Turkish Eggs (Cilbir) High-Protein Breakfast Recipe

Turkish Eggs (Cilbir) High-Protein Breakfast Recipe

Try this easy and delicious Turkish Eggs recipe! Creamy Greek yogurt, perfectly poached eggs, and a flavorful spiced olive oil drizzle combine for a healthy and satisfying breakfast. Ready in 15 minutes!

A bowl of Turkish Eggs (Çılbır) with poached eggs, creamy Greek yogurt, and a drizzle of spiced olive oil.

Recipe Summary

  • Recipe Name: Turkish Eggs (Cilbir) Recipe
  • 🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes prep time, 5 minutes cook time
  • 🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Serves: 1 person
  • 🍽️ Calories: 263 kcal
  • 🥣 Ingredients: Eggs, Greek yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, sun-dried tomato paste, salt, microgreens, bread.
  • 👏 Why You'll Love It: Packed with protein, rich in healthy fats, gut-friendly.

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If you're working on losing weight and getting in shape, high-protein meals are a great choice, especially for breakfast! Starting your day with a protein-rich meal helps fuel your body, keep you full longer, and support your weight loss goals.

If you need a little extra motivation to start your day with breakfast, take a look at my post What Are 7 Benefits of Eating Breakfast. Try my Healthy Breakfast Oatmeal, a perfect way to start your journey toward nourishing morning meals.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Turkish Eggs are the perfect choice if you're looking for a nutritious, high-protein breakfast that keeps you full and energized! Here's why:

  • Packed with protein: Each serving provides about 25 g of protein from eggs and Greek yogurt, helping to support muscle growth and keep you satisfied longer.
  • Rich in healthy fats: Olive oil and egg yolks offer healthy fats that support brain function and overall well-being.
  • Gut-friendly: Greek yogurt contains probiotics that promote good digestion and gut health.
  • Low in carbs, high in flavor: This meal is naturally low in carbs but full of delicious, Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
  • Quick and easy to make: It's ready in just 15 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy mornings.
  • Enjoy this protein-packed dish with toasted whole-grain bread or fresh veggies for a complete and balanced breakfast. Check out my Sourdough Bread for Beginners Recipe!

Ingredients for a Flavorful Turkish Eggs Breakfast

Fresh ingredients for Turkish Eggs laid out, including eggs, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, sun-dried tomato paste, salt, microgreens, and toasted bread.
  • Fresh eggs
  • Plain Greek yogurt
  • Lemon juice (for the yogurt)
  • Vinegar (for poaching the eggs)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Sun-dried tomato paste or red pepper flakes
  • Salt to taste
  • Microgreens (for garnish)
  • Toasted bread (for serving)

How to Make the Perfect Turkish Eggs at Home

  • Prepare the yogurt base:
    • Mix Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
    • Spread it onto a plate or shallow bowl and set aside. It is best to refrigerate it while you prepare the rest. 
  • Poach the eggs:
    • Here's a simple trick for the perfect poached egg-run it through a fine mesh strainer first. This removes the loose, watery egg whites that make your poached eggs look messy. Once strained, gently transfer the egg into a small bowl.
    • Fill a medium saucepan with 3-4 inches of water (7-10 cm). This is enough depth to allow the eggs to submerge and cook evenly without touching the bottom. Bring the water to a gentle simmer. Ensure the water is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to keep the eggs intact. Adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar helps the egg whites stay together! 
    • Slide the egg into the water and let it poach for 3 to 4 minutes until the whites are set, but the yolk stays runny. Repeat with the second egg.
    • Use a slotted spoon to drain the eggs on a paper towel.
  • Make the spiced olive oil sauce:
    • Heat olive oil in a small pan over low heat.
    • Stir in one teaspoon of sun-dried tomato paste or red pepper flakes, depending on your spice preference. Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
    • Remove from heat.
  • Assemble the dish:
    • Spread the garlicky yogurt on a plate, place your perfectly poached eggs on top, and drizzle over that gorgeous, spiced olive oil.
    • For the final touch, I love adding some fresh micro greens, but you could also add some fresh dill or fresh parsley.
  • Serve:
    • Enjoy with warm, crusty bread for dipping!

