Tomato Egg Fried Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make, yet incredibly satisfying. The rice is stir-fried with scrambled eggs, fresh tomatoes, and aromatics like garlic and onions. The tomatoes release their juices, giving the rice a subtle sweetness and tang, while the eggs add a creamy richness. A touch of soy sauce or other seasonings enhances the flavor, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs or green onions adds a burst of freshness. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover rice while creating a delicious meal.
The first time I made this, I was craving something light but comforting, and Tomato Egg Fried Rice fit the bill perfectly! The juicy tomatoes blended with the scrambled eggs and rice to create a warm, savory dish that was both satisfying and flavorful. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare, yet it feels like a cozy meal that’s great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, it’s versatile—you can add in other ingredients like vegetables or meats to make it your own. It’s an easy dish that’s both nourishing and delicious!
Perfect for:
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Leftover rice
- Family meals
- Vegetarian dishes
- Tomato and egg lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Tomato Egg Fried Rice will become your go-to comfort food:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Savory and Sweet Balance: The tomatoes bring a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory scrambled eggs.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It’s a great way to repurpose leftover rice and create a fresh, flavorful dish.
- Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or protein for a more hearty meal.
- One-Pan Wonder: This dish is made in one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s a simple, meat-free meal that’s full of flavor.
- Comforting and Filling: The combination of eggs and rice makes for a satisfying dish that hits the spot.
- Low-Cost Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this an affordable meal option.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can easily make a large batch of this fried rice to enjoy throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: With its mild flavors and familiar ingredients, kids will love this dish.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 36g, Fat: 10g
Ingredients
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Ripe Tomatoes: They add a juicy sweetness and vibrant color to the fried rice.
- Day-Old Rice: Cold rice works best for fried rice as it doesn’t get mushy when cooked.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a savory, umami depth to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Eggs:
- Heat Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Scramble the Eggs: Add the beaten eggs and cook until scrambled and set, about 2 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Fried Rice:
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they soften and release their juices.
- Add Rice: Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until the rice is heated through.
- Season the Rice: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add Eggs and Green Onions: Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and stir in the chopped green onions. Cook for another minute.
Serve:
- Serve Hot: Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Tomato Egg Fried Rice:
- As a Standalone Meal: Enjoy it on its own for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
- With Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside grilled chicken for a heartier dish.
- With Tofu: Add crispy tofu for a plant-based protein boost.
- As a Side Dish: Pair with stir-fried vegetables or a protein for a complete meal.
- With a Fried Egg on Top: Add a fried egg for extra richness and texture.
- With Kimchi: Serve with kimchi for a flavorful, tangy accompaniment.
- For Lunchbox Meals: Pack it into lunch containers for a simple and tasty lunch.
- With Sweet Chili Sauce: Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the rice for a hint of spice.
- As a Snack: Enjoy it as a light snack or appetizer.
- With Pickled Vegetables: Serve with pickled cucumbers or carrots for a tangy contrast.
Additional Tips
- Use Cold Rice: Cold, day-old rice works best for fried rice, as it prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the rice in batches if necessary to ensure it fries evenly.
- Customize with Veggies: Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for more flavor and color.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the rice before serving and adjust the soy sauce or seasoning to your liking.
- Use High Heat: Stir-fry the rice on high heat for a smoky, charred flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Tomato Bacon Fried Rice: Add crispy bacon pieces for a smoky, savory twist.
- Spicy Fried Rice: Add chili flakes or diced fresh chilies for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Fried Rice: Add mixed vegetables like peas, corn, and bell peppers for a vibrant veggie-packed version.
- Garlic Butter Fried Rice: Replace the vegetable oil with garlic butter for a rich, buttery flavor.
- Curry Fried Rice: Add curry powder for a fragrant, spiced version of this fried rice.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: Add shrimp for a seafood variation that’s light and flavorful.
- Mushroom Fried Rice: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost.
- Eggless Fried Rice: Skip the eggs for a vegan version of this fried rice.
- Soy-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos if you’re avoiding soy.
- Cheesy Fried Rice: Stir in a handful of shredded cheese for a creamy, indulgent version.
Special Equipment
- Wok or Large Skillet: For even cooking and stir-frying the rice.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring the rice and ensuring it doesn’t stick.
- Sharp Knife: For chopping the tomatoes and green onions.
- Grater (optional): For grating cheese if adding a cheesy version.
FAQ Section
- Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
It’s best to use cold, day-old rice because it fries better and doesn’t become mushy. - Can I freeze fried rice?
Yes, you can freeze fried rice for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a bit of water to revive its texture. - Can I add other proteins?
Absolutely! Chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu are great additions to make the dish more filling. - What type of tomatoes should I use?
Roma or plum tomatoes are ideal for this dish as they have fewer seeds and a more concentrated flavor. - Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, simply add chili flakes or fresh chilies to the dish for an added kick. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to cook and serve the rice fresh for the best texture. - Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, though it may take a bit longer to cook and will have a different texture. - How do I prevent the rice from becoming too oily?
Use a moderate amount of oil and stir-fry the rice on high heat to avoid excess oil. - Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can skip the eggs for a vegan version or substitute them with tofu scramble. - Can I add cheese to this dish?
Yes, adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese can make it creamy and delicious.
Conclusion
Tomato Egg Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the rich, savory taste of fried rice with the bright, tangy sweetness of tomatoes. The dish is quick to make, featuring scrambled eggs and juicy, chopped tomatoes stir-fried with leftover rice, often seasoned with soy sauce and a little salt and pepper. The tomatoes release their juices as they cook, infusing the rice with a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the eggs.
This dish is often garnished with fresh herbs like green onions or cilantro, adding a burst of color and extra flavor. It’s a great option for a simple meal or as a side dish, and it’s versatile enough to be adjusted to your taste by adding vegetables, meat, or even tofu for extra protein.
I can’t wait to see how your Tomato Egg Fried Rice turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!