Can lamb and tomatoes be stewed together?
Jul 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, lamb and tomatoes can be stewed together, but it is not recommended to consume them in large quantities. During the stewing process, it is advised to add the tomatoes in two stages: first, add a small amount and sauté to extract the juice, establishing the flavor base for the broth; then, add a few more pieces just before finishing cooking to retain the fresh, tangy taste. The lamb should be soaked in cold water in advance to remove blood, and during blanching, ginger slices and cooking wine should be added to further reduce the fishy odor.
Generally speaking, lamb and tomatoes can be stewed together, but it is not recommended to consume them in large quantities. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Lamb and tomatoes can be cooked together. This combination does not cause any adverse reactions and can complement each other in terms of taste and nutrition. Lamb is rich in protein and iron, but it can often become dry and tough when stewed, with a strong gamey odor. Tomatoes, containing abundant organic acids and lycopene, can help break down the fat in lamb during cooking, making the meat more tender and effectively neutralizing the gamey smell while adding a pleasant sour-sweet flavor. Additionally, lamb is warming in nature, whereas tomatoes are slightly cooling. Combining these two ingredients balances their properties and reduces the likelihood of heatiness after consumption.
When stewing, it is advisable to add the tomatoes in two stages: first, add a small amount at the beginning to release their juice and establish the flavor base of the broth; then, add a few more pieces near the end of cooking to preserve their fresh, tangy taste. The lamb should be soaked in cold water beforehand to remove blood residue, and ginger slices and cooking wine should be added during the blanching process to further reduce the gamey odor. The stewing time should be controlled between 1.5 to 2 hours to avoid overcooking, which may cause the lamb to become too soft and lose its desired texture.
