18 Turkish Balik Ekmek Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 10, 2024
Balik ekmek, also known as Turkish fish bread, is a popular street food dish in Turkey. It originated from Istanbul, where fishermen would grill freshly caught fish and serve it in a bread roll. Over the years, it has become a beloved dish in Turkey and has gained popularity in other countