Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry (番茄炒蛋, Fānqié chǎo dàn) is a popular and comforting Chinese dish that combines eggs and tomatoes in a savory, slightly tangy sauce. The eggs are fluffy and tender, while the tomatoes add a rich, juicy flavor that makes the dish both satisfying and flavorful. It's a quick and easy meal that's often served with rice, and it's a staple in many Chinese households.
Here’s how to make Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry:
Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or cooking oil of choice)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for added sweetness and tang)
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (to create a bit of sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the eggs:
- Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them well with a fork or whisk until smooth and slightly frothy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Stir-fry the eggs:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and let them cook undisturbed for about 20-30 seconds. Then gently scramble the eggs with a spatula, moving them around until they are mostly cooked but still slightly soft. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the tomatoes:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Add the chopped onion (if using) and cook for about 2 minutes, or until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the tomato wedges to the pan and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and start to break down, releasing their juices.
- Add the soy sauce, sugar, and ketchup (if using), and stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine the eggs with the tomatoes:
- Return the cooked eggs to the skillet with the tomatoes and gently stir to combine. If you like a bit of sauce, you can add the water or chicken broth at this point and let it cook for a minute or two until everything is heated through and well mixed.
- Drizzle with sesame oil for added flavor, if desired.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions if you like.
- Serve the dish immediately with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Adjust sweetness and tanginess: You can adjust the amount of sugar or ketchup based on how sweet or tangy you want the dish to be. Some people like it a bit sweeter, while others prefer a more savory version.
- Add spice: If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to add a dash of chili oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes while stir-frying the tomatoes for some extra heat.
- Tomato variety: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma tomatoes or vine-ripened tomatoes work well, but any variety will do.
- Add protein: While this dish is often enjoyed on its own, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry is a quick and comforting dish, perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something simple yet flavorful. With the savory scrambled eggs and juicy tomatoes, it's a balance of textures and flavors that’s both satisfying and delicious!