Name: Menemen: Turkish Spicy Egg and Vegetable Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 8 large eggs; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 medium roma tomato, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 serrano chile, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles

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Introduction

Menemen is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish featuring eggs cooked with fresh vegetables and spices. Its vibrant flavors and simple preparation make it a delicious way to start your day. This recipe delivers a warm, comforting meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

A creamy scrambled egg dish in a frying pan with a wooden spoon lifting a portion; the eggs are soft and fluffy with a mix of white cottage cheese curds, red diced tomatoes, and small green jalapeño slices scattered throughout, giving a colorful contrast; the eggs have a light orange hue with some black pepper sprinkled on top, and the pan is resting on a white marbled textured surface with a blurred white plate and cutlery in the background; a woman's hand holds the spoon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 large eggs
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion
1 medium roma tomato, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 serrano chile, thinly sliced
1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl or measuring cup, beat the eggs with salt and pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add diced tomato, red bell pepper, and serrano chile to the skillet. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Pour the beaten eggs over the sautéed vegetables and sprinkle feta cheese on top. Reduce heat to low and gently stir. Cook until the eggs are just set, then remove from heat to allow the residual heat to finish cooking the eggs. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use a nonstick skillet to prevent the eggs from sticking and make cleanup easier.
For a milder dish, substitute the serrano chile with a sweeter pepper or omit it entirely.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor before serving.
Swap feta for goat cheese or queso fresco if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover menemen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking the eggs. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be warmed carefully for a quick meal later.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a single layer of creamy scrambled eggs cooked in a pan. The eggs are soft and yellow with a slightly wet texture, mixed with small white crumbles of cheese, and scattered with pieces of red bell pepper and green jalapeño slices. Tiny black specks of pepper are sprinkled on top. The pan has a dark rim and handle, set on a white marbled surface in soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make menemen without feta cheese?

Yes, feta is traditional but optional. You can omit it or replace it with other cheese varieties like goat cheese or none at all for a dairy-free version.

What can I serve with menemen?

Menemen pairs well with crusty bread, pita, or toast to scoop up the eggs and vegetables. It also goes nicely with fresh herbs or a side of olives for a fuller breakfast experience.