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Homemade Turkish Eggs (Cilbir) photo

Turkish Eggs (Cilbir)

Poached eggs served on a garlicky Greek yogurt bed, finished with spiced chili butter and fresh parsley.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Turkish

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cupplain Greek yogurt
  • 1 clovegarlicfinely minced or crushed
  • 1 tspolive oil
  • 3 1/2 tbspunsalted butter
  • 1/4 tspsweet paprikaor smoke paprika
  • 1 pinchred chili flakesadjust to taste
  • 2 large fresh eggs
  • 2 tbspwhite vinegarfor poaching
  • 2 tbspFresh parsleyfinely chopped for garnish
  • apinchsaltto taste
  • apinchcracked pepperto taste

Equipment

  • Small Bowl
  • small frying pan
  • Medium Pot
  • Slotted Spoon
  • Spoon
  • Paper Towel

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 clove garlic (finely minced or crushed), and 1 tsp olive oil. Stir until smooth, then spread the yogurt evenly on your serving plate to create a creamy bed. Set aside.
  2. In a small frying pan, melt 3 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter over low–medium heat. Add 1/4 tsp sweet (or smoked) paprika and 1 pinch red chili flakes. Stir occasionally until the butter turns golden and becomes fragrant—watch carefully to avoid burning. Remove the pan from the heat and set the chili butter aside.
  3. Fill a medium pot with 2–3 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add 2 tbsp white vinegar to the simmering water.
  4. Crack each of the 2 large eggs into separate small bowls or ramekins.
  5. Using a spoon, stir the simmering water gently to create a slight vortex. Slide one egg at a time from its bowl into the water. Poach each egg for 3–4 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks remain soft.
  6. Use a slotted spoon to lift each poached egg from the water and let it drain briefly on a paper towel. Trim any wispy whites if desired.
  7. Place the poached eggs on top of the yogurt bed. Drizzle the reserved chili butter over the eggs and yogurt. Sprinkle 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped) over the top, and season with a pinch of salt and a pinch of cracked pepper to taste.
  8. Serve immediately.

Notes

Notes
Some TIPS for Success:
Fresh Eggs Are Key:
Fresh eggs hold their shape better when poached, making a prettier presentation.
Butter Watch:
Melt the butter over gentle heat until it turns golden and smells toasty, not burnt.
Spice It Your Way:
Add more or less paprika and chili flakes depending on your heat preference. It’s flexible!
Serve Immediately:
Turkish eggs are best enjoyed hot — that contrast of warm eggs and cool yogurt is everything.
Yolk Preference?
If you like firmer yolks, poach the eggs for an extra minute. Just don’t go overboard — we’re not making hard-boiled eggs here.
Zesty Twist:
Want to brighten things up? Grate a little lemon or lime zest into the yogurt for a fresh kick.
Make It a Meal:
Pair with warm pita, roasted mushrooms, or grilled veggies for a full brunch moment — no extra eggs needed.
Storage:
Best served fresh, but the yogurt and chili butter can be prepped ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Poach eggs just before serving.