Menemen with Smoked Beef and Black Garlic
A robust Turkish breakfast dish, this Menemen elevates the classic scramble with the deep, umami notes of smoked beef and the complex sweetness of black garlic. It's a flavorful and satisfying start to the day, offering a unique twist on a beloved staple.

Prep Time
35 min
Difficulty
Medium
Servings
2
Calories
450 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic and black garlic. Dice the red bell pepper and the smoked beef. Chop the tomatoes.
~5 min - 2
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
~5 min - 3
Add the minced garlic, black garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the pan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the pepper begins to soften.
~4 min - 4
Stir in the diced smoked beef and cook for 2 minutes until lightly browned.
~2 min - 5
Add the chopped tomatoes, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 8-10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and form a sauce.
~10 min - 6
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs lightly. Pour the whisked eggs over the tomato mixture in the pan. Gently stir and fold the eggs into the mixture until they are cooked to your desired consistency, ensuring they are not overcooked.
~5 min - 7
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
~1 min
Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider using a good quality Turkish pastirma for the smoked beef element. Ensure it's thinly sliced for easy incorporation.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra savory note, although it deviates slightly from a traditional Menemen.
Featured Collections
Popular Recipes
HalalHoney-Glazed Fig and Walnut Kofta
These sweet and sour kofta are a delightful twist on traditional Turkish flavors, featuring plump figs and crunchy walnuts. Pan-fried to perfection and coated in a fragrant honey-lemon glaze, they make for a surprisingly satisfying and elegant dinner.
HalalSour Cherry and Walnut Molasses Tartlets
These tartlets offer a delightful balance of tartness from the sour cherries and a rich, slightly bitter sweetness from the grape molasses, complemented by the earthy crunch of walnuts. They are a perfect sophisticated end to a meal, combining unexpected flavors for a memorable dessert experience.
HalalSpicy Umami Baklava with Candied Chili Pepitas
A bold twist on a classic, this baklava features layers of crisp phyllo dough filled with a savory-spicy nut mixture enhanced with a hint of umami. The sweet, crunchy top layer of candied chili pepitas provides a surprising yet delightful textural and flavor contrast.
HalalStuffed Pomegranate Lamb with Sour Cherry Glaze
Tender lamb shoulder is slowly braised with aromatic spices, then stuffed with a vibrant mixture of rice, herbs, and pomegranate seeds. It's finished with a sweet and tangy sour cherry glaze, creating a visually stunning and deeply flavorful dish perfect for a special occasion.