Tomato And Egg Stir Fry
Tomato And Egg Stir Fry is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 2. 275 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook on YouTube.
Prep: 8 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 26 min
Cost: $2.45 total, $1.22 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 4 stalks Green Onions (separate stems and leafy parts; stems chopped, leaves cut into 2‑inch pieces)
- 2 medium Tomatoes (cut into wedges (each half into 3‑4 pieces))
- 3 large Eggs (cracked into bowl, add 1 tsp oil and 1/2 tsp salt, beaten)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for pan‑frying; plus 1 tsp added to egg mixture)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (divided between egg mixture and final seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (optional; adjust to taste for less sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (regular light soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (mixed with cold water to form slurry)
- 2 tablespoons Water (cold, for cornstarch slurry)
- 1 pinch Black Pepper (crushed, added at the end)
Instructions
Mince Garlic
Peel and finely mince four garlic cloves.
Time: PT2M
Prep Green Onions
Separate the green onion stems from the leafy tops. Chop the stems into small pieces and cut the leaves into 2‑inch sections. Keep them in separate bowls.
Time: PT2M
Cut Tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes and cut each in half, then each half into 3‑4 wedges.
Time: PT2M
Beat Eggs
Crack three large eggs into a mixing bowl, add 1 tsp vegetable oil and ½ tsp salt, then beat until uniform.
Time: PT1M
Make Cornstarch Slurry
Combine 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water in a small bowl; stir until fully dissolved.
Time: PT1M
Pan‑Fry Eggs
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add 1 tbsp oil, then pour in the beaten eggs. Cook until golden brown on both sides, breaking them into bite‑size pieces with a spatula.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑high
Sauté Green Onion Stems
Remove the eggs and set aside. Add a little more oil if needed, then add the chopped green onion stems. Stir‑fry until they turn lightly brown.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir‑cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Time: PT0.5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Stir‑Fry Tomatoes
Add the tomato wedges, sprinkle 1 tsp sugar, and toss for 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium‑high
Season
Season with ½ tsp salt and 1 tbsp soy sauce; stir‑fry another minute.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium‑high
Thicken Sauce
Stir the cornstarch slurry again to recombine, then pour into the pan. Mix until the sauce thickens and coats the tomatoes.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium‑high
Finish Dish
Return the fried egg pieces to the pan, add the leafy green onion sections and a pinch of crushed black pepper. Toss everything together for another 30 seconds and serve hot.
Time: PT0.5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 275
- Protein
- 10 g
- Carbohydrates
- 22 g
- Fat
- 17 g
- Fiber
- 1.5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten (soy sauce)
Allergens: Eggs, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Green Onions: chives
- Instead of Tomatoes: canned diced tomatoes (1 cup, drained)
- Instead of Eggs: silken tofu (for vegan version)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: canola oil, peanut oil
- Instead of Salt: soy sauce (increase amount)
- Instead of Sugar: honey (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: tamari (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Cornstarch: all‑purpose flour (1.5 tbsp)
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Fork
- Small Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Spatula
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Fry the eggs only until golden brown; over‑cooking makes them rubbery.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry before adding; otherwise it will settle and form lumps.
- Ensure the sauce thickens before returning the eggs; this locks in flavor.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a very hot pan; the quick high‑heat stir‑fry preserves the bright flavor of the tomatoes.
- Add a tiny splash of rice vinegar (½ tsp) at the end for extra tanginess.
- For extra umami, drizzle a few drops of sesame oil just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Eggs become rubbery.
Cook the eggs only until lightly golden and remove them before the sauce thickens. Return them at the end for a brief warm‑up.
Sauce is too thin.
Add a little more cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water) and stir until the desired thickness is reached.
Sauce is too thick or clumpy.
Thin with a splash of water or broth and whisk vigorously to smooth out lumps.
Tomatoes become mushy and watery.
Use firm, ripe tomatoes and keep the heat high to evaporate excess liquid quickly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Freezer: Not recommended because the texture of the eggs changes, but can freeze for up to 1 month and reheat slowly.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Mince garlic and chop green onions up to 2 hours ahead; keep covered in the fridge.
- Prepare the cornstarch slurry and store in a sealed container; stir before using.
- Cook the eggs and set aside; re‑heat briefly when finishing the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Tomato and Egg Stir-Fry in Chinese cuisine?
Tomato and Egg Stir‑Fry (番茄炒蛋) is a beloved home‑cooking staple across Chinese households. It emerged in the 20th century when tomatoes became widely available in China and offered a quick, nutritious dish that balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
What are the traditional regional variations of Tomato and Egg Stir‑Fry in Chinese cuisine?
In northern China the dish often uses a splash of Shaoxing wine and a higher soy‑sauce ratio, while in southern regions more sugar is added for a sweeter profile. Some families incorporate peas or bell peppers for extra color and texture.
How is Tomato and Egg Stir‑Fry traditionally served in Chinese households?
It is typically served hot alongside a bowl of steamed white rice, sometimes with a side of pickled vegetables. The dish can also be part of a larger family‑style meal with multiple stir‑fries and soups.
During which occasions or celebrations is Tomato and Egg Stir‑Fry commonly prepared in Chinese culture?
Because it is quick and inexpensive, it appears at everyday family meals, but it is also a go‑to comfort dish for Lunar New Year gatherings when families want a simple, comforting plate among richer dishes.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Tomato and Egg Stir‑Fry versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include fresh tomatoes, eggs, garlic, green onions, light soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, and cornstarch slurry. Substitutes can be canned tomatoes, tamari for soy sauce, or flour for cornstarch, though flavor and texture may vary slightly.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with Tomato and Egg Stir‑Fry?
It pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice, a bowl of hot and sour soup, or other stir‑fries such as garlic bok choy, mapo tofu, or sweet‑and‑sour pork for a balanced meal.
What makes Tomato and Egg Stir‑Fry special or unique in Chinese home cooking?
Its charm lies in the harmony of sweet tomato acidity, savory soy, and the fluffy richness of eggs, all achieved in under 15 minutes with minimal ingredients—making it a comfort food that feels both homey and slightly elegant.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Tomato and Egg Stir‑Fry at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the eggs, letting the garlic burn, and adding the cornstarch slurry without stirring it first, which creates lumps. Keep the heat high and add ingredients in the order shown for best results.
Why does this Tomato and Egg Stir‑Fry recipe use a cornstarch slurry instead of simply reducing the tomato juices?
The slurry quickly thickens the sauce without over‑cooking the tomatoes, preserving their bright color and fresh flavor. Reducing alone would concentrate acidity and could make the dish overly sour.
Can I make Tomato and Egg Stir‑Fry ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prep the garlic, green onions, and cornstarch slurry ahead and refrigerate them. The cooked dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
What does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort foods with simple techniques, often highlighting quick Asian-inspired dishes and everyday cooking hacks.
Last updated: August 20, 2026






