Fanqie Chao Dan (Chinese Tomato and Egg Stir-Fry)
Soft, golden eggs folded through a sweet and savoury tomato sauce, a classic Chinese home dinner in 15 minutes.
Made with Ginger and garlic paste. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time15 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £2.35 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Rinse the rice, then cook it with 270 ml of water in a covered pan: bring to the boil, cover, and simmer on low for 10 minutes. Leave covered for 10 minutes.
20 min - 2
Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and half the spring onion greens.
- 3
Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a wok over a high heat until shimmering. Pour in the eggs and let them puff up for 10 seconds, then push gently from the edge to the middle for 30 to 40 seconds, until just set and still soft. Tip onto a plate.
0 min 40 s - 4
Add the last tablespoon of oil. Fry the spring onion whites and your ready made ginger and garlic paste (see the base recipe) for 20 seconds.
- 5
Add the tomatoes, tamari, sugar and remaining salt. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring and pressing, until the tomatoes break down into a juicy sauce.
4 min - 6
Return the eggs and fold through for 30 seconds to heat. Finish with the sesame oil and the rest of the spring onion. Serve with the rice.
Tips
- Take eggs off the heat while still slightly soft. They keep cooking in the hot sauce.
- Use ripe, flavourful tomatoes. If yours are pale, add 1 tsp of tomato purée.
- The sugar balances the tomato acidity. Add it a pinch at a time and taste as you go.
- Serve it straight away, as the eggs go firm and watery on standing.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten fresh. Cooled leftovers keep for 1 day in the fridge and should be reheated gently until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Is tomato and egg stir-fry vegetarian?
Yes, it contains only egg, tomato and vegetables. It is not vegan or suitable for egg allergy.
Why is the dish sweet?
A little sugar balances the tomatoes' acidity. How much is down to taste: northern Chinese cooks often leave it out, while others use more.
Can I make it ahead?
It is best fresh. You can make the tomato sauce ahead for 2 days, then cook the eggs and fold them through just before serving.
What should I serve it with?
Plain steamed rice is classic. It is also good over noodles or with a green vegetable such as pak choi.
More made with ginger and garlic paste
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.