The 30 BEST Turkish Recipes (2024)

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Do you crave the flavors from around the world? Are your looking for something new, different and delicious? Then you’ll love exploring Turkish cuisine!

Traditional Turkish Recipes are full of flavors and easy home style food. Whether it’s cooking an authentic kebab or making an amazing dessert, these easy to follow recipes will make you a fan of Turkish food. From Turkish breakfast like Menemen to their famous Stuffed Aubergines called Imam Bayildi and their perfectly seasoned kabobs like Shish Tawook and Doner Kabobs, this list of Turkish recipes have it all and much more.

Intrigued already? Let’s get into it then – let’s explore Turkey through its finger licking recipes !

The 30 BEST Turkish Recipes (1)

Turkish Recipes:

1. Turkish Menemen

Let’s start our exciting list of Turkish Recipes with a traditional Turkish Egg Scramble, Menemen. We guarantee it will be a great start to a beautiful day.

This dish is made with easy veggies that are sautéed with a few spices mixed with eggs and scrambled. It’s a super quick and tasty breakfast!

Serve this healthy, satisfying Menemen with crispy bread, and enjoy it with everyone!

Get the Recipe

2. Imam Bayildi (Turkish Stuffed Aubergines)

Imam Bayildi, or Turkish Stuffed Aubergines, is possibly the most delicious Turkish food you will ever make. It tastes out of this world amazing!

This authentic recipe comes together with just a few ingredients, such as a generous amount of olive oil, lots of onions, tomatoes, and a couple of aubergines.

Just follow this easy recipe and indulge in the most loved aubergine dish!

Get the Recipe @ vidarbergum

3. Turkish Gozleme with Lamb

Do you like to play with your flatbread, or always look forward to giving a tasty makeover to your favorite dough? Then this Turkish Gozleme with Lamb recipe is for you!

The dough is completely made from scratch, and the super flavorful filling is the star of the dish. It’s made with ground lamb, spices, and feta cheese, making it so so delectable.

So try this amazing Turkish Gozleme and pin the recipe. You’ll certainly have to make this delight more than once!

Get the Recipe @ jocooks

4. Doner Kebab

Give your chicken some really intoxicating flavors by making these Doner Kebabs. You will thank us for this super flavorful Turkish dish!

The star of this recipe is the yogurt spice-based marinade which makes this chicken ultra delicious. Simply cook it to juicy, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The variety of spices is crucial to making it awesome.

This recipe has both grilling and baking instructions, so cook them whichever way you like. There are also many suggestions for serving these kebabs, like wraps, doner plates, and more!

Get the Recipe @ carlsbadcravings

5. Baklava

This recipe will help you make the world’s most delicious Baklava at home!

This heavenly dessert is pretty easy to make in only four steps. Its flaky layers of phyllo pastry is stuffed with walnuts and then finished up by pouring honey syrup on top, making it simply delicious.

So don’t wait, impress everyone at home with this amazing Baklava!

Get the Recipe @ therecipecritic

6. Pide (Turkish Flat Bread)

It’s time to try some new Turkish flatbread that is stuffed with a variety of toppings and create this amazing dish called Pide!

Pide, also known as Turkish Pizza, features oval-shaped flatbread made from scratch and then baked with different combinations of toppings. It’s completely irresistible!

This recipe includes three different toppings: spinach, Turkish sausage, and lamb. So try them all and let us know which one’s your favorite!

Get the Recipe @ recipetineats

7. Lokum (Turkish Candy)

Have you tried making candies at home? If not, then try this tasty Lokum or Turkish Delight!

This recipe features a bright and fruity combination of rosewater, orange, and raspberry that makes them super yummy. They are soft, slightly chewy, perfectly sweet, and super easy to make.

Make these sweet delights at home to make everyone happy. Plus, you can easily customize them with your favorite flavors!

Get the Recipe @ aspicyperspective

8. Yaprak Sarma (Turkish Dolma)

Try these Turkish Dolma, or Yapras Sarma, for an easy-to-make dinner or as a fun snack option.

These flavorful, Turkish-style stuffed grape leaves are brimming with fantastic Mediterranean flavors. Every bite is an irresistible delight! This recipe is completely meatless, but you can easily add ground meat if you so desire. Any version will taste amazing!

Make this popular Turkish Dolma and serve it with refreshing mint yogurt sauce to make everyone super happy!

Get the Recipe @ giverecipe

9. Simit (Turkish Sesame Bread Rings)

Make a popular Turkish street food at home and experience authentic flavors that can be savored any time of day.

