番茄炒蛋 · Fān qié chǎo dàn
Tomato & Egg Stir-fry
Soft eggs, juicy tomatoes, and a little sauce to spoon over rice. A comforting place to begin your Chinese cooking journey.
Thin beef with celery that stays slightly crisp. Peel tough strings from thick celery stalks before slicing.

Cut meat across its grain into 3 mm slices or small even cubes as specified. Prepare vegetables. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, starch, measured sauce water, and all additional seasonings.
Heat oil over medium-high heat. Spread meat in one layer, working in batches if needed. Turn and stir for 3–5 minutes, checking doneness. Whole-cut beef or lamb must reach 63°C and rest at least 3 minutes. Transfer to a clean plate.
Remove tough celery strings if needed. After removing beef, stir garlic, ginger, and celery 3–4 minutes until hot and lightly tender.
Stir the sauce again so starch lifts from the bottom. Pour into the vegetables and simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy. Return cooked meat and toss for 30–60 seconds, until hot throughout.
Use a wide pan and cook the meat in batches when necessary. Crowding makes the food simmer in its own liquid.
Light soy sauce: Use a labelled gluten-free tamari if needed; check every other sauce label too.
Whole cuts of beef must reach 63°C / 145°F and rest at least 3 minutes.
FoodSafety.gov guidance ↗