Chinese tomato and egg stir-fry is a comforting everyday dish made with soft scrambled eggs and gently cooked tomatoes in a light savoury sauce. It is valued for its balance of sweetness, acidity, and richness without being heavy.
This dish is widely cooked in home kitchens because it is quick, affordable, and forgiving for beginners. It is often served with steamed rice as a simple lunch or evening meal.
Recipe Information
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
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3 medium ripe tomatoes
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4 large eggs
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon light soy sauce
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½ teaspoon sugar
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Salt, to taste
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1 spring onion, finely sliced (optional)
Method
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Wash the tomatoes and cut them into small wedges. Set aside.
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Crack the eggs into a bowl, add a small pinch of salt, and beat until just combined.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or frying pan over medium heat.
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Pour in the eggs and gently stir until softly set but still moist. Transfer to a plate.
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Add the remaining oil to the pan and add the tomatoes.
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Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
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Add the soy sauce and sugar, stirring to create a light sauce.
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Return the eggs to the pan and fold them through the tomatoes carefully.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt if needed.
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Remove from the heat and scatter over spring onion if using.
Baking and Cooking Tips
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Use ripe tomatoes for natural sweetness and better sauce.
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Keep the eggs soft. Overcooking will make them dry and grainy.
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Sugar is essential for balance and should not be omitted.
Variations
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Add a small splash of water if you prefer extra sauce for rice.
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Stir in a pinch of white pepper for gentle warmth.
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Serve with noodles instead of rice for a light alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with freshly steamed white rice. This dish also works well as part of a shared meal alongside simple vegetable or tofu dishes.
Storage
Best eaten fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours and reheated gently in a pan.
