Menemen is a classic Turkish breakfast staple that brings together eggs, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices in one rustic, flavorful skillet. Cooked gently until creamy and soft, this dish is all about comfort and simplicity, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light lunch. Typically served straight from the pan with warm, crusty bread for dipping, menemen delivers Mediterranean warmth and homestyle satisfaction in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A quick and hearty one-skillet meal made in just 15 minutes
- Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free (when served without bread)
- Rich in flavor with just a handful of fresh ingredients
- Creamy, soft eggs balanced with sweet tomatoes and smoky paprika
- Perfect for cozy mornings or effortless weekday brunches
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Eggs
- Olive oil
- Onion, finely chopped
- Green pepper (Turkish or bell), chopped
- Tomatoes, grated or finely chopped
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red chili flakes (optional)
- Crusty sourdough or pita bread, for serving
Directions
- Heat the Oil:
In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. - Sauté Onions and Peppers:
Add the chopped onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the green peppers and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften and lightly brown. - Add Tomatoes and Spices:
Stir in the grated or chopped tomatoes and paprika. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until the mixture reduces slightly and becomes thick and saucy. - Add the Eggs:
Crack the eggs directly into the pan. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon, folding the eggs slowly to create soft curds. Cook just until the eggs are set but still creamy—do not overcook. - Season and Garnish:
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and sprinkle with crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and red chili flakes if using. - Serve:
Serve hot, straight from the skillet, with crusty sourdough or warm pita on the side for dipping.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories per Serving: Approximately 235 kcal
Variations
- With Sausage (Sucuklu Menemen): Add sliced Turkish sucuk (dry sausage) for a meaty twist
- Cheesy Menemen: Add grated kasar cheese or mozzarella instead of feta
- Spicy Kick: Increase the chili flakes or use a spicier pepper like jalapeño
- Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with crumbled tofu for a plant-based version
- Tomato-Rich: Use an extra tomato for a more saucy, shakshuka-like consistency
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
- Menemen is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Reheating:
- Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat. Stir continuously to avoid overcooking the eggs.
FAQs
What is the difference between menemen and shakshuka?
Menemen features scrambled eggs mixed with vegetables, while shakshuka typically has whole eggs poached in a tomato-pepper sauce.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes are traditional and preferred, but canned tomatoes can be used in a pinch—just drain excess liquid to avoid watery results.
Should the eggs be whisked before adding?
No. For traditional menemen, eggs are cracked directly into the pan and stirred gently to create soft curds.
What type of pepper is best?
Turkish green peppers (like sivri biber) are ideal, but bell peppers or banana peppers make good substitutes.
Can I make menemen dairy-free?
Yes. Simply omit the feta cheese for a dairy-free version.
Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently. It’s mildly seasoned, but you can adjust the spice level with chili flakes or hot peppers.
Can I add herbs?
Fresh parsley is most common, but dill or mint can be added for variation.
What’s the best bread to serve with menemen?
Crusty sourdough, pita, or Turkish simit are all excellent choices for scooping.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet and adjust cooking times slightly to accommodate more volume.
Is menemen suitable for meal prep?
It’s best freshly made, but the tomato-pepper base can be pre-cooked and refrigerated. Add eggs and cook just before serving.
Conclusion
Menemen is a vibrant, soul-warming dish that proves the simplest meals can be the most satisfying. With its gently scrambled eggs, simmered vegetables, and rich Mediterranean flavor, it’s a breakfast favorite that can easily transition into any meal of the day. Serve it sizzling in the pan with plenty of bread for dipping, and enjoy a taste of Turkey’s comforting culinary tradition.
Print
Turkish Scrambled Eggs
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This traditional Menemen recipe features soft scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and Mediterranean spices. A rustic and comforting Turkish breakfast dish, it’s served straight from the skillet with crusty bread for dipping. #menemen
Ingredients
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4 eggs
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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1 green pepper (Turkish or bell), chopped
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2 medium tomatoes, grated or finely chopped
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1/2 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Red chili flakes (optional)
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Slices of crusty sourdough or pita, to serve
Instructions
1. Sauté vegetables:
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Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
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Add onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
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Add chopped green pepper and continue cooking until slightly softened.
2. Add tomatoes and spices:
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Stir in grated or finely chopped tomatoes and paprika.
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Cook for 5–6 minutes, allowing the mixture to reduce slightly.
3. Add eggs:
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Crack eggs directly into the skillet (do not whisk beforehand).
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Gently stir, forming soft curds. Cook just until creamy and slightly runny.
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Season with salt and pepper.
4. Garnish and serve:
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Remove from heat. Top with crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and red chili flakes if desired.
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Serve hot in the skillet with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
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Use Turkish green peppers for authenticity, or substitute with sweet green bell peppers.
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For a richer flavor, add a small spoon of butter with the olive oil.
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Delicious as a brunch centerpiece with olives, cucumbers, and tea.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Turkish, Mediterranean
