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Turkish Eggs (Cilbir) Recipe

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4.1 from 85 reviews

Turkish Eggs, also known as Cilbir, is a classic Turkish breakfast dish featuring silky, creamy yogurt combined with tender poached eggs, all topped with a fragrant drizzle of spiced melted butter and fresh herbs. This savory and comforting dish balances tangy yogurt with the warmth of paprika-infused butter and is traditionally served with crusty bread for dipping.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Eggs & Yogurt Base

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste

Spiced Butter Sauce

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp paprika or chili flakes

Garnish & Serving

  • Fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • Bread for serving (such as crusty rustic bread or sourdough)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Yogurt Base: In a bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt with the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly on the serving plates as a bed for the eggs.
  2. Poach the Eggs: Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer—just below boiling—to ensure delicate cooking. (Optional: add a splash of vinegar to help the egg whites set neatly.) Crack each egg into a small bowl then gently slide them into the simmering water. Poach for about 3-4 minutes until the whites are fully set but the yolks remain runny.
  3. Make the Spiced Butter: While the eggs are poaching, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the paprika or chili flakes and gently heat for 30 seconds to infuse the butter with vibrant color and spice.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the poached eggs from the water and place them on top of the garlic yogurt spread on the plates. Drizzle the warm spiced butter generously over the eggs and yogurt.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped dill or parsley over the dish for a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately alongside slices of your preferred bread to scoop up the creamy yogurt and runny yolk.

Notes

  • Use thick Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier texture that holds up well under the eggs.
  • Adding a splash of vinegar (such as white or apple cider vinegar) to the poaching water helps the egg whites coagulate more quickly and creates a neater poached egg.
  • Adjust the amount of chili flakes or paprika to control the spice level in the butter drizzle.
  • Serve with warm, crusty bread for an authentic Turkish breakfast experience.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Poaching
  • Cuisine: Turkish
  • Diet: Vegetarian