Chinese Tomato Egg Stir-Fry
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, budget-friendly, and comforting dish that you can whip up in under 10 minutes, you need to try Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry. This is one of the most beloved homestyle dishes in Chinese cooking—it’s cozy, flavorful, and made with just a handful of simple ingredients.
With soft scrambled eggs, juicy tomatoes, and a slightly sweet-savory sauce, it’s the perfect recipe to make when you don’t have much time but still want something that tastes amazing. It pairs beautifully with a bowl of steamed rice, making it a go-to weeknight meal in many households.
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Tomato Egg Stir-Fry
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Quick & easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Simple ingredients: Uses eggs, tomatoes, and pantry staples you probably already have.
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Comforting & cozy: A true homestyle Chinese dish that feels both nostalgic and satisfying.
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Budget-friendly: Wholesome and hearty without breaking the bank.
Healthy & Gut-Friendly
This Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry is not only quick and comforting, but it’s also naturally gut-friendly. Eggs provide a great source of protein that’s easy to digest, while tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and fiber to support digestion and overall gut health. Since the dish is lightly seasoned and not heavy on oils or spices, it’s gentle on sensitive stomachs while still being packed with flavor. Pairing it with a bowl of warm rice also makes it a balanced, nourishing meal that feels good on the gut without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Chinese Tomato Egg Stir-Fry
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Eggs (3 large): Lightly beaten eggs are the base of this dish. Soft, fluffy, and protein-packed.
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Tomatoes (2 medium, ripe): Sweet and tangy, they create the flavorful sauce.
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Scallion: Adds freshness and a mild oniony note.
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Soy sauce (1 tsp): For umami depth.
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Ketchup (1 tbsp): A touch of sweetness and tang.
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Sugar (1 tsp): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
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Salt (½ tsp): To bring everything together.
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Oil (2 tbsp): Divided for scrambling the eggs and stir-frying the tomatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prep the tomatoes – Cut into chunks and set aside.
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Cook the eggs – Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Scramble eggs until almost fully cooked, then remove from the pan.
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Cook the tomatoes – Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Stir-fry chopped scallions and tomato chunks for about 3 minutes, until softened and juicy.
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Season the sauce – Stir in salt, soy sauce, ketchup, and sugar. Mix well.
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Combine with eggs – Return scrambled eggs to the pan, mixing until coated in the sauce.
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Serve – Garnish with extra scallions and serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips for the Best Tomato Egg Stir Fry
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Don’t overcook the eggs – Cook them until just set so they stay soft and fluffy when mixed with the sauce.
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Use ripe tomatoes – The juicier the tomatoes, the more flavorful your sauce will be.
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Adjust the sweetness – Some people love it sweeter (extra ketchup or sugar), while others prefer it tangier—taste and adjust!
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Serve with rice – This dish shines when paired with warm steamed rice to soak up all that sauce.
Variations
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Add garlic – A clove or two of minced garlic adds extra depth.
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Spicy kick – Add chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for heat.
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Greens – Toss in spinach or bok choy for extra nutrients.
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No ketchup? – Swap with a little more soy sauce and sugar for a more traditional flavor.
Storage & Reheating
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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Reheat: Place the stir fry in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir gently between intervals for even heating.
FAQ
1. Is ketchup traditional in Chinese tomato egg stir fry?
Ketchup isn’t always used in the most traditional versions, but it’s now the most popular variation because it adds sweetness and tang.
2. Can I make this with cherry tomatoes?
Yes! Cherry tomatoes work great and give a slightly sweeter flavor.
3. What should I serve this with?
Steamed white rice or jasmine rice is the classic pairing, but it’s also great with quinoa or noodles.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry is the ultimate quick and easy comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s guaranteed to satisfy with its fluffy eggs, tangy tomatoes, and simple yet delicious sauce. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a staple in so many households!
Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs - beaten
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes
- 2 tbsp oil - divided
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 scallion - chopped
Instructions
- Cut the tomatoes into chunks and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until almost fully cooked.
- Transfer the scrambled eggs into a bowl and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan.
- Once hot, add chopped scallion and tomato chunks. Cook for about 3 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and the tomato juices start to come out.
- Add salt, soy sauce, ketchup, and sugar to the pan. Mix well to combine.
- Add the scrambled eggs back to the pan and mix until the eggs are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with more chopped scallion before serving, and enjoy it with a bowl of warm rice!