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Donna R. Luis

Cozy One-Pan Tomato Egg Noodles

A quick and comforting one-pan noodle dish made with juicy tomatoes, savory soy-based sauce, fresh noodles, and crispy-edged fried eggs with soft yolks. The noodles cook directly in the flavorful tomato broth, creating a satisfying meal that can be customized with spam, vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large frozen tomatoes
  • Freezing the tomatoes helps break down their cell structure so they release more juice during cooking. Fresh tomatoes may also be used but a little water may be needed as necessary.
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons chili oil
  • Use chili oil with approximately half chili and half oil.
  • For a non-spicy version use 1 tablespoon regular cooking oil instead.
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 portion fresh noodles 120–150 grams / 4–5.3 ounces
Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup or 1 teaspoon tomato paste
  • ½ tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon optional
Optional Toppings
  • 1 piece pan-fried spam
  • ½ cup vegetables such as bean sprouts or lettuce
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions or cilantro

Equipment

  • Nonstick pan with a lid, for frying the eggs, sautéing the ingredients, and cooking the noodles
  • Knife and cutting board, for peeling and chopping the tomatoes and preparing optional toppings
  • Small bowl for mixing the sauce
  • Measuring spoons, for measuring the sauce ingredients accurately
  • Chopsticks, for gently spreading the fresh noodles in the pan

Method
 

  1. Soften the Tomatoes: Soak the 2 frozen tomatoes in cold water for 10 minutes, or until they have softened enough to peel.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: Add all of the sauce ingredients to a small bowl and stir until thoroughly combined.
  3. Peel and Chop the Tomatoes: Remove the softened tomatoes from the water, peel away the skins, and chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Heat the Oil: Place a nonstick pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons chili oil.
    For a non-spicy version, use 1 tablespoon regular cooking oil instead.
  5. Fry the Eggs: Gently crack the 2 eggs into the hot pan and cook until both sides are golden and crispy while the yolks remain runny.
    Alternatively, cook the eggs sunny-side up if preferred.
  6. Cook the Spam: If using pan-fried spam, sauté it in the pan together with the eggs.
    Once cooked, transfer the eggs and spam to a plate and set aside.
  7. Sauté the Garlic: Using the remaining oil in the same pan, sauté the 1 teaspoon minced garlic over medium heat for 30 seconds.
  8. Cook the Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and pan-fry them for 1 minute.
  9. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and stir it together with the tomatoes.
  10. Add the Noodles: Place 1 portion of fresh noodles directly into the pan.
    Use chopsticks to gently spread the noodles evenly through the tomato sauce.
  11. Cover and Cook: Cover the pan with a lid and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, or according to the cooking instructions on your noodle package.
  12. Adjust the Broth: Allow the tomatoes to release their juices and form a flavorful broth.
    If you prefer a soupier bowl of noodles, add hot water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
  13. Finish the Dish: Place the fried eggs on top of the cooked noodles.
    Add optional toppings such as pan-fried spam, bean sprouts, or greens.
  14. Garnish and Serve: Finish with chopped green onions or cilantro and serve the tomato and egg noodles warm.

Notes

  • Frozen tomatoes release plenty of juice as they cook, helping create the tomato-based broth for the noodles.
  • Fresh tomatoes can also be used, but you may need to add a little water if they do not release enough liquid.
  • For a milder dish, replace the chili oil with 1 tablespoon of regular cooking oil.
  • Keep an eye on the eggs while frying so the edges become golden and crispy without overcooking the yolks.
  • Follow the noodle package instructions if your particular fresh noodles require a different cooking time.
  • Add hot water gradually if you prefer a thinner, soupier consistency.
  • Optional toppings such as spam, bean sprouts, lettuce, green onions, and cilantro can be added according to your preference.