Turkish Sesame Bread Rings, also called Turkish Bagels or Simit, are easier to make than you may think. Once you perfect the shaping and follow all tips and tricks, you can make the best Simit at home.

Serve it for breakfast along with menemen and shakshuka, or cut it in the middle to make a sandwich. For a sweet tooth, drizzle with honey or slather with jam. You will simply love this Turkish bread for sure!

Get the Recipe @ themediterraneandish

10. Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbasi)

Mercimet Corbasi, or Turkish Lentil Soup, is a perfect soup for winter nights that will completely warm you up from the inside out!

This velvety, hearty, and super flavorful soup is made by blending lentils, potatoes, onions, and carrots to perfection, and in just 30 minutes, you can have this amazing bowl.

Make a huge batch because the leftovers taste even better, so you can enjoy this for a whole week!

Get the Recipe @ thishealthytable

11. Karniyarik

This Karniyaril, or Turkish stuffed Eggplant, is a classic and loved dish in Turkey.

Fried eggplants are split and stuffed with a flavorful minced meat mixture and then baked to perfection. Traditionally, you need to fry the eggplant, but you can easily roast it to make it healthier. Baking instructions are included in this recipe.

So what are you waiting for? Try this truly delicious stuffed eggplant dish to wow everyone!

Get the Recipe @ unicornsinthekitchen

12. Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab (Shish Tawook)

Try this Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab, or Shish Tawook, to bring new and unique flavors to your summer cookouts!

These simple yet incredibly delicious kebabs are made with well-marinated chicken and veggies skewered and grilled to juicy perfection. The marinade is an amazing blend of milk, tomato paste, olive oil, salt, and spices that make this chicken so special and tasty.

You can enjoy these delicious kebabs with pita bread, classic pilaf, or with many more classic Turkish dishes. The options are endless!

Get the Recipe @ cookingorgeous

13. Çilbir (Turkish Poached Eggs)

We present to you a stunning, traditional Turkish Poached Eggs recipe known as Çilbir.

This classic dish is served with a garlic yogurt base and then drizzled with aromatic melted paprika butter and Aleppo pepper, then topped with a perfectly poached egg. That’s it! Just dig in with crunchy bread, pide, or simit to enjoy an authentic Turkish breakfast at home.

The combination of ingredients is super satisfying and healthy, and it makes for a great breakfast or brunch option. Everyone will surely love this amazing dish!

Get the Recipe @ alphafoodie

14. Izmir Kofte (Turkish Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)

Want a classic Turkish comfort food tonight? Then try these Izmir Kofte or Turkish Meatballs in Tomato Sauce.

This recipe contains a combination of great ingredients that create amazing flavors. It’s made from well-seasoned oval-shaped meatballs and potatoes baked together with garlicky tomato sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food.

The best part of this recipe is that you can easily make it ahead of time, and it’s freezer friendly. Make a big batch and enjoy this fantastic Kofte for weeks.

Get the Recipe @ giverecipe

15. Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad)

This classic Turkish Bean Salad, or Piyaz, is so delicious that you can easily pair this with any of your favorite main dishes.

To make this salad, you need white beans, red onions, tomatoes, parsley, and a simple zesty salad dressing. All it takes is ten minutes!

It’s so amazing that you will surely add this salad to your weekly rotational menu. It’s also great for those who are on vegan or gluten-free diets. Enjoy!

Get the Recipe @ fullproofliving

16. Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza)

Have you ever made cheese-less pizza? It may sound strange, but this Lahmacun, or Turkish Pizza, is a very popular street food in Turkey and Armenia.

It features a thin piece of round bread that is layered with delicious ground meat and spices spread over the top and then baked to perfection. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley or mint and a lemon wedge on top.

This Turkish pizza only takes 30 minutes and is a great dish to include in your future pizza party as a dairy-free option. Everyone will love it!

Get the Recipe @ aspicyperspective

17. Turkish Lamb Adana Kebab

Get ready to grill these popular Turkish Lamb Adana Kebabs, and impress everyone at home!

This recipe is made with easy, everyday ingredients, like ground lamb, sumac, parsley, and red chili, all mixed nicely and molded on skewers, then grilled to charred, juicy perfection. You can also pan-fry or bake these kebabs. All instructions are included in this recipe.

Serve these flavorful Adana kebabs with flatbread or pita, garlic yogurt sauce, and Turkish salad to enjoy a lip-smacking dish with your loved ones!

Get the Recipe @ chilitochoc

18. Kıymalı Tepsi Böreği (Turkish Phyllo Pastry with Beef)

If you have been on the lookout for a great phyllo pastry recipe, then try this very popular Kıymalı Tepsi Böreği!

