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Tomato Egg Stir Fry (番茄炒蛋) is a classic Chinese comfort food that comes together in just 10 minutes. This dish combines soft scrambled eggs with juicy tomatoes in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The dish is especially delightful served with a bowl of steamed rice, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
5 large eggs
Pinch of salt and white pepper (or black pepper)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 green onion, chopped (divided)
2 medium-sized tomatoes, cut into 8 wedges
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or soy sauce)
1/2 tablespoon sugar
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Directions

Prepare the Eggs: Crack the eggs into a medium bowl, season with salt and pepper, and beat until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the eggs and cook, stirring lightly, until just set but still runny. Pour the eggs back into the bowl and set aside.
Cook the Tomatoes: Add the remaining oil to the wok. Add the garlic and the white parts of the green onion, cooking for about 15 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomatoes, ketchup, oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
Combine the Eggs and Tomatoes: Return the cooked eggs to the wok and stir everything together. Add salt to taste if needed, and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil.
Serve: Garnish with the green parts of the chopped green onion and serve with steamed rice.

Nutrients

Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 17g
Fat: 22g
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 7g

The Charm of Tomato Egg Stir Fry

What makes Tomato Egg Stir Fry so special is its simplicity and versatility. With just a few basic ingredients—eggs, tomatoes, garlic, and seasoning—this dish comes together quickly while delivering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The soft, creamy scrambled eggs provide a rich contrast to the juicy, slightly tangy tomatoes, while the savory sauce adds depth and a subtle sweetness that balances the dish perfectly.

This dish is a staple in Chinese households, often enjoyed as a comforting meal after a long day or as a quick solution when there’s little time to cook. The balance of protein from the eggs and the vitamins from the tomatoes makes it both satisfying and nutritious. It’s one of those dishes that feels like home, no matter where you are.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Dish

The ingredients used in Tomato Egg Stir Fry are minimal, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. The eggs are the heart of the dish, offering richness and a soft texture that absorbs the sauce. When cooked properly, they become fluffy, light, and slightly runny, which adds to the dish’s creamy texture.

Tomatoes are the perfect partner for the eggs, providing a fresh and juicy contrast. When cooked, the tomatoes break down slightly, releasing their natural sweetness and tang, which melds beautifully with the savory sauce.

The garlic adds aromatic depth, while the green onions contribute a mild onion flavor. The ketchup, oyster sauce, and sugar together create the dish’s signature sweet-savory sauce. Ketchup offers a tangy, slightly sweet base, while oyster sauce adds umami and richness. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, making the dish flavorful without being overly sweet. The addition of sesame oil at the end provides a hint of nuttiness, rounding out the flavors and adding a signature fragrance.

The Cooking Process: Quick and Easy

One of the best things about Tomato Egg Stir Fry is how quickly it comes together. The process begins by scrambling the eggs until they are just set but still slightly runny. This ensures they remain soft and tender when combined with the tomatoes later on.

After setting the eggs aside, you cook the tomatoes in the same wok, allowing them to soften and release their juices. The ketchup, oyster sauce, and sugar are added to create a flavorful base, while the water helps to create a light sauce that envelops the ingredients. Once the tomatoes are tender, the eggs are added back into the wok, and everything is stirred together. The sesame oil is drizzled in at the end to finish the dish with a fragrant, nutty aroma.

The result is a beautiful, glossy stir fry that’s bursting with flavor, and it’s all ready in under 10 minutes. This quick cooking time is perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying without spending much time in the kitchen.

Nutritional Benefits

Tomato Egg Stir Fry is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein from the eggs (17g per serving), as well as healthy fats from the vegetable oil and sesame oil (22g per serving). The tomatoes bring not only flavor but also important vitamins, including vitamin C and potassium, contributing to a well-rounded meal.

The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates (14g per serving) but still provides a moderate amount of sugar (7g), mostly from the ketchup and tomatoes. The addition of fiber (2g per serving) from the tomatoes also helps promote digestion and satiety. While the sodium content may be on the higher side (800mg per serving), it can be adjusted by using low-sodium soy sauce or reducing the ketchup. Overall, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying, offering a quick solution to hunger without compromising on taste.

Serving Suggestions

Tomato Egg Stir Fry is traditionally served with a bowl of steamed rice, which helps absorb the savory sauce and makes the dish even more filling. The combination of soft, fluffy rice with the rich, flavorful stir-fry creates a comforting meal that is perfect for any time of day.

For an extra touch, you can garnish the dish with additional green onions or even a drizzle of sesame oil for added fragrance and flavor. If you like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of Sichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice) can add a pleasant kick to the dish.

Variations to Try

While the classic Tomato Egg Stir Fry is delicious as is, there are many ways to personalize the dish based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You could add vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or peas to the stir-fry for added nutrition and color. For a protein boost, consider incorporating tofu or chicken, which would complement the tomatoes and eggs perfectly.

If you’re looking for more depth of flavor, try adding a dash of soy sauce or fish sauce for a more intense umami kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also add an extra layer of freshness and complexity to the dish.

Conclusion

Tomato Egg Stir Fry (番茄炒蛋) is a quick, easy, and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Chinese home-cooking. The combination of tender scrambled eggs and juicy tomatoes in a savory-sweet sauce is a comforting, flavorful meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Serve it with steamed rice for a complete, filling meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether