Sugar-Tossed Tomatoes Recipe – Classic Chinese Dessert

Sugar-tossed tomatoes are a classic cold side dish on Chinese family tables. It’s a simple, pure little dessert—just tomatoes and white sugar. It really can’t get any easier! The sweet and tangy flavor is super refreshing and quite the appetite booster, especially perfect for hot summer days.

There are many ways to enjoy tomatoes, but don’t underestimate this one just because it’s simple. The fact that it became a classic proves how delicious it really is. It’s a hit with both kids and adults—trust me on this!

When it’s hot out and you’re craving something cold like ice cream but don’t want the heaviness or the guilt, give this sugar-tossed tomato dish a try. Once chilled, it tastes just as satisfying as a frozen treat—plus, it’s light on your stomach and gives you a boost of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Why This Works?

✅ Nostalgic & simple – Just like grandma made it
✅ Healthier than ice cream – No cream, no guilt
✅ Customizable sweetness – From tangy to candy-like
✅ Zero waste – Every drop of juice is gold

Ingredients

• Tomatoes – 200g
• White sugar – as needed

How to Make Sugar-Tossed Tomatoes

Step 1 – Get your tomatoes and sugar ready. Wash the tomatoes and pat them dry with kitchen paper. If you don’t like the skins or prefer a softer, smoother texture, feel free to peel them.

Step 2 – Slice the tomatoes in half

and remove the stem and any tough bits around it.

Step 3 – Cut into thin slices. The thinner, the better the flavor soaks in.

Step 4 – Layer the slices neatly on a plate.

Step 5 – Sprinkle with sugar. Once it melts, it’s ready to eat. If you like it cold, wait until the sugar has mostly dissolved (it melts quickly), then cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 3 hours. The wrap helps prevent the tomatoes from picking up other odors in the fridge.

After finishing the tomatoes, make sure to drink the juice—don’t even think about tossing it! That sweet tomato syrup is the best part of the whole dish. It’s plate-licking good!

Today’s meal: Sugar-tossed tomatoes + stir-fried baby bok choy + rice with pork & egg custard. This combo is super refreshing and goes down easily even when you have no appetite.

I’ve added the recipes for the stir-fried greens and pork egg custard below—click if you need them!

👉 Steamed Egg with Minced Pork
👉 Stir-fried Baby Bok Choy

Pro Tips

1. Choose tomato varieties that are on the sweeter and softer side—they work best for this dish.
2. Want to peel the skin? Besides using a peeler, you can also blanch them: boil water, toss the tomatoes in for one minute, then transfer to cold water—skins will peel right off.
3. Like it more tart? Use less sugar. Prefer it sweeter? Sprinkle at least 7g of sugar!

Recipe Variants

1. Drizzle a little honey over the tomatoes before adding sugar for extra sweetness.
2. You can also use cherry tomatoes instead—just slice them in half and you’re good to go.

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