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.
A quick pan of rice with eggs, peas, and scallions. Separate grains and a hot pan do most of the work.

Break up cold rice clumps. Freshly cooked rice can also work: spread briefly on a clean shallow tray to release steam, then use promptly. Do not leave rice out overnight. Beat eggs and prepare the vegetables.
Heat half the oil over medium heat. Add eggs, scramble until cooked, and transfer to a clean plate.
Add the remaining oil and rice. Increase to medium-high heat and stir for 4–6 minutes. Add peas and cook until hot throughout.
Return eggs, then add soy sauce, scallions, and optional pepper. Toss well. Reheated rice should reach 74°C / 165°F throughout. Serve immediately.
Over-wet grains turn fried rice mushy. Use a wide pan, break clumps first, and add soy sauce gradually. Chilled rice must have been cooled promptly and refrigerated.
Peas: Use finely diced carrot instead; cook it until tender before adding rice.
Refrigerate cooked rice within 2 hours; within 1 hour above 32°C / 90°F. Reheat to 74°C / 165°F.
FoodSafety.gov guidance ↗These sources inform general techniques. Our quantities and steps are editorial adaptations, not author endorsements or kitchen-test results.
Daddy Lau · Made With Lau ↗
Both fresh and properly stored leftover rice can work; avoid soggy, clumped grains.