish can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed rice acts as a perfect base, absorbing the savory sauce from the stir-fry. Serve a generous scoop of the vermicelli on top for a satisfying combination.

As a Lettuce Wrap

• Spoon the stir fried vermicelli into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy bite. This adds a fun texture and makes for an excellent appetizer or light meal.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top your dish with fresh cilantro or basil to add a burst of freshness. The herbs enhance the overall flavor, providing a delightful contrast to the rich beef.

Accompanied by Pickled Vegetables

• Serve alongside pickled vegetables for a tangy crunch. The acidity helps balance the richness of the beef and noodles, adding complexity to each bite.

How to Perfect Stir Fried Vermicelli with beef (Ma Yi Shang Shu, 蚂蚁上树)

To achieve the best results when making stir fried vermicelli with beef, keep these tips in mind for a flavorful and satisfying dish.

• Choose Quality Beef: Use fresh ground beef for a rich flavor. Lean cuts will ensure your dish isn’t too greasy while still being juicy.

• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking. This ensures quick cooking and prevents overcooking any component.

• Control Heat Levels: Cook on medium-high heat for that perfect stir-fried texture. A higher temperature helps achieve that desirable slight char on the noodles and meat.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making larger batches, consider doing it in two rounds. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than frying, affecting texture.

Best Side Dishes for Stir Fried Vermicelli with beef (Ma Yi Shang Shu, 蚂蚁上树)

Pairing side dishes with your stir fried vermicelli can create a balanced meal that complements its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with fresh vegetables provide a crunchy contrast and are great for dipping in soy sauce or sweet chili sauce.

2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in vinegar and sesame oil adds brightness to your meal.

3. Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Quick-cooked bok choy tossed with garlic adds vibrant greens and necessary vitamins to your plate while keeping things simple.

4. Spicy Edamame: Lightly salted and spiced edamame offers protein-rich bites that are fun to snack on alongside your main dish.

5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the main dish well, providing warmth and umami flavors for an Asian-inspired experience.

6. Sweet Chili Chicken Skewers: Tender chicken pieces grilled or baked with sweet chili sauce create an enticing flavor pairing that enhances the overall meal experience.

7. Fried Tofu Bites: Crispy tofu seasoned lightly make an excellent plant-based protein addition that pairs well with Asian flavors without overpowering them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Stir Fried Vermicelli with beef (Ma Yi Shang Shu, 蚂蚁上树), it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the overall dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring noodle soaking time: Not soaking the vermicelli noodles long enough can lead to a chewy texture. Always follow the package instructions or soak them for at least 15 minutes in hot water.

• Overcooking the beef: Cooking ground beef too long can make it tough. Aim for just 2 minutes until fully cooked, then add other ingredients to maintain tenderness.

• Skipping the sauce mix: Missing the step of mixing sauce ingredients beforehand may result in uneven flavor distribution. Always prepare your sauce separately and have it ready before cooking.

• Using too much oil: Overusing oil can make your dish greasy rather than flavorful. Stick to the recommended amounts for a balanced taste.

• Not adjusting seasoning: Every ingredient contributes to the final flavor. Taste the dish as you cook and adjust seasonings as needed to suit your palate.

• Covering the pan too long: While covering helps cook the noodles, leaving it on too long can make them mushy. Check frequently and uncover when the noodles are soft enough.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Stir Fried Vermicelli with beef (Ma Yi Shang Shu, 蚂蚁上树)

• Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
• Best consumed within 2 months for optimal taste.
• Portion out servings for convenience when reheating.

Reheating Stir Fried Vermicelli with beef (Ma Yi Shang Shu, 蚂蚁上树)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil; heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.

• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1 minute, stirring in between, until heated through.

• Stovetop: Use a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water, stir regularly until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers common questions about Stir Fried Vermicelli with beef (Ma Yi Shang Shu, 蚂蚁上树).

Can I use other proteins instead of beef?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer lighter options while maintaining similar cooking times.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness largely depends on the amount of doubanjiang used. You can adjust it based on your heat preference by using more or less chili paste.

Is Stir Fried Vermicelli with beef gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, ensure you use tamari instead of soy sauce and dry apple juice instead of Shaoxing vinegar.

What should I serve with this dish?

Serving it over steamed rice is traditional; you could also pair it with fresh vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

How do I customize my vermicelli?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Adjust seasonings based on your taste for a personalized touch!

Final Thoughts

Stir Fried Vermicelli with beef (Ma Yi Shang Shu, 蚂蚁上树) is a delightful blend of flavors that makes it perfect for quick dinners. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have available. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its rich taste!