Easy Borek Recipe in 15 Minutes – Crispy & Delicious?

If you love crispy, golden pastries, this Turkish borek recipe is a must-try! In just 15 minutes, you can prepare a delicious, flaky treat using a pan on the stovetop. All you need is yufka sheets or phyllo dough, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make it from scratch. This easy method requires only a rolling pin, with no complicated steps involved.

 Simply layer, fill, roll, and cook it directly on the stove-top, making 5-10 at once! The best part? The crispiness and taste will remind you of authentic bakery-style borek, and you’ll love how simple it is to put together. Just get your tea ready and enjoy the process!

Essential Ingredients for Turkish Borek

• 300-350 gr. thick phyllo sheets or yufka sheets for a crispy texture.
• 1 egg to create a rich and golden top layer.
• 1/3 cup milk and 1/3 cup vegetable oil to keep the borek soft inside.
• A pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
• 200gr. Turkish white cheese or feta cheese, you can also mix shredded mozzarella for extra creaminess.
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley to add a fresh and aromatic touch to the filling.
• Butter or vegetable oil to lightly grease the 22-24cm nonstick pan before you cook.
• A well-heated pan ensures the borek turns out golden and crispy.

Preparing the Perfect Borek Sauce & Filling

How to Make the Sauce:

•  To make the perfect borek sauce, take a medium size bowl and crack an egg into it. Then, add milk, vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt to bring out the rich flavor. Mix everything well until smooth, ensuring the ingredients blend evenly. This simple sauce helps the borek turn golden and crispy while keeping it soft inside.

How to Prepare the Filling:

In a medium size bowl, crumble white cheese or feta cheese to create a creamy texture. If you prefer extra richness, grate mozzarella and add it to the mixture along with chopped parsley. Finally, mix well to evenly blend the flavors, ensuring a delicious and perfectly balanced borek filling.

Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling Borek

Using Store-Bought Yufka or Phyllo Sheets:

• Ready yufka or phyllo sheets are bigger in size, so for 300-350gr, you’ll probably be using 3 sheets. In a nonstick, cast iron, 22-24cm diameter pan, place one sheet covering the bottom and sides, letting the rest hang over the edges.
  
• After you fill the inside of the borek, close the top to cover it. Place the second sheet, wrinkling it slightly to fit the pan. This helps create air pockets while keeping the sauce inside. Pour and drizzle almost half of the sauce to dampen the layers.
  
• Add the filling evenly over the wet sheet, then place the third sheet, covering the cheese filling. Drizzle more sauce and fold the hanging pieces, making sure to lightly wet the overlapping layers so they hold together.
  
• Do not stick sauce on top while cooking to avoid burning. Instead, pour any leftover sauce inside if needed. For a visual guide, you can watch the video to see the process step by step.

Making Borek with Homemade Yufka or Frozen Thick Phyllo Sheets:

• To build the perfect borek, start by covering the bottom and sides of the pan with 3 small sheets, letting them hang over the edges. Then, begin layering by placing the next wrinkled sheets, using 3-4 or more as needed. Follow the same method—spread half the sauce, place the filling, and repeat the steps to form a rich layer. Finally, fold the hanging sheets over the borek to seal everything inside, ensuring a golden, crispy texture when cooked.

Cooking Borek on the Stovetop – The Best Method

Bake the borek on low to medium heat, closing the lid until the bottom turns golden brown. When you check, you’ll notice delicious smells coming from the pan. Using a flat plate that can fit inside the pan, carefully flip the borek to cook the other side for at least 15 minutes, allowing the inside to fully set. 

Once done, let it rest preferably on a wire cooling rack or cutting board for 10 minutes. Then, cut into squares traditionally or wedges, depending on what you prefer. Serve warm with a glass of Turkish tea for the perfect taste.

Homemade Yufka – How to Make Precooked Phyllo Sheets from Scratch

You can use these thin sheets for many delicious recipes in Turkish cuisine, whether for borek, a wrap, or even a tortilla. I have explained all the details in a special episode, which you can watch in the video linked down below.

Ingredients:

• Use 1 cup lukewarm water or a mix of 1/3 milk and 2/3 water for a soft dough.
  
• Save cheese water in order to avoid waste—this is totally optional but adds flavor.
• If you’re experimenting with flavors, try different liquids to make the dough unique.
• I will share more tips on this soon, so stay tuned!
• Add 1 tsp each dry yeast, vegetable oil, and salt to enhance the texture.
• You will need about 3 cups all-purpose flour to get the right consistency.
• Knead well until smooth, ensuring it is neither too sticky nor too dry.
• Let it rest before rolling for a soft and easy-to-work dough.
  

Delicious Borek Filling Variations to Try

While cheese and parsley are classic choices, you can also experiment with different fillings to suit your taste. Try a savory ground meat filling by sautéing minced beef or lamb with onions, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Spinach and feta cheese is another delicious option, adding a fresh, slightly tangy taste. For a heartier version, mashed potatoes mixed with spices can create a soft and comforting filling.

Baking Borek in the Oven – An Alternative Cooking Method

If you prefer baking instead of stovetop cooking, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the assembled borek in a greased baking tray. Brush the top with egg yolk or butter for a golden finish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy. This method ensures an evenly cooked borek with a delightful crunch.

Storing & Reheating Borek for the Best Texture

If you have leftover borek, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. To reheat and maintain crispiness, warm it in a pan over low heat or bake it at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the borek soggy.

Perfect Serving Suggestions for Borek

Borek is best enjoyed fresh and served warm with a traditional glass of Turkish tea. It pairs well with a side of yogurt, pickles, or a fresh tomato and cucumber salad. If serving for breakfast, try it alongside olives and honey for a sweet-savory contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions About Borek?

Can I use store-bought phyllo dough instead of yufka for borek?

Yes, you can use phyllo dough, but make sure to use thicker sheets to achieve the traditional crispy texture.

How can I make borek without an oven?

You can cook borek on the stovetop in a nonstick pan, flipping it halfway to ensure both sides turn golden brown.

What is the best cheese to use for borek?

Turkish white cheese or feta cheese works best, but you can also mix it with mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Can I make borek ahead of time and store it?

Yes, you can refrigerate unbaked borek for up to 24 hours or freeze it for longer storage.

How do I reheat borek to keep it crispy?

Reheat borek in a pan over low heat or in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving.

Can I use a different filling besides cheese?

Yes! You can try fillings like minced meat, spinach and feta, or mashed potatoes with spices.

What is the secret to a crispy borek?

Using thick yufka sheets, a well-heated pan, and the right egg-milk-oil sauce ensures a crispy yet soft inside.

Can I make borek dough from scratch?

Yes, you can make yufka dough using lukewarm water, milk, dry yeast, vegetable oil, salt, and all-purpose flour.

Is it necessary to use eggs in the sauce?

No, but eggs help give borek its golden color and rich flavor. You can skip it if needed.

What should I serve with borek?

Borek pairs well with Turkish tea, yogurt, pickles, or a fresh tomato and cucumber salad.

Conclusion

Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, this Turkish borek recipe is a delightful treat that’s easy to make and enjoy. Whether you prepare it on the stovetop or bake it in the oven, borek’s irresistible layers and delicious fillings make it a perfect dish for any occasion. From classic cheese and parsley to hearty meat or spinach variations, there’s a borek recipe for everyone. Plus, with simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor its crispy texture even after making it in advance. Pair it with a glass of Turkish tea, and you have a satisfying, authentic meal ready in minutes!