Alton Brown Ants On A Tree Recipe

Alton Brown Ants on a Tree Recipe is made with mung bean noodles, ground pork, soy sauce, rice wine, sambal chili paste, and chicken broth. This recipe creates a savory, spicy noodle dish where the flavorful pork clings to translucent noodles. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4.

Alton Brown Ants on a Tree Recipe Ingredients

• 4 1/2 ounces mung bean noodles
• 2 fluid ounces soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 1 tablespoon sambal chili paste
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 10 ounces ground pork
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 4 scallions, chopped, divided
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

How To Make Alton Brown Ants on a Tree Recipe

1. Soak the Noodles: Cover mung bean noodles with hot water by 1 inch and soak for 20 minutes. Cut into 3–4 inch pieces and drain in a colander for 10 minutes.
2. Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice wine, and chili paste. Add cornstarch and whisk until smooth. Mix in pork and let sit for 30 minutes.
3. Cook the Pork: Heat a sauté pan over high heat for 1 minute, add oil, then add pork mixture. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to break up meat.
4. Add Scallions and Brown: Add 2/3 of the chopped scallions and cook for 2 more minutes until pork is browned and in small pieces.
5. Deglaze and Reduce: Reduce heat to medium-high, add chicken broth, and cook until reduced, about 3 minutes.
6. Combine with Noodles: Add noodles in handfuls, tossing to mix until meat clings to noodles and liquid is gone.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with remaining scallions and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Use Kitchen Shears: Cutting soaked noodles makes them easier to eat and helps mix them with pork.
• Let Pork Marinate: Give it the full 30 minutes to absorb flavor and bind with the cornstarch.
• Cook Over High Heat: Quick cooking ensures browning without steaming the meat.
• Stir Constantly: Keeps pork in small bits that mimic “ants” clinging to “tree” noodles.
• Use Sambal to Taste: Adjust for desired spice level without overpowering the dish.

What To Serve With Ants on a Tree

This noodle dish pairs well with Asian-style cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, steamed bok choy, or miso soup. It also complements jasmine rice and stir-fried greens.

How To Store Ants on a Tree

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
Freeze: Not recommended as noodle texture may degrade.

Ants on a Tree Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 370
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Sodium: 780mg

FAQs

Why is it called Ants on a Tree?
The pork pieces look like “ants” clinging to the translucent noodles, resembling “tree branches.”

Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, but mung bean noodles give the classic glassy texture. Rice noodles or cellophane noodles are good substitutes.

Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild to moderate kick from sambal. Reduce or omit for less heat.

Can I use ground turkey instead of pork?
Yes, though the flavor will be lighter. Consider adding a splash of sesame oil for richness.

How do I prevent the noodles from clumping?
Toss thoroughly while combining with the pork and ensure all liquid has evaporated.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Angel Food Cake Recipe
• Alton Brown American Buttercream Recipe
• Alton Brown Ambrosia Recipe