Turkish eggs, or Çılbır, is a delightful and savory breakfast dish that combines creamy greek yogurt with perfectly poached eggs. The dish is elevated with a fragrant spiced butter sauce, making it a unique and flavorful way to start your day.
One ingredient you might not have at home is greek yogurt, which is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt. You will also need paprika and red pepper flakes, which add a smoky and spicy kick to the dish. These can be found in the spice aisle of your local supermarket.

Ingredients For Turkish Eggs Recipe
Eggs: The main protein component, poached to perfection.
Greek yogurt: Provides a creamy and tangy base for the dish.
Garlic: Adds a sharp, aromatic flavor to the yogurt.
Butter: Used to create the spiced butter sauce.
Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor to the butter sauce.
Red pepper flakes: Brings a spicy heat to the dish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When poaching eggs, use a splash of vinegar in the simmering water to help the whites coagulate more quickly and maintain a neat shape. This will ensure your poached eggs have a beautiful, restaurant-quality appearance.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
eggs - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can mimic the texture of poached eggs when scrambled or lightly fried, making it a suitable plant-based alternative.
greek yogurt - Substitute with coconut yogurt: Coconut yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tanginess, making it a good dairy-free option.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor that can still enhance the dish without overpowering it.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a rich, smooth texture and a slightly fruity flavor, making it a healthier alternative to butter.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper offers a similar level of heat and can be used in smaller quantities to achieve the desired spiciness.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the poached eggs to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the eggs soggy.
- Transfer the garlic yogurt mixture to an airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
- Store the spiced butter separately in a small, airtight container. This ensures the flavors remain distinct and vibrant.
- Place the cooled poached eggs in a shallow, airtight container. If stacking, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
- Refrigerate all components promptly. The garlic yogurt mixture and spiced butter can be stored for up to 3 days, while the poached eggs should be consumed within 1-2 days for optimal texture.
- For freezing, avoid freezing the poached eggs as they can become rubbery. Instead, focus on freezing the garlic yogurt mixture and spiced butter.
- To freeze the garlic yogurt mixture, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Freeze the spiced butter in small portions using an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for easy use. These can be stored for up to 3 months.
- When ready to use, thaw the garlic yogurt mixture in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the spiced butter gently in a small pan until melted and fragrant.
- To reassemble, poach fresh eggs and follow the original recipe instructions, using the thawed components.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Gently reheat the poached eggs by placing them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. This will help maintain their delicate texture without overcooking the yolks.
- Warm the garlic yogurt mixture in a microwave-safe bowl. Use the microwave on a low setting, stirring every 15-20 seconds until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as it may cause the yogurt to separate.
- Reheat the spiced butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir occasionally until it melts and becomes fragrant again. This will revive the flavors of the paprika and red pepper flakes.
- Once all components are warmed, assemble the dish by spreading the garlic yogurt on a plate, placing the reheated poached eggs on top, and drizzling with the spiced butter.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and a pinch of salt just before serving to add a burst of freshness and flavor.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the greek yogurt and minced garlic.
Whisk: Helpful for mixing the yogurt and garlic until smooth.
Saucepan: Essential for poaching the eggs in simmering water.
Slotted spoon: Ideal for removing the poached eggs from the water without breaking them.
Small pan: Perfect for melting the butter and infusing it with paprika and red pepper flakes.
Spatula: Useful for stirring the spiced butter mixture.
Plate: To serve the garlic yogurt and poached eggs.
Knife: Needed for mincing the garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for mincing the garlic.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of paprika and red pepper flakes.
Serving spoon: For spreading the garlic yogurt on the plate.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients ahead: Mince the garlic and mix it with yogurt in advance to save time.
Use pre-made yogurt mix: Buy garlic yogurt from the store to skip the mixing step.
Simultaneous cooking: Poach the eggs while melting the butter to streamline the process.
Microwave butter: Melt the butter in the microwave to save time on the stove.
Quick garnish: Use pre-chopped dill or parsley to save time on garnishing.

Turkish Eggs Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the yogurt and minced garlic in a bowl. Set aside.
- Poach the eggs in simmering water until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
- Melt the butter in a small pan, then add the paprika and red pepper flakes. Stir until fragrant.
- Spread the garlic yogurt on a plate, place the poached eggs on top, and drizzle with the spiced butter.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and a pinch of salt.
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