This Dish Will Change the Way You Eat Poached Eggs

This Dish Will Change the Way You Eat Poached Eggs is a medium Turkish recipe that serves 2. 240 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 7 min | Cook: 11 min | Total: 23 min

Cost: $8.56 total, $4.28 per serving

Ingredients

  • 0.5 cup Strained Whole Milk Yogurt (Thick Turkish-style yogurt, preferably whole milk; can strain Greek yogurt to achieve consistency)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Garlic (Finely grated; optional but traditional)
  • 1 pinch Salt (For seasoning the yogurt)
  • 2 large Large Eggs (Room temperature for best poaching results)
  • 1 tablespoon White Vinegar (Helps set egg whites quickly)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (For poaching water; adds subtle seasoning)
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (Cut into small pieces; melted and lightly browned)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Pul Biber (Aleppo Pepper Flakes) (Mildly spicy Turkish chili flakes; can adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried Mint (Adds bright herbal note; optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the Yogurt

    In a mixing bowl combine the strained yogurt, grated garlic (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Spread Yogurt on Plates

    Using the back of a spoon or a spatula, spread the seasoned yogurt evenly onto each serving plate, creating a shallow bed for the eggs.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Prepare Poaching Water

    Fill a Dutch oven with 1.5 quarts of water, add 1 tablespoon white vinegar and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 212°F

  4. Prep the Eggs

    Crack each egg into a colander, letting the whites rest for 20‑30 seconds so the thin portion drips away. Then gently pour the eggs into a liquid measuring cup.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Poach the Eggs Off the Heat

    Turn off the heat and carefully slide the eggs into the hot water, spacing them apart. Cover the Dutch oven and let the eggs sit for about 3 minutes, aiming for runny yolks and set whites.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Dry the Poached Eggs

    Using a slotted spoon, lift each egg, give it a gentle shake to remove excess water, and pat the bottom with a paper towel to wick away moisture.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Make the Spiced Butter Sauce

    In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. When it begins to sputter and turn lightly golden, add the pul biber and dried mint, stirring for another 30 seconds.

    Time: PT2M30S

    Temperature: Medium heat

  8. Assemble and Serve

    Place each poached egg on top of the yogurt bed, then drizzle the hot spiced butter over the eggs. Garnish with a pinch of extra pul biber or dried mint if desired. Serve immediately with flatbread for dipping.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
240
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
5g
Fat
18g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (if served without bread)

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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This Dish Will Change the Way You Eat Poached Eggs

Recipe by America's Test Kitchen

Cilbir is a classic Turkish breakfast dish featuring thick strained yogurt topped with perfectly poached eggs and a fragrant butter sauce seasoned with pul biber (Aleppo pepper) and dried mint. The recipe balances creamy, tangy yogurt with rich, nutty butter and runny yolks for a comforting, elegant meal any time of day.

MediumTurkishServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
27m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.56
Total cost
$4.28
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season the yogurt thoroughly before spreading.
  • Poach the eggs off the heat to avoid overcooking.
  • Melt the butter just until it sputters and add spices immediately.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Hot butter can splatter; keep a safe distance while melting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Cilbir in Turkish cuisine?

A

Cilbir dates back to the Ottoman Empire, where poached eggs were a royal test for chefs. Over time it became a beloved everyday dish served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, embodying the Turkish love of yogurt, eggs, and spiced butter.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Cilbir within Turkey?

A

In some regions the yogurt is mixed with herbs like dill or mint, while others add a drizzle of honey for a sweet‑savory twist. The butter sauce may also feature different chilies, such as Urfa biber, for a deeper smoky flavor.

cultural
Q

How is Cilbir traditionally served in Turkey?

A

Cilbir is typically plated on a shallow dish with a thick layer of strained yogurt, topped with poached eggs and a generous drizzle of spiced butter. It is eaten with sturdy flatbreads such as bazlama or pita, used to scoop up the yogurt and butter.

cultural
Q

On what occasions is Cilbir traditionally enjoyed in Turkish culture?

A

While now an everyday comfort food, Cilbir was once reserved for special occasions and royal banquets. Today it appears at family breakfasts, brunches, and festive gatherings, especially during Ramadan evenings.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients define Cilbir and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic Cilbir uses thick whole‑milk Turkish yogurt, fresh eggs, unsalted butter, and pul biber (Aleppo pepper). Substitutes include Greek yogurt (well‑strained), crushed red pepper flakes for pul biber, and clarified butter if a richer flavor is desired.

cultural
Q

What other Turkish dishes pair well with Cilbir?

A

Cilbir pairs beautifully with savory pastries like börek, fresh salads such as shepherd’s salad, and hearty soups like lentil soup (mercimek çorbası). A side of olives and feta also complements the tangy yogurt.

cultural
Q

What makes Cilbir special or unique in Turkish cuisine?

A

Cilbir uniquely combines three staple Turkish components—yogurt, eggs, and butter—into a single dish, showcasing the balance of creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors that characterize much of Turkish home cooking.

cultural
Q

How has Cilbir evolved over time in Turkish culinary tradition?

A

Originally a luxurious court dish, Cilbir has become democratized, with home cooks adapting the butter sauce’s heat level and adding herbs or honey. Modern versions may also be served on toast instead of traditional flatbread.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cilbir at home?

A

Common errors include using thin, watery yogurt (which makes the dish soupy), overcooking the poached eggs, and burning the butter before adding the spices. Also, adding the butter sauce while it’s too hot can make the yogurt separate.

technical
Q

Why does this Cilbir recipe poach the eggs off the heat instead of simmering them?

A

Poaching off the heat provides gentle, even cooking, preventing the whites from becoming rubbery and ensuring the yolk stays runny. It also reduces the risk of over‑cooking the delicate eggs.

technical
Q

Can I make Cilbir ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the seasoned yogurt and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Poach the eggs fresh, then drizzle the warm butter sauce just before serving. Store any leftover butter sauce refrigerated and reheat gently.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specialize in?

A

America's Test Kitchen specializes in rigorously tested, science‑based recipes, detailed equipment reviews, and cooking technique tutorials that help home cooks achieve reliable, repeatable results.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen's approach to Turkish cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

America's Test Kitchen applies systematic testing and precise measurements to Turkish recipes, focusing on reproducibility and clear explanations, whereas many other channels may rely on intuition or traditional methods without detailed troubleshooting.

channel

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