Beef tomato is one of those pot-meals that’s home just because of what it is. It’s plain good, honest food-the comfort comes with each mouthful without being too flashy or extravagant. Then there’s magic in the melting together of tender beef and tender, juicy tomatoes in a rich sauce; and it’s a meal balanced in all flavors so that it feels like a warm, cozy hug in a plate.
The meal involves giving more value to cooking skills. Just the simple meat, tomato, and seasonings can be enough; however, give some more varieties by adding more vegetables, fresh herbs, or a touch of heat for a spicy treat. Ultimate crowd-pleaser: whether sharing it with a date or even as a family-style meal. Best yet, very affordable, with just those simple and cheap essentials that can feed everyone yet leave you all dying at the end of the month without any money left to spend. And, of course, it frees up space for more trips or events without sacrificing the food.
Why This is the Best beef tomato Recipe
Beef tomato stir fry will make a part of the best quick stir fry recipes that will not lack flavor, and it’s done in less than 30 minutes. So, it gets better on busy weeknights. The recipe calls for coupling fresh aromatics and juicy tomatoes in this tender beef stew, beautifully balancing all elements of flavor so that it strikes the right notes.
In fact, this harmonious combination makes each mouthful a satisfying experience. You can easily customize it with vegetables you have on hand, so it is winning in every sense of the word.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced beef
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Beef Tomato Stir-fry Recipe Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to prepare a tasty beef tomato dish that’s packed with flavor and ready in no time!
1: Marinate the Beef
Mix sliced beef with water, cornstarch, baking soda, oil, and oyster sauce. Allow it to soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour for soft, flavorful beef.
2: Make the Sauce
Combine soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
3: Sear the Beef
Warm 1 tablespoon of oil in a preheated wok. Sear the beef for 1 minute until 80% cooked. Remove and set aside.
4: Cook Aromatics
Heat another tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry ginger for 10 seconds, then add garlic, shallot, and scallion whites. Toss for 10 seconds. Stir in ketchup and cook for 30 seconds.
5: Add Tomatoes
Add tomato wedges, sear for 15 seconds, and deglaze with Shaoxing wine. Push everything to one side of the wok.
6: Combine and Thicken
Pour in the sauce base and stir. Toss in the beef and cook while stirring for 20 seconds. Mix in cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce to your liking.
7: Garnish and Serve
Add scallion greens, cook for 15 seconds, and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Quick, simple, and bursting with flavor!
Tips for Making beef tomato
Choose the Right Tomatoes: If you’re using fresh tomatoes, go for ones that are firm and ripe. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes work best.
Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the beef adds a ton of flavor, so take your time with this step.
Taste as You Go: The balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors is key. Adjust the seasonings until it’s just right.
Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh parsley, basil, or cilantro on hand, chop some up and sprinkle it over the top for a burst of freshness.
Why This Dish Works for Every Occasion
Beef and tomato isn’t just tasty—it’s practical.
- Quick Dinner Solution: On a busy weeknight, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: With just a few basic ingredients, you can feed a crowd without spending a fortune.
- Leftover-Friendly: The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.
Also, should we even mention how cozy this sounds? In winter, on a cold evening, or in summer, on a rainy night, it feels like wrapping a soul in a gigantic warm blanket.
Variations to Try for beef tomato
Add Veggies: Add coarsely grated zucchini, mushrooms or spinach to really kick this dish up a notch when it comes to the nutrition factor.
Switch Up the Protein: If all that really doesn’t sound good to you, then swap it up. Swap lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Even healthier could be using crumbles of tofu instead.
Make It a Soup: It’s also very nice to add some beef broth or vegetable stock, bring to a hearty boil and this turns it into a nice one-pot meal. A little pasta or rice and you would have soup.
Go Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Asian-Inspired Twist: Use hoisin sauce or oyster instead of soy sauce, and sprinkle with more sesame seeds before serving.
How to Tenderize Beef for Stir-fry
One of the things which makes your beef tender and juicy during stir-fries is the amount of preparation of the meat. Most often referred to as velvetizing, this important procedure involves marinating the beef with cornstarch, baking soda, and a little water or oil. The technique really breaks down the meat fiber by itself and would provide a soft, melt-in-your-mouth mouthfeel somedayan differ from any other process. The combination of cornstarch forms a barrier block over the beef, trapping moisture within it during cooking, while baking soda acts as a tenderizer in softening the meat more.
Add to that, it’s one of the best velveting methods that Chinese cooking offers. It’s incredible how it can give that signature silky texture to stir-fries from restaurants. The advantage? Well, surprisingly, it does at home! Yes, strangely to do at home! After beef has been marinated between 30 minutes and an hour, significant changes occur in juiciness and tenderness and flavor coating when the meat is cooked. If you’re really keen on learning the fine art of stir frying, this is essential for the process. Of course, if you’re quite interested and want to delve further, check out our detailed guide on how to tenderize beef for stir-fry. Absolutely a life changer in a kitchen!
