Kookoo-ye Meygoo (کوکو میگو) — Persian Herb and Shrimp Frittata
A Southern Iranian-style herb frittata with tender shrimp, lots of cilantro and green onions, garlic, and a touch of corn flour for structure. Pan-fried until crisp at the edges, it’s light, savory, and ideal with warm flatbread.

Printable Recipe Card
Servings: 4 · Total: 43 min · Difficulty: medium
Ingredients (quick list)
- 300 g Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium) (Pat very dry; cut large shrimp into 2-3 pieces)
- 12 g Garlic (Finely grated (about 3 cloves))
- 3 g Fine sea salt (Divide: 2 g for shrimp, 1 g for egg mixture)
- 1 g Black pepper (Freshly ground)
- 6 large Eggs (About 300 g without shells)
- 60 g Fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems (Finely chopped)
- 80 g Green onions (scallions) (Thinly sliced (white and green parts))
- 20 g Corn flour (About 2 1/2 tbsp; helps bind and crisp)
- 45 ml Vegetable oil (About 3 tbsp, divided for frying)
Steps (summary)
- Prepare the shrimp: pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels so the frittata doesn’t weep. Toss shrimp with grated garlic, 2 g…
- Make the herb-egg base: in a bowl, whisk the eggs for 30–40 seconds until uniform and slightly foamy. Whisk in the remaining 1…
- Sear the shrimp briefly: heat a 24 cm (9.5 in) nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetab…
- Combine and set the first side: reduce heat to medium. Spread shrimp evenly, then pour the herb-egg mixture over the shrimp. Ge…
- Flip safely and crisp: run a silicone spatula around the edges. Slide the kookoo onto a plate. Add the remaining 30 ml (2 tbsp)…
- Rest and portion: transfer to a cutting board and rest 5 minutes so slices hold cleanly. Cut into 8 wedges for an appetizer or…
Cultural Background
Herb-based frittatas are a common home-style preparation across Iran, valued for stretching fresh greens into a satisfying meal. Shrimp versions are especially associated with Iran’s southern coastal regions, where seafood is a regular part of everyday cooking and hospitality.
Equipment
💡 Tips
- Dry shrimp thoroughly; excess moisture prevents browning and can make the center watery.
- Chop herbs finely and evenly so the kookoo slices cleanly and cooks uniformly.
- If your pan runs hot, cook covered on low-medium to set the center without over-browning the bottom.
- For extra crisp edges, use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet and add 5–10 ml more oil as needed.
- If flipping feels risky, finish the top under a broiler on high for 2–3 minutes after the first side sets (watch closely).
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Adding wet shrimp straight into the eggs
💡 Why: Moisture releases during cooking, making the center watery and preventing browning.
✅ Fix: Pat shrimp dry, season, and briefly sear before adding the egg mixture.
❌ Overcooking the shrimp during the sear
💡 Why: Shrimp finish cooking inside the kookoo; overcooking early makes them rubbery.
✅ Fix: Sear only until the first signs of pink appear (45–60 seconds), then let them finish in the eggs.
❌ Cooking on high heat the whole time
💡 Why: The bottom burns before the center sets, leading to a bitter crust and undercooked middle.
✅ Fix: Start hot briefly for the shrimp, then cook the kookoo on medium with a lid to set gently.
❌ Flipping before the first side is set
💡 Why: The mixture can break and leak, creating uneven thickness and sticking.
✅ Fix: Wait until edges are firm and the center is mostly set; use a plate flip and add oil before returning to the pan.
🧊 How to Store
Cool to room temperature within 1 hour. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low for 3–5 minutes per side, or warm in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 8–10 minutes. Do not freeze; herbs and eggs turn watery.
📅 Make Ahead
Chop herbs and slice green onions up to 24 hours ahead; store wrapped and refrigerated. Season shrimp up to 30 minutes ahead (refrigerated). Cooked kookoo can be made 1 day ahead and served at room temperature or rewarmed in a skillet.
🍽️ Pairs Well With
- Warm flatbread (lavash or pita)
- Sliced cucumbers and tomatoes
- Pickles or mixed pickled vegetables
- Plain yogurt or a yogurt-cucumber side (if desired)
Regional Variations
- Persian Gulf coastal towns (Southern Iran)Often made with abundant cilantro and green onions, and cooked a bit thinner for crisp edges; shrimp may be chopped so it distributes evenly in each slice.
- Inland urban home kitchensSometimes prepared as a thicker, cake-like kookoo for easy slicing, with a slightly higher egg-to-herb ratio and a gentler cook to keep the center custardy.
Ingredients
- 300 gRaw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium) (Pat very dry; cut large shrimp into 2-3 pieces)
- 12 gGarlic (Finely grated (about 3 cloves))
- 3 gFine sea salt (Divide: 2 g for shrimp, 1 g for egg mixture)
- 1 gBlack pepper (Freshly ground)
- 6 largeEggs (About 300 g without shells)
- 60 gFresh cilantro leaves and tender stems (Finely chopped)
- 80 gGreen onions (scallions) (Thinly sliced (white and green parts))
- 20 gCorn flour (About 2 1/2 tbsp; helps bind and crisp)
- 45 mlVegetable oil (About 3 tbsp, divided for frying)
🔄 Substitutions
- Corn flour→ Cornstarch
- Vegetable oil→ Olive oil or avocado oil
- Cilantro→ Flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the shrimp: pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels so the frittata doesn’t weep. Toss shrimp with grated garlic, 2 g of the salt, and the black pepper. Let stand 10 minutes at room temperature while you chop the herbs and heat the pan.
- 2
Make the herb-egg base: in a bowl, whisk the eggs for 30–40 seconds until uniform and slightly foamy. Whisk in the remaining 1 g salt and the corn flour until no dry pockets remain. Fold in the chopped cilantro and sliced green onions until evenly distributed.
- 3
Sear the shrimp briefly: heat a 24 cm (9.5 in) nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil, then add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook 45–60 seconds, stirring once, just until the shrimp begin turning pink (not fully cooked).
- 4
Combine and set the first side: reduce heat to medium. Spread shrimp evenly, then pour the herb-egg mixture over the shrimp. Gently shake the pan to level. Cover and cook 6–7 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is mostly set but still slightly glossy.
- 5
Flip safely and crisp: run a silicone spatula around the edges. Slide the kookoo onto a plate. Add the remaining 30 ml (2 tbsp) oil to the skillet and heat 30 seconds. Invert the kookoo back into the pan, uncooked side down, and cook uncovered 4–5 minutes until golden.
- 6
Rest and portion: transfer to a cutting board and rest 5 minutes so slices hold cleanly. Cut into 8 wedges for an appetizer or 4 large portions for a main. Serve warm or at room temperature, with flatbread and crisp vegetables if desired.
🪪 Recipe Passport
Cultural Background
Herb-based frittatas are a common home-style preparation across Iran, valued for stretching fresh greens into a satisfying meal. Shrimp versions are especially associated with Iran’s southern coastal regions, where seafood is a regular part of everyday cooking and hospitality.
Regional Variations
Researched from multiple sources and validated by the Zaffaron editorial team. Every recipe is tested for accuracy, measurements, and cultural authenticity.
Nutrition per serving
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