Menemen Recipe (Turkish Scrambled Eggs with Peppers)

Menemen is a traditional Turkish dish made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and onions, all gently cooked together to create a flavorful and hearty one-pan meal. It’s simple, comforting, and incredibly versatile—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Best served with warm, crusty bread to scoop up every last bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the perfect example of how humble ingredients can transform into something truly special. The eggs are soft and creamy, the vegetables are juicy and fragrant, and the spices add a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish. It’s quick to prepare, uses just one pan, and delivers big Mediterranean flavor with minimal effort. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and easily customizable.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper (or Anaheim/Holland pepper), chopped
Kosher salt
2 vine-ripe tomatoes, chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
Black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (more to taste)
4 large eggs, beaten
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Thickly sliced French baguette or country-style bread, for serving

Directions

1. In a 10-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Season with a pinch of kosher salt. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until softened but not browned.

2. Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with a bit more salt, black pepper, oregano, and Aleppo pepper. Stir and cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until the tomatoes are softened but still hold their shape.

3. Push the tomato-pepper mixture to one side of the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the pan.

4. Cook the eggs gently, stirring occasionally, until they are just set and still moist.

5. Gently fold the tomato mixture into the eggs. Stir just to combine, then immediately remove the skillet from the heat to prevent overcooking.

6. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes if desired.

7. Serve hot with thick slices of crusty bread for scooping.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add cheese: Crumble in feta or stir in a bit of cream cheese for a richer texture.

• Spice it up: Add more Aleppo pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of harissa for heat.

• Use other peppers: Red or yellow bell peppers work just as well as green.

• Add protein: Stir in cooked sausage or ground beef for a heartier meal.

• Top it off: Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a nonstick skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals. Avoid overcooking the eggs during reheating.

FAQs

What is menemen?

Menemen is a traditional Turkish egg dish featuring scrambled eggs with tomatoes, peppers, and onions. It’s typically served with bread and enjoyed for breakfast or brunch.

Is menemen the same as shakshuka?

No. While similar in ingredients, shakshuka involves poaching whole eggs in a tomato sauce, whereas menemen scrambles the eggs into the mixture.

Can I make this without onions?

Yes. Some traditional versions of menemen skip the onions entirely—feel free to adapt to your taste.

What type of bread goes best with menemen?

A rustic, crusty bread such as a French baguette, sourdough, or Turkish pide is ideal for scooping up the soft eggs and sauce.

Can I make menemen dairy-free?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free unless you choose to add cheese.

What’s the best tomato to use?

Vine-ripe tomatoes are preferred for their sweetness and juiciness, but you can also use Roma tomatoes or even canned diced tomatoes in a pinch.

Can I prepare the veggie base in advance?

Absolutely. Cook the onion, peppers, and tomato base ahead and reheat before adding the eggs.

How do I avoid overcooking the eggs?

Keep the heat low and remove the skillet from the stove as soon as the eggs are just set.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet and adjust cooking times slightly.

Is menemen suitable for a Mediterranean diet?

Yes, it uses whole foods, healthy fats, and fresh produce—perfectly aligned with Mediterranean diet principles.

Conclusion

Menemen is the perfect dish to showcase the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients. With its rich flavor, satisfying texture, and quick cooking time, it’s easy to see why this Turkish classic has won over breakfast lovers around the world. Whether served for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, it’s a flavorful way to enjoy eggs like never before. Don’t forget the bread—it’s essential for soaking up every drop.

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