How to Cook Tomato & Egg Stir-Fry
Craving a quick stir-fry meal that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than the Chinese tomato egg stir-fry! This beloved dish has earned a stellar 4.90 out of 5 rating from 115 happy cooks. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, taking just 10 minutes from start to finish.
This comfort food staple brings together juicy tomatoes and fluffy eggs in a harmonious blend. With only 333 calories per serving, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The recipe yields two servings, making it ideal for a cozy dinner for two or a satisfying meal for one with leftovers.
Ready to learn how to cook tomato & egg stir-fry? Gather your ingredients: ripe tomatoes, fresh eggs, scallions, and a handful of pantry staples. In no time, you’ll be savoring this quick stir-fry meal that’s been gracing Chinese dinner tables for generations. Let’s dive in and discover why this simple dish has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of so many!
Introduction to Chinese Tomato and Egg Stir-Fry
Origins of the Dish
Chinese Tomato and Egg Stir-Fry is a favorite in Chinese cooking. It mixes the tangy taste of tomatoes with the protein of eggs. This quick, healthy meal is great for when you’re in a rush.
This recipe started in home kitchens. It was a smart way to make a full meal with basic ingredients. It highlights the Chinese art of mixing flavors and textures.
Essential Ingredients for Tomato and Egg Stir-Fry
To make a tasty tomato and egg stir-fry, you need the right ingredients. This simple dish uses a few key items to get its unique flavor and texture.
- 5 large eggs
- 14 oz ripe roma tomatoes
- 2 ½ teaspoons fish sauce or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Green onions
- Ground white or black pepper
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
The right mix of eggs and tomatoes is key. Use 1 large egg for every 80 grams of tomatoes. This mix ensures the flavors in your stir-fry are just right.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | 5 large | Main protein |
| Roma tomatoes | 14 oz | Primary vegetable |
| Fish sauce/Soy sauce | 2 ½ teaspoons | Seasoning |
| Brown sugar | 1 teaspoon | Enhance tomato sweetness |
| Neutral oil | 2 tablespoons | Cooking medium |
The quality of your ingredients really matters. Choose ripe, tasty tomatoes and fresh eggs for the best flavor in your dish.
Choosing the Right Tomatoes and Eggs
Choosing quality ingredients is key to a delicious tomato and egg stir-fry. This healthy stir-fry idea relies on the natural flavors of its main components. So, picking the right ingredients is crucial.
Selecting ripe and flavorful tomatoes
For a great vegetarian stir-fry, choose Roma tomatoes. They have less water, which is perfect for stir-frying. If Roma tomatoes are not available, any large tomato with thin skin and sweet flavor will do. You’ll need about 11 ounces (310g) of tomatoes for two servings.
Opting for high-quality eggs
Go for free-range eggs with bright orange yolks for richer flavor and vibrant color. The recipe calls for 5 large eggs for 2 servings. Beat the eggs with sesame oil for 20-30 seconds before cooking.
Importance of ingredient freshness
Fresh ingredients are vital for this quick and affordable meal. The dish cooks in less than 5 minutes. Using the freshest tomatoes and eggs ensures the best taste. A good ratio is 1 large egg for every 80 grams of tomatoes.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 11 oz (310g) | Roma or large, thin-skinned varieties |
| Eggs | 5 large | Free-range with bright orange yolks |
| Sesame Oil | To taste | For beating eggs |
Preparation Steps for Tomato and Egg Stir-Fry
Learning how to stir-fry is crucial for a tasty tomato and egg dish. This recipe is quick, ready in just 10 minutes. It’s ideal for when you’re short on time. Here’s how to prepare it perfectly every time.
First, collect your ingredients. For two people, you’ll need:
- 4 eggs
- 6-8 small vine tomatoes
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 3/4 tsp monk fruit sugar (or sweetener of choice)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- Green onions for garnish
Whisk the eggs with salt, pepper, and sesame oil. Cut the tomatoes into wedges. Heat your wok or skillet over medium-high. It’s important to have everything ready before you start cooking.
| Step | Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cook scrambled eggs | 2 minutes |
| 2 | Sauté tomatoes | 3 minutes |
| 3 | Combine and finish | 1 minute |
The key to a great stir-fry is timing. Cook the tomatoes until half their juice is gone. Then, add the eggs back in. Top with green onions and serve over rice for a quick, comforting meal.
How to Cook Tomato & Egg Stir-Fry
Learning to cook tomato & egg stir-fry is easy with the right techniques. This dish mixes fluffy eggs with juicy tomatoes for a tasty meal. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Step 1. Cooking the Eggs to Perfection
Begin by beating 4 large eggs in a bowl. Heat a non-stick wok over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Pour in half the eggs and soft scramble them until they’re about 80% cooked. Remove and set aside.
This method makes the eggs tender and fluffy in the final dish.
Step 2. Stir-frying Tomatoes for Optimal Texture
Next, add another tablespoon of oil to the wok. Stir-fry 4 quartered Roma tomatoes (about 750g) with sliced ginger and minced garlic. Cook until the tomatoes soften but still hold their shape. This step takes 2-3 minutes.