Top Tip

For perfectly poached eggs, strain them through a fine-mesh sieve first to remove loose egg whites. This helps create a neater, more compact shape when poaching! 

If you enjoy savory egg dishes with a Mediterranean twist, you'll love my Easy Shakshuka with Leeks recipe, eggs poached in a rich tomato and bell pepper sauce with warm spices. It's another delicious way to start your morning!

Turkish Eggs FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt in this Turkish eggs recipe?

Yes, but Greek yogurt adds more protein and a thicker texture. If using regular yogurt, strain it slightly for better consistency.

Is çılbır (Turkish eggs) good as a high-protein breakfast?

Absolutely. With protein from eggs and Greek yogurt, çılbır is an ideal breakfast for energy and satiety.

Can I meal prep Turkish eggs?

You can prep the yogurt garlic sauce ahead of time, but poach the eggs fresh for best results.

Other Protein-Packed Breakfast Recipes to Try

⭐ Love this recipe? Leave a rating and comment below! Find me on YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram or TikTok.

📖 Recipe

A beautifully plated dish of Turkish Eggs with a smooth yogurt base, golden olive oil, and chili flakes.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Turkish Eggs (Cilbir) Recipe - High Protein Breakfast Recipe

Dr. Nena Stefanovic
Easy and delicious Turkish Eggs recipe! Creamy Greek yogurt, perfectly poached eggs, and a flavorful spiced olive oil drizzle combine for a healthy and satisfying breakfast. Ready in minutes!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Turkish
Servings: 1 person
Calories: 263kcal
Pin Recipe

Video

Ingredients
 

  • 2 eggs
  • cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice for the yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar for poaching the eggs
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 teaspoon sun-dried tomato paste or red pepper flakes
  • Salt to taste
  • ¼ cup Microgreens for garnish
  • bread toasted, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Yogurt Base:

  • Mix Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice (if using), and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
  • Spread it onto a plate or shallow bowl and set aside. It is best to refrigerate it while you prepare the rest.

Poach the Eggs:

  • Here's a simple trick for the perfect poached egg-run it through a fine mesh strainer first. This removes the loose, watery egg whites that make your poached eggs look messy. Once strained, gently transfer the egg into a small bowl.
  • Fill a medium saucepan with 3-4 inches of water (7-10 cm). This is enough depth to allow the eggs to submerge and cook evenly without touching the bottom. Bring the water to a gentle simmer. Ensure the water is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to keep the eggs intact. Adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar helps the egg whites stay together!
  • Slide the egg into the water and let it poach for 3 to 4 minutes until the whites are set, but the yolk stays runny. Repeat with the second egg.
  • Use a slotted spoon to drain the eggs on a paper towel.

Make the Spiced Olive Oil Sauce:

  • Heat olive oil in a small pan over low heat.
  • Stir in one teaspoon of sun-dried tomato paste or red pepper flakes, depending on your spice preference. Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Remove from heat.

Assemble the Dish:

  • Spread the garlicky yogurt on a plate, place your perfectly poached eggs on top, and drizzle over that gorgeous, spiced olive oil.
  • For the final touch, I love adding some fresh micro greens, but you could also ass some fresh dill or parsley.

Serve:

  • Enjoy with warm, crusty bread for dipping!
  • Quick tip: For perfectly poached eggs, strain them through a fine-mesh sieve first to remove loose egg whites. This helps create a neater, more compact shape when poaching! 

Notes

  • These are the nutrition facts for 1 serving.
  • The nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
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Nutrition

Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 334mg | Sodium: 268mg | Potassium: 332mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 659IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 202mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @nenacookssimple or tag #nenacookssimple!


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