There is something incredibly comforting and vibrant about the Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe that makes it an absolute favorite in my kitchen. This dish perfectly balances the tangy sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the silky, fluffy texture of scrambled eggs, all coated in a savory sauce that sings with just a hint of sweetness. Whether you are new to Chinese cooking or looking for a quick, wholesome meal, this recipe delivers on flavor and speed with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, brightening any day with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together beautifully. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:
- Eggs: Six fresh eggs provide the tender, fluffy base and rich protein punch.
- Salt and white pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Garlic: Minced cloves add a warm, aromatic foundation that elevates the dish.
- Green onion: Chopped and fragrant, it brightens every bite with a mild sharpness.
- Roma tomatoes: About one pound quartered for juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Water: Helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
- Ketchup: Adds a subtle tangy sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Oyster sauce: Brings a savory umami richness that rounds out the flavors.
- Soy sauce: Adds salty savoriness balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Brown sugar: Balances acidity with just enough sweetness for harmony.
- Sesame oil: A fragrant finish that imparts a nutty aroma and taste.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce gently to coat every morsel perfectly.
- Additional green onions: For garnish to add color and fresh crispness at the end.
- Steamed rice: The perfect companion to soak up all those glorious flavors.
How to Make Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Whisk and Season the Eggs
Start by cracking six eggs into a mixing bowl and seasoning with half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of white pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy—this will give you beautifully tender scrambled eggs that are the star of this recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs Softly
Heat a tablespoon of oil in your wok or large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and gently scramble using a rubber spatula. The goal is to create soft curds that are slightly runny and glossy on top—don’t overcook here! Once they reach this soft stage, remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine three tablespoons of water, two tablespoons of ketchup, half a tablespoon each of oyster sauce and soy sauce, and two teaspoons of brown sugar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved, creating a beautiful sweet-savory sauce that will coat the tomatoes and eggs perfectly.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok and heat on medium. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped green onion, cooking just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This quick step awakens the flavors, getting your kitchen smelling amazing and setting the stage for the tomatoes.
Step 5: Cook the Tomatoes
Add the quartered roma tomatoes to the wok and stir for 30 seconds to release their natural juices. Pour in the sauce mixture, stirring to combine. Let everything cook together until the tomatoes soften but still hold some shape, about 2-3 minutes. This ensures a perfect balance between fresh tomato texture and a rich sauce.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Mix a cornstarch slurry by combining half a tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Add this slurry to the simmering tomato sauce to thicken it gently. Stir well so the sauce becomes glossy and clings to the tomatoes beautifully.
Step 7: Combine Eggs and Finish
Return the reserved eggs to the wok, drizzle one teaspoon of sesame oil over the mixture, and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or sugar if needed. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for freshness, and your Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped green onions scattered over the top adds a crisp, vibrant note that complements the softness of the eggs and the juiciness of the tomatoes. Sometimes, a small drizzle of extra sesame oil just before serving can make the aroma even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up every drop of the savory-sweet sauce. For a fuller meal, serve alongside stir-fried greens like bok choy or garlic spinach to add some fresh, crunchy texture and bitterness that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top. You could also spoon it over warm noodles for a twist that transforms it into a hearty lunch or dinner that feels new each time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because of the fresh tomatoes and eggs, the texture may become softer, but the flavors will still be delightful and comforting.
Freezing
This dish does not freeze particularly well due to the delicate texture of scrambled eggs and the fresh tomatoes, which can become watery and lose their charm when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for short-term use.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir fry in a non-stick skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the eggs from becoming rubbery. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it tends to dry out the eggs and alter the tomato texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While roma tomatoes are preferred for their firmness and balanced flavor, you can use vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes. Just make sure to adjust cooking time as some varieties release more juice than others.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
This recipe centers around eggs, so it’s traditionally non-vegan. However, you can experiment with tofu scramble as a substitute, but the taste and texture will be quite different from the classic Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
Yes, adding sliced bell peppers or sugar snap peas can bring additional crunch and sweetness. Just add them after the aromatics and before the tomatoes to ensure they cook evenly.
How do I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste?
Taste as you go! If you prefer a sweeter profile, add a little extra brown sugar or ketchup. For a saltier, umami boost, increase the soy or oyster sauce slightly. It’s all about finding the perfect balance for your palate.
What is the secret to getting fluffy, tender eggs in this recipe?
The key is not overcooking the eggs. Cooking them softly over medium heat and removing them while slightly runny on top helps retain moisture and that irresistible silky texture that pairs perfectly with the tangy tomatoes.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a simple yet incredibly satisfying Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe that’s bursting with flavor and takes just minutes to prepare. This dish is proof that a few humble ingredients, cooked with care, can bring so much joy to the table. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the comforting warmth of this classic recipe in your own home.
PrintChinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe
Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful classic Chinese home-style dish featuring scrambled eggs and juicy roma tomatoes cooked together with a savory sauce. It’s a comforting, nutritious meal perfect for any time of the day and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 6 eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 5–6 roma tomatoes (about 1 lb), quartered
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
Other
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Oil for cooking (about 2 tablespoons)
Cornstarch Slurry
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
To Serve
- 2 stalks green onion, chopped
- Steamed rice
Instructions
- Whisk and season eggs. In a small bowl, combine eggs, salt, and white pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Set aside.
- Cook the eggs. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and gently scramble using a rubber spatula, stirring softly until the eggs are mostly cooked but still slightly runny and glossy on top. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Mix the sauce. In a small bowl, combine water, ketchup, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients are well incorporated. Set aside.
- Cook aromatics. Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped green onion, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook tomatoes. Add quartered tomatoes to the wok and stir for about 30 seconds to release their juices. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften but still retain some texture.
- Add cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water until smooth. Add this slurry to the boiling tomato mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and finish. Return the scrambled eggs to the wok, drizzle with sesame oil, and gently toss everything together to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or sugar if necessary.
- Serve. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot immediately with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Prep ingredients before cooking to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.
- Do not overcook the eggs; remove them while still slightly runny and glossy for soft texture.
- Do not overcook the tomatoes; they should soften and release juices but keep some shape and texture to avoid becoming mushy.
- Serve the dish immediately for the best flavor and texture, ideally with steamed rice.
