This 10-minute dish combines soft scrambled eggs with sautéed tomato to create a satisfying and delicious no-nonsense meal.
It’s tomato season here in Central Texas, and I’m over the moon. I spent all winter dreaming of tomato recipes, and this Chinese tomato fried egg is among my favorites. I’m certain it will quickly become one of yours, too.
Whenever I meet someone who claims they “can’t cook,” I tell them to start with eggs (in any form!) and work their way from there. For so many people (myself included), eggs are the first meal we learn to cook successfully on our own. It’s something we make and immediately feel a sense of accomplishment because they easily turn out delicious—especially when you toss in a few fresh ingredients, like a handful of herbs or your favorite seasonal produce. In my house, especially at this time of year, that addition is always plump, ruby-red tomatoes.
This gorgeous recipe takes just a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes of your time to whip up. You really can’t beat that.
Tomato and eggs are a match made in heaven
In the food space, we hear industry professionals and prolific home cooks alike often talking about “complementary flavors”—flavor pairings that enhance rather than compete with one another. Acidity and fat are such an example. Think of how a squeeze of fresh lemon enlivens a creamy pasta, or how vinegar helps balance out a rich cheese. The same principle is at play here. Eggs, especially when scrambled softly or lightly fried, have an almost custard-like quality. Tomatoes add a bright, complex acidity. When paired with garlic, scallions, or a dash of soy sauce, this duo becomes something far greater than the sum of its parts.
There’s a reason tomato and egg dishes appear in cuisines across the globe. You see it here with this Chinese tomato fried egg recipe, in Turkish menemen, in Maghrebi shakshuka, in Mexican huevos rancheros, and in countless other vibrant dishes the world over.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your leftover Chinese tomato fried egg in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave using medium power to avoid overcooking the eggs. Freezing isn’t recommended, as the texture of both the eggs and tomatoes tends to suffer.
Serving suggestions
Serve this Chinese tomato fried egg with a side of warm Steamed Rice or this savory Asian Rice. For a low-carb option, I adore this recipe for Roasted Cauliflower Rice. Looking for the perfect vegetable dish to enjoy on the side? I recommend these two delicious recipes for Stir-Fried Watercress and Broccoli Stir-Fry With Ginger And Sesame. This is a meal you can enjoy morning, noon, or night. Pair with your favorite tea, coffee, or juice, or do as I do and offer all three.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil divided
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes washed and cut into small wedges
- 1 green onion finely chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Crack the eggs into a bowl. Add salt and the white pepper. Beat until the mixture is well combined.
- In a nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble them gently until they are softly set. Once done, take the eggs out of the pan and set them aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Sauté the tomato wedges and most of the green onion (reserve some for garnish) for about 1-2 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Stir, then let the tomatoes simmer until they start to break apart, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Gently stir to mix the eggs with the tomatoes. Let them cook together for another minute until fully heated and the flavors blend. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Transfer the dish to serving plates and garnish with the remaining green onion. Enjoy hot, optionally with steamed rice.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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