This recipe is super easy, so anyone can make this delight at home. Sheets of phyllo are arranged in a tray with flavorful spiced ground beef filling and then simply baked until golden brown and crispy!

Just follow these few tips, and we’re sure you will love everything about this dish. Enjoy!

Get the Recipe @ tarasmulticaturaltable


19. Turkish Lamb Stew (Ali Nazik)

This Ali Nazik is not your ordinary Lamb Stew recipe. It’s a very popular Turkish dish that is insanely delicious!

This stew is known for its unique flavors that come from succulent lamb, smoked eggplant, bright lemony yogurt, and hot chili flakes. Every bite is a divine experience!

This recipe will be the most epic stew you will ever make. It’s best served with bread to scoop out every magical bite.

Get the Recipe @ twopurplefigs

20. Tavuk Sote (Turkish Chicken Stew)

Tavuk Sote, or Turkish Chicken Stew, is super easy and sure to become a go-to recipe!

This wholesome dish is all about tender sautéed chicken with vegetables in a flavorful, light tomato sauce, making the dish just fantastic.

This recipe is very simple to follow, so get cooking this Turkish stew and savor it with your entire family!

Get the Recipe @ vidarbergum

21. Turkish Borek

Do you like savory pastries? Then you will fall in love when you try this flaky authentic Turkish Borek!

It features perfect layers of ultra-thin phyllo dough filled with super tasty spinach and feta cheese filling, covered with another sheet of dough and brushed with a simple egg mixture, and then baked to perfection. Your super amazing savory pastry is ready to devour!

It’s a great option for breakfast or brunch to keep you satisfied for a long time.

Get the Recipe @ fullproofliving

22. Turkish Manti (Traditional Dumplings)

Make this Turkish Manti, or Traditional Turkish Dumplings, at home. Once you experience these authentic flavors, you will understand why Manti is such a popular comfort food.

This recipe is quite labor-intensive, but it will turn out so delicious that you will forget all the effort. Stuff your homemade dough with mushroom meat stuffing, then cook and serve with super flavorful garlic tomato sauce, yogurt sauce, and spicy butter sauce to make it extra tasty.

Just follow this well-explained recipe to make these amazing Turkish dumplings. We are sure it will become your family’s favorite in no time!

Get the Recipe @ cearaskitchen

23. Turkish-Style Leeks Recipe (Zeytinyağlı Pırasa)

Have you used your leeks anywhere other than soup? Here’s a way to convert them into a delicious Turkish delicacy called Zeytinyağlı Pırasa!

The dish comes together with sliced rings of leeks and carrots braised in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a bit of rice until it’s tender. Finish it off with enough good-quality olive oil for your veggies to bathe in.

Serve with crunchy bread and a side of lemon wedges, and enjoy this special leek dish with everyone. It can be a great side dish to your favorite baked fish or grilled chicken, or simply enjoy it on its own!

Get the Recipe @ themediterrraneandish

24. Sutlac (Turkish Rice Pudding)

This Sutlac, or Turkish Rice Pudding, is a popular milk-based Turkish dessert, and it deserves a spot on your dessert table!

This pudding is perfectly creamy, rich, and super yummy. It’s super easy to make and only uses a few ingredients. You can make it on the stovetop or in the oven until golden brown on top to give it extra deliciousness.

Always serve this tasty Sutlac cold, and get ready for all compliments!

Get the Recipe @ giverecipe

25. Saksuka (Turkish Vegetables)

This Şakşuka is a traditional Turkish vegetable dish that is popular as a side dish or contender for meze or buffet. Plus, it’s super easy to make.

This recipe is extremely versatile, but eggplants, zucchini, onions, and peppers are the most common veggies it’s made with. Sauté the veggies in a delicious garlicky tomato sauce to make it super tasty.

Just follow these tips to make it amazing every time. It’s a must-try Turkish recipe for all veggie lovers!

Get the Recipe @ sprinklesandsprouts

26. Turkish Rice with Orzo

Add some rich, nutty flavors to your plain boiled rice with the help of this Turkish Rice with Orzo recipe!

It’s very easy to make, but a little bit of extra effort is worth the extra time because it’s loaded with amazing flavors.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with any of your favorite stews or casseroles.

Get the Recipe @ chefnotrequired

27. Cacik (Turkish Tzatziki)

Introduce this Cacik, or Turkish Tzatziki, to your family as a new, flavorful appetizer or side dish this summer.

