Wen Wu’s Tomato and Egg Stir-Fry
This is a special recipe from our intern Wen Wu. She has shared a beautiful reflection about this dish which to her is a taste of home and love!
“My father always used to say, "It's a blessing for our family to have dinner together every day." Growing up in a warm and loving household, food was more than just nourishment - it was our way of expressing care and connection. We all loved exploring different dishes, mostly Chinese cuisine, and my favourite dish by far is the simple yet delicious tomato and egg stir-fry.
This dish might be ordinary to many Chinese people, but for me, it holds a special place in my heart. I have a somewhat unusual palate - rather than craving sour, sweet, bitter or spicy flavours, I appreciate the natural aroma of food itself. For me, the fragrance of fresh eggs and ripe tomatoes together is comforting, but when my mother makes it, there's a unique "wok hei" (the special smoky flavour from a hot wok) that makes it even more special.
Back in high school, I had to get up at around 6:30 every morning, a time when my appetite was always low. I didn't like traditional breakfasts like bread or milk. To ensure I had enough energy for the day, my mother would lovingly prepare tomato and egg stir-fry with a bowl of warm rice for me. That simple meal became my morning fuel and a reminder of her care.
Now that I live in Melbourne, whenever I'm unsure what to eat or feel a little homesick, I cook this dish for myself. My boyfriend has even grown to love it because it's not only tasty but also nourishing and comforting. For me, this dish is more than just food - it's a way to carry my mother's love across distance and time.”
Ingredients
2 ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks or slices
2 eggs
Cooking oil
Starch water
Chinese yellow wine
Soy sauce
Salt
Chopped green onions
Garlic, minced
Method
Slice the tomatoes and set them aside.
Gently beat the eggs in a bowl and add some Chinese yellow wine and soy sauce.
Heat the oil in a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped scallions and minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
Pour in the eggs and gently stir until they set, then remove from the pan.
Add the tomatoes and continue to stir-fry until they become soft and juicy. Then add the eggs, some salt and the starch water. Sprinkle more scallions on top.
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