The Chinese Tomato Beef Egg recipe combines tender strips of beef, fresh tomatoes, and fluffy scrambled eggs in a flavorful sauce. This classic Chinese dish is savory with a hint of sweetness, making it a comforting meal perfect for any day of the week. It’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, offering a delightful blend of textures that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the beef and marinade:

  • 1 lb sirloin or flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch slurry (divided)

  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

• For the sauce:

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)

  • 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped into wedges

  • 2 tbsp ketchup (or tomato paste)

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tsp dark soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)

  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced (divided)

  • Sesame oil (optional)

Directions

1. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, marinate the beef with cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.

2. Scramble the Eggs: In a pan, scramble the eggs with 1/2 tbsp oil and set them aside.

3. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

4. Stir-fry Aromatics and Tomatoes: In the same wok, add the white parts of the green onions and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes, ketchup, brown sugar, beef broth, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil and reduce to medium-low heat.

5. Thicken the Sauce: Pour in the remaining cornstarch slurry, stirring for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Combine: Return the beef and scrambled eggs to the wok, stirring to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.

7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with the green parts of the green onions and drizzle with sesame oil if desired. Serve hot with steamed white rice.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 13.7g

• Protein: 40.3g

• Fat: 11g

• Saturated Fat: 3.9g

• Cholesterol: 241mg

• Sodium: 474mg

• Potassium: 766mg

• Fiber: 1.2g

• Sugar: 7.7g

• Calcium: 35mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Secret to Tender Beef

The key to making this dish truly special lies in the preparation of the beef. Sirloin or flank steak is the best cut for this recipe, as it’s tender and flavorful when sliced thinly against the grain. The marinade, made with Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), cornstarch, and soy sauce, serves multiple purposes. First, it enhances the flavor of the beef, infusing it with a savory depth. The cornstarch helps tenderize the meat, ensuring it remains juicy and succulent when stir-fried. Allowing the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes ensures that the meat is well-seasoned and tender, ready to absorb the flavors of the sauce during cooking.

Once the beef is cooked, it will retain its tenderness while being coated in a flavorful sauce. Stir-frying the beef at high heat ensures that it’s browned on the outside, giving it a delicious, caramelized edge while keeping the inside moist and juicy. This method locks in the beef’s flavor and texture, making it an essential part of the dish.

Tomatoes: The Heart of the Sauce

Tomatoes are the star of this dish, providing the base for the rich sauce. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are chopped into wedges, and as they cook in the wok, they break down and release their juices. This creates a slightly tangy, flavorful sauce that is the perfect complement to the beef. The addition of ketchup (or tomato paste) brings extra richness and a subtle sweetness that balances out the savory flavors of the beef and soy sauce.

The sauce is further enriched with a touch of brown sugar, which enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and gives the dish a warm, comforting flavor. The beef broth (or water) helps to loosen the sauce, allowing it to coat the beef and eggs beautifully. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in the sauce is what makes Chinese Tomato Beef Egg so irresistible.

Scrambled Eggs: Adding Softness and Comfort

Scrambled eggs may seem like a simple addition, but they play a crucial role in this dish. The eggs are cooked separately to ensure that they remain light, fluffy, and soft, rather than being overcooked in the sauce. When combined with the beef and tomatoes, the eggs provide a delicate texture that contrasts with the more substantial beef and tomatoes. The mild flavor of the eggs balances the rich sauce, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting.

The technique of scrambling the eggs in a hot pan with a bit of oil ensures that they cook quickly and remain airy. The eggs are added at the end of the stir-frying process, allowing them to soak up some of the sauce while still retaining their soft, delicate texture. This step adds an extra layer of comfort to the dish, making it a truly satisfying meal.

The Flavorful Sauce: Sweet, Savory, and Slightly Tangy

The sauce in Chinese Tomato Beef Egg is a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy elements. Soy sauce provides the salty depth that complements the richness of the beef, while the dark soy sauce adds color and a slight sweetness. The addition of ketchup or tomato paste enhances the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a smooth texture. The brown sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, while the beef broth adds moisture and helps create a sauce that perfectly coats the beef, tomatoes, and scrambled eggs.

The sauce is thickened with a cornstarch slurry, which gives it a glossy, velvety texture. As the sauce cooks, it thickens, allowing it to coat the beef and vegetables without being too runny. This ensures that each bite is full of flavor, with the sauce clinging to the beef and eggs for maximum taste.

Cooking and Combining the Ingredients

The cooking process for Chinese Tomato Beef Egg is relatively straightforward. The beef is stir-fried first, followed by the tomatoes, which are softened and cooked down into a rich sauce. Once the sauce is ready, the scrambled eggs and beef are added back into the pan, and everything is tossed together to combine. The final result is a dish that feels both hearty and comforting, with tender beef, juicy tomatoes, and soft eggs in every bite.

The stir-frying process also adds a bit of caramelization to the ingredients, enhancing their flavors and creating a beautiful golden-brown color on the beef. The whole dish is cooked in one pan, which makes cleanup easier while allowing all the ingredients to meld together into a cohesive, flavorful meal.

Serving the Dish

Chinese Tomato Beef Egg is typically served with steamed white rice, which helps balance the rich flavors of the dish. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, creating a well-rounded meal that’s both filling and satisfying. The dish can be garnished with sliced green onions, adding a fresh, slightly pungent note that cuts through the richness of the beef and sauce.

For an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the finished dish, which adds a nutty aroma and depth to the overall flavor profile. The green onions provide both color and crunch, completing the dish with a vibrant finish.

Customizing the Dish

Like many traditional Chinese dishes, Chinese Tomato Beef Egg is highly customizable. While beef is the traditional protein used, you can easily substitute it with chicken, pork, or shrimp, depending on your preference. Tofu is also a great option for those looking for a vegetarian alternative. The key to making this dish work with different proteins is ensuring that they are cooked through and coated with the flavorful sauce.

Additionally, you can adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can add a bit more brown sugar or ketchup. For a tangier version, increase the amount of soy sauce or add a splash of rice vinegar. You can also experiment with adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or even peas, to increase the nutritional value and add more texture to the dish.

Conclusion: A Comforting and Flavorful Meal

Chinese Tomato Beef Egg is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together tender beef, juicy tomatoes, and fluffy scrambled eggs in a savory-sweet sauce. Its perfect balance of textures and flavors makes it a satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

The versatility of the dish allows for endless customization, whether you want to change up the protein or adjust the sweetness of the sauce. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, Chinese Tomato Beef Egg is a meal that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.