Step 3. Combining Ingredients for the Final Dish
Now, it’s time to mix everything together. Add the partially cooked eggs back to the wok with the tomatoes. Pour in a sauce made of ketchup, sugar, and cornstarch slurry. Gently fold the ingredients together until the eggs are fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly. The entire cooking process takes about 7 minutes.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | 4 large | Main protein |
| Roma tomatoes | 4 (750g) | Main vegetable |
| Neutral oil | 2 tablespoons | For stir-frying |
| Ketchup | 3 tablespoons | Sauce base |
| Cornstarch | 1/2 tablespoon | Sauce thickener |
This quick and easy tomato & egg stir-fry serves 3 as a side dish, providing about 207 calories per serving. With these stir-fry cooking techniques, you’ll create a delicious meal in just 10 minutes from start to finish.
Step 4. Seasoning and Flavoring Your Stir-Fry
A great Chinese stir-fry needs the right mix of flavors. Start with soy sauce for a classic tomato stir-fry. Add a tablespoon of sugar to bring out the tomatoes’ sweetness. White vinegar adds a tangy touch, or try ketchup for a different flavor.
For more depth, add Shaoxing wine or rice wine to your egg mix. This secret ingredient makes the dish taste better. Finish with a pinch of salt and white pepper for the perfect seasoning.
Try adding these optional ingredients to make your tomato and egg stir-fry just right:
- Red chillies or red pepper flakes for heat
- Oyster sauce for umami
- Hoisin sauce for sweetness
- Sesame oil for a nutty finish
Feel free to tweak the seasonings to your taste. Some like it sweeter, others prefer it savory. The beauty of this dish is how it can change to suit your taste.
Cooking Equipment and Utensils Needed
To make a quick stir-fry meal, you need the right tools. The key equipment for tomato and egg stir-fry are simple yet essential for achieving perfect results.
Choosing between a wok and a skillet
While woks are traditional for stir-frying, a 10- or 12-inch nonstick skillet works best for tomato and egg stir-fry. The wider surface area helps evaporate tomato juices, preventing a soggy dish. A lighter skillet makes it easier to manage the lifting and scraping needed during cooking.
Essential tools for stir-frying
For a successful quick stir-fry meal, you’ll need:
- A spatula or chopsticks for stirring and scrambling
- A bowl for beating eggs
- A medium pot for boiling tomatoes (if peeling)
- An ice bath setup for quick cooling
With these tools, you’ll be ready to create a delicious tomato and egg stir-fry in just 15 minutes. Remember, the right equipment can make all the difference in perfecting your stir-fry cooking techniques.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture
Mastering stir-fry cooking techniques is key to creating the perfect tomato & egg stir-fry. The secret lies in timing and temperature control. Cook eggs until they’re about 80% done before adding tomatoes. This method ensures a custardy texture that melts in your mouth.
For tomatoes, aim for a soft yet structured consistency. They should hold their shape while blending seamlessly with the eggs. The final dish should have a harmonious balance of tender eggs, juicy tomatoes, and just enough sauce to complement rice.
To enhance texture, consider adding a cornstarch slurry. This thickens the tomato juice, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. Remember, the key to how to cook tomato & egg stir-fry lies in these small details that elevate the dish from good to exceptional.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
Tomato and egg stir-fry is a versatile dish that shines as a simple stir-fry dinner. It’s perfect for those seeking healthy stir-fry ideas. This meal comes together in under 20 minutes, making it quicker to prepare than rice.
For a satisfying meal, serve the stir-fry over steamed white rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, creating a delicious combination. To boost the nutritional value, pair it with stir-fried green vegetables or marinated cucumbers.
This dish is flexible enough for any meal of the day. Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Spice lovers can add a drizzle of hot sauce or chili oil to enhance the flavor profile. For extra tang and texture, serve with a side of pickled vegetables.
| Serving Suggestion | Description |
|---|---|
| Over Rice | Steamed white rice to soak up the sauce |
| With Vegetables | Stir-fried greens or marinated cucumbers |
| Spicy Option | Add hot sauce or chili oil for heat |
| Tangy Side | Pickled vegetables for extra flavor |
For a complete meal, use 3 to 4 eggs and 2 to 3 tomatoes per person. This simple stir-fry dinner packs a nutritional punch with only 235 calories per serving, making it an excellent choice for those looking for healthy stir-fry ideas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Tomato and Egg Stir-Fry
Learning to make tomato & egg stir-fry is easy, but there are a few mistakes to avoid. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to cook. But, rushing can lead to errors.
One common mistake is overcooking the eggs. This dish is best when the eggs are soft and fluffy. Cooking them too long makes them dry and rubbery, ruining the dish.
Another mistake is using unripe tomatoes. They can make the stir-fry watery and tasteless.
When cooking, balance is crucial. Adding too many ingredients can mess up the simple flavors. This dish usually has 10 ingredients or less. Also, watch your heat. Too little heat makes it soggy, and too much can burn the eggs.
Lastly, don’t forget to season it right. It’s best served with hand-pulled noodles or Jasmine rice. The seasoning should balance sweetness and saltiness. Avoiding these mistakes will help you make a delicious dish that deserves a 5-star rating.
