Save This TikTok Tomato Egg Stir Fry is a quick and comforting Chinese-inspired dish starring soft scrambled eggs and juicy tomatoes, ready in under twenty minutes. Thanks to its simplicity and bold flavors, this recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen when cravings strike but time is short.
I first made this stir fry when I was trying to replicate a viral TikTok video on a busy evening. Since then it has saved many last-minute dinners and surprised my family with how tasty a few ingredients can be.
Ingredients
- Eggs: provide richness and make the dish fluffy
- Milk: optional for creamier eggs use fresh dairy for best texture
- Salt and White Pepper: bring out delicate flavor and keep seasoning subtle select fresh ground white pepper for a gentle kick
- Ripe Tomatoes: juicy sweet tomatoes are essential the fresher the better
- Scallions: add freshness and mild onion bite look for bright green tops
- Soy Sauce: lends umami so choose a naturally brewed type for depth
- Sugar: balances the tangy tomatoes opt for fine white sugar for quick melting
- Sesame Oil: gives a nutty aroma so use toasted sesame oil for best results
- Garlic: builds the savory base pick firm cloves and mince right before using
- Neutral Oil: like canola or sunflower prevents sticking avoid extra-virgin olive oil for its strong flavor
Instructions
- Whisk the Eggs:
- In a large mixing bowl vigorously whisk together eggs milk salt and white pepper until the mixture is smooth and lightly frothy. This makes sure your eggs are fully combined and results in a tender scramble.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- Heat one tablespoon of neutral oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and gently stir with a spatula. Move the eggs from the outer edges to the center as they begin to set. Cook until just softly scrambled with a custardy texture but do not overcook. Remove eggs from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet and warm over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for about thirty seconds until it is lightly golden and brings out its natural fragrance without burning.
- Cook the Tomatoes:
- Add the tomato wedges to the skillet and gently stir. Let them cook for two to three minutes until they soften and start releasing their juicy sauce. The tomatoes should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Season the Stir Fry:
- Drizzle in the soy sauce and sprinkle in the sugar. Add half the sliced scallions for an immediate lift in flavor. Stir everything together and let the flavors mingle for another minute.
- Finish with Eggs:
- Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet. Gently fold everything together so that eggs and tomatoes are well combined. Drizzle the sesame oil over the mixture and give it one last stir. Remove from the heat to keep the eggs tender.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Add the rest of the scallions as garnish. Serve immediately and pair with steamed white rice for a complete meal.
Save I love how the tomatoes soak up all the savory flavors and melt just enough to coat the eggs. It reminds me of family nights when a quick sizzling pan meant a cozy dinner was only moments away.
Storage Tips
This stir fry tastes best served fresh but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to twenty four hours. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave on low to avoid overcooking the eggs. If you make extra rice serve any leftovers as a lunch bowl the next day.
Ingredient Substitutions
If tomatoes are out of season use quartered cherry tomatoes which tend to be sweeter. No sesame oil No problem peanut oil offers a similarly nutty note. While soy sauce brings umami tamari can be substituted for a gluten free version.
Serving Suggestions
Scoop the stir fry onto a hot bed of jasmine or short grain rice for a comforting meal. For color and more texture serve with sautéed leafy greens or a sprinkle of crushed chili flakes. It is also delicious inside a warm tortilla as a quick wrap.
Cultural History
Tomato Egg Stir Fry is a staple in many Chinese households and is beloved for its simplicity and universal appeal. This humble dish is often the first recipe children learn because it is both forgiving and flavorful. Seeing it rise to fame on social media only proves how timeless the combination of eggs and tomatoes can be.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use heirloom tomatoes in summer for their extra juiciness Swap in chives for scallions in spring when they are abundant In colder months a small pinch of chili oil brings warmth
Success Stories
Many readers have told me they now make this dish every week since it is so fast and everyone loves it. Some even add extra vegetables like baby spinach or snow peas for a full one pan meal.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Due to the delicate texture of scrambled eggs I do not recommend freezing this dish. However you can pre chop the scallions and tomatoes to speed up assembly whenever the craving strikes.
Save The combination of creamy eggs and juicy tomatoes makes this dish irresistible and easy to make any night of the week. Enjoy this quick stir fry with your favorite rice for a cozy and satisfying meal.