This common restaurant delicacy only needs 15 minutes of your time and a few easy ingredients like yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dried mint. Mix it all together, and it’s ready.

You can relish this Cacik in two ways. If it’s thick like tzatziki, serve it as a dip or sauce with crispy bread. If it’s runny, then serve as an appetizer in bowl with some nice bread and devour. It’s amazing either way!

Get the Recipe @ unicornsinthekitchen

28. Kumpir (Turkish Baked Potatoes)

Kumpir, or Turkish Baked Potatoes, is another popular street food from Turkey that you should try. It’s hands-down the most delicious one, and it’s highly versatile.

Perfectly baked potatoes with cheese topped with a bunch of your favorite toppings make the best creamy, cheesy, delicious dish.

It’s very easy to make. You can make it vegan, vegetarian, or loaded meat. Just play around with it and add what you like! Try this famous Turkish street food, and let us know how you made your baked potatoes!

Get the Recipe @ giverecipe

29. Shepherd’s Salad (Turkish Chopped Salad)

No salad can get as simple and delicious as this Shepherd’s Salad. It’s called the salad of the people because of its common seasonal ingredients.

You just have to chop your fresh veggies, like tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers, then add some seasonings, fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, and some crumbed feta. You can add your own favorite toppings, too.

So get to chopping and make yourself this amazing Turkish salad. Serve as a light lunch with some olives and pita or as a great side dish to your grilled meats, kebabs, and many more.

Get the Recipe @ thishealthytable

30. Bulgur Pilaf

We are ending our splendid list of Turkish Recipes with the best side dish of Turkish cuisine, Bulgar Pilaf!

This authentic recipe includes two different versions. One is classic Tomato Bulgur Pilaf, and the second is Bulgur Pilaf with Vermicelli. Both are super tasty!

It’s a delicious vegan or vegetarian side dish to your favorite main dishes. Just follow the tips to make it extra delicious and perfect every time. You will surely add this amazing pilaf recipe to your favorite repertoire and enjoy it over and over!

Get the Recipe @ fullproofliving

Turkish Cuisine FAQ

  1. What are the staple ingredients in Turkish cuisine? Turkish cuisine is diverse and varies by region, but common ingredients include lamb, beef, chicken, fish, vegetables, legumes, and a variety of dairy products. Olive oil, nuts, spices, and herbs also feature prominently.
  2. What are some popular Turkish dishes I should try? Some notable Turkish dishes include Kebabs (grilled meat dishes), Meze (a selection of small dishes served as appetizers), Lahmacun (a thin Turkish pizza), and Dolma (stuffed vegetables or leaves).
  3. What is the traditional Turkish breakfast? Turkish breakfast, or Kahvaltı, often includes bread, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, eggs, and sweet pastries along with tea.
  4. Are there vegetarian or vegan options in Turkish cuisine? Yes, there are numerous vegetarian and even vegan options in Turkish cuisine. These include dishes like Imam Bayildi (stuffed eggplant), Mercimek Çorbası (lentil soup), and various Meze.
  5. What are some popular Turkish beverages? Tea (Çay) is extremely popular in Turkey and is served throughout the day. Turkish coffee, known for its strong flavor and the method of preparation, is also a traditional beverage. Raki, an anise-flavored spirit, is considered the national alcoholic drink of Turkey.
  6. Is Turkish food healthy? Turkish cuisine, similar to other Mediterranean diets, is often considered healthy due to its emphasis on fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, lean meats, and whole grains. However, as with any cuisine, the healthiness can vary depending on the specific dish and preparation method.
  7. Can I cook Turkish food at home? Absolutely! Many Turkish dishes are simple to prepare with the right ingredients, and there are plenty of recipes for beginner to advanced home cooks.

Conclusion

So there you go, thirty authentic Turkish recipes for you to try. They’re all so delicious! Which ones will make their way into your regular rotation?

Save or pin this collection of great recipes so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new easy recipes for you!

Check out these other great recipe collections!
Middle Eastern Recipes
Lebanese Recipes
Mediterranean Recipes
Greek Recipes
Polish Recipes
Ukrainian Recipes
British Recipes
Irish Recipes
Italian Recipes
French Recipes

The 30 BEST Turkish Recipes (2)

30 BEST Turkish Recipes

This collection of Authentic Turkish Recipes highlight the amazing flavors of that famous Mediterranean cuisine.

Ingredients

  • ingredients vary by recipe

Instructions

  1. pick a recipe that looks good
  2. gather ingredients
  3. cook your new favorite Turkish recipe!

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The 30 BEST Turkish Recipes (3)

Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.

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