The Art of Chinese Stir-fry Techniques
The Chinese stir-fry technique refers to the time in which what they have to do is build layers of flavor for such little time. And then, one has to be high in heat and constant stirring while using fresh ingredients all of these up for creating the perfect dish. The above beef and tomato stir-fry sears the beef first to lock in its juices while the aromatics like ginger, garlic, and scallions fry at high heat to release their oils and make the flavor much more pronounced. If one is not familiar with cooking Chinese food, this could be a good recipe to try with a stir-fry practice.
Healthy Beef Recipes That Don’t Compromise on Taste
Beef tomato stir-fry is not only delicious but also a relatively healthy beef recipe. Moreover, packed with protein, fresh tomatoes, and nutrient-rich aromatics, it’s a dish you can feel good about serving your family. For a lighter option, you can swap regular beef for leaner cuts like sirloin or even try ground turkey as a substitute. Additionally, pair it with brown rice or cauliflower rice to keep it wholesome and nutritious.
A Personal Story
The first time I made beef and tomato, I was skeptical. It sounded too simple to be good, but boy, was I wrong. I remember my husband walking into the kitchen and saying, “What smells so good?” That’s when I knew I was onto something.Now, it’s a dish I make at least once a month. My kids love it, my picky-eater brother asks for seconds, and I get to feel like a rockstar chef without spending hours in the kitchen.
FAQs
What is the Difference Between Tomatoes and Beef Tomatoes?
Beef tomatoes differ from other varieties in size, texture, and culinary use. While most tomatoes, such as Roma or cherry tomatoes, are smaller and juicier, beef tomatoes are significantly larger with a thicker, meatier flesh. They contain fewer seeds and less water, which makes them better suited for dishes that require structure and substance. In addition, this quality helps them maintain their integrity in a variety of recipes. Whether used raw or cooked, beef tomatoes offer a hearty bite that sets them apart from their juicier counterparts.
What Are Beef Tomatoes Best Used For?
Beef tomatoes are versatile kitchen favorites with their firm texture and soft flavor. Besides, the size and structure of a beef tomato mean that it can be cut into slices to go into a sandwich without losing shape or becoming soggy. They are also good for stuffing: scoop out the center and fill them with your favorite mixture of grains, proteins, or veggies. Beef tomatoes also do a good job on the grill or in the oven, holding shape well with heat. In stews, sauces, and stir-fries, beef tomatoes will break down a little but still hold their structure, which makes them quite popular for hearty recipes.
What is a Beefy Tomato?
A “beefy tomato” refers to a tomato that is large, dense, and has a texture similar to the traditional beef tomato. These tomatoes are known for their substantial flesh, which feels almost meaty when sliced. They are excellent for recipes that need a tomato with structure, whether it’s for layering in a sandwich or simmering in a rich sauce. Their hearty, firm quality makes them a standout choice in the tomato world.
Why is it Called a Beef Tomato?
The term “beef tomato” comes from the tomato’s large size and dense, meaty texture. Unlike smaller, juicier varieties, such as cherry or grape tomatoes, beef tomatoes are known for their thick flesh and minimal seeds. Moreover, Their robust structure and satisfying weight make them feel as substantial as a piece of meat, giving rise to their unique name.
Ready to Give It a Try?
There’s no wrong way to make beef and tomato, which is part of what makes it so special. In fact, you can follow the recipe or tweak it to suit your tastes. Either way, you’re going to end up with a meal that’s warm, hearty, and downright delicious.
So, grab your skillet and get cooking—you’ve got this! And if you make it, let me know how it turns out. I love hearing about your kitchen adventures!
more relevant recipes:
Print
beef tomato
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Discover the ultimate beef tomato recipe! A hearty, flavorful dish with tender beef, juicy tomatoes, and savory sauce—perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced beef
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
Mix sliced beef with water, cornstarch, baking soda, oil, and oyster sauce. Allow it to soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour for soft, flavorful beef.
Combine soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
Warm 1 tablespoon of oil in a preheated wok. Sear the beef for 1 minute until 80% cooked. Remove and set aside.
Heat another tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry ginger for 10 seconds, then add garlic, shallot, and scallion whites. Toss for 10 seconds. Stir in ketchup and cook for 30 seconds.
Add tomato wedges, sear for 15 seconds, and deglaze with Shaoxing wine. Push everything to one side of the wok.
Pour in the sauce base and stir. Toss in the beef and cook while stirring for 20 seconds. Mix in cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce to your liking.
Add scallion greens, cook for 15 seconds, and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Quick, simple, and bursting with flavor
Notes
- Marinating the beef enhances its flavor and tenderness.
- Searing the beef ensures a rich, savory texture.
- Fresh tomatoes give a vibrant, tangy contrast to the beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Beef with tomatoes, stir-fried beef, easy beef recipe, savory beef, healthy stir fry, homemade beef stir fry, beef tomato stir fry, tomato beef recipe, beef stir fry with tomatoes, stir-fry beef and vegetables
2 thoughts on “beef tomato”