Tantuni Recipe

A savory and spicy Turkish street food wrap filled with seasoned beef.

Tantuni is a popular street food from the Mersin province on the southeastern coast of Turkey. This mouth-watering dish consists of thinly sliced beef sous-vide cooked in aromatic spices, served in a dürüm wrap with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and fresh parsley. Traditionally cooked in an inverted pan or sac, Tantuni has become a beloved culinary treasure. Its unique blend of flavors and textures captures the essence of Turkish cuisine, offering a delightful experience with every bite. The origins of Tantuni date back to nomadic tribes who used to cook meat on a simple iron skillet over an open fire. Over time, this technique evolved into the modern-day version enjoyed by millions. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve an authentic and delicious outcome. Tantuni is perfect for satisfying your craving for a hearty, flavorful meal that's both easy to make and wonderfully gratifying.

Ingredients

• 400g beef tenderloin, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 green pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch of parsley, finely chopped
• 4 pieces of dürüm or tortilla wraps
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Nutrition

Calories: ~400 calories

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until the beef is well-coated with the spices. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Beef: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or inverted pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook, stirring frequently, for about 7-10 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and tender.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the tomato, thinly slice the green pepper and onion, and finely chop the parsley. Set them aside.
4. Assemble the Tantuni: Lay out the dürüm or tortilla wraps. Divide the cooked beef evenly among the wraps. Top each with a portion of diced tomato, sliced green pepper, onion, and chopped parsley. Optionally, squeeze a lemon wedge over the fillings for an added zest.
5. Wrap and Serve: Roll up the wraps tightly, enclosing the fillings completely. Serve immediately while warm, with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy your delicious Tantuni! This traditional Turkish dish is a burst of flavors and a crowd-pleaser at any meal. You can customize it by adding more vegetables or adjusting the spices to your taste. A quick tip: if you want to make the preparation faster, you can use pre-sliced stir-fry beef from your local grocery store. Happy cooking!