Authentic Turkish Menemen: A Savory Egg and Vegetable Skillet Dish

Discover the rich flavors of Turkey with this traditional menemen recipe – a delightful medley of softly scrambled eggs, ripe tomatoes, and vibrant peppers.

Imagine strolling through the bustling streets of Istanbul, the aroma of spices and sizzling pans filling the air. That’s where our culinary journey begins, with a dish that captured hearts and taste buds alike: menemen.

This humble yet irresistible breakfast staple became our daily craving, earning itself a playful nickname set to the tune of a familiar Muppet song. One bite of this Turkish delight, and you’ll find yourself humming along too!

The Secret to Perfect Menemen: Choosing the Right Peppers

While many recipes call for bell peppers, the key to authentic menemen lies in using slender, slightly spicy green peppers. Shishito, Padrón, or Chinese long green peppers bring the perfect balance of heat and flavor to this dish.

Can’t find these specific varieties? Don’t worry! We’ll guide you through some clever substitutions to ensure your menemen tastes just like it does in the heart of Turkey.

Mastering the Art of Turkish Egg Scrambling

Menemen isn’t just about ingredients – it’s about technique. We’ll show you how to achieve that coveted soft, silky texture that sets this dish apart from ordinary scrambled eggs. Get ready to impress with your newfound Turkish cooking skills!

Menemen (Turkish-Style Scrambled Eggs With Tomatoes, Onions, and Chilies) Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon (1g) hot paprika (see note)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely diced (about 3/4 cup; 39g)
• 3/4 cup (90g) finely diced shishito, Padrón, or Chinese green long pepper
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup (100g) chopped peeled ripe fresh tomatoes or drained canned tomatoes
• 4 large eggs (200g), lightly beaten
• Minced fresh chives, for garnish (optional; see note)

Directions

1. Start by gently warming olive oil in a medium nonstick or cast iron skillet over low heat. Add the paprika, oregano, onion, and peppers, seasoning generously with salt and plenty of black pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables become wonderfully soft. Introduce the tomatoes and continue cooking until the colors deepen and flavors meld. Here’s a pro tip: remove and reserve half of this aromatic mixture – it’s the secret to achieving the perfect texture later!
2. Return the pan to the heat and add your lightly beaten eggs, seasoned with salt and pepper. This is where the magic happens! Stir frequently, watching closely as the eggs begin to set. The moment they reach that perfect, barely-set consistency, remove from heat. Now, gently fold in the reserved vegetable mixture, creating a beautiful marbling effect. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and watch as your guests fall in love with this Turkish delight!

Notes

For an authentic Turkish touch, try using Aleppo or Urfa chilies instead of paprika. While not traditional, a sprinkle of chives adds a delightful freshness to the dish – feel free to include or omit based on your preference.