Ants On A Tree(A Chinese Taco)
Ants On A Tree is a flavorful Chinese taco featuring seasoned ground meat with ginger, scallions, and garlic, served in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, savory bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey in a little oil.
- Mince the fresh ginger.
- Chop the scallions.
- Mince the cloves of garlic until very fine.
- Add the ginger, scallions, and garlic to the browned meat.
- Cook for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and hot Chinese bean sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seed and ground pepper.
- Serve in romaine lettuce leaves as a taco.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot Chinese bean sauce. Fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance the dish, adding a bright note. To save time, use pre-chopped garlic and ginger. This recipe is versatile and can also be served as a filling for Oriental Pork Wontons.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mixture in crisp romaine lettuce leaves for a refreshing taco-style dish. Pair it with a side of fried rice (lo-cal) or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A light soy sauce dip can complement the flavors. This dish is perfect for outdoor gatherings or as a unique appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ants On A Tree(A Chinese Taco) contains roughly 800 calories, with 22g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (50% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the meat with finely chopped mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust the cooking time as necessary, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added texture and nutrition.
What can I serve with Ants On A Tree?
This dish pairs well with a side of Asian-style slaw or steamed rice. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a refreshing cucumber salad. You can also complement the flavors with a bowl of miso soup or a simple edamame side dish.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked mixture for up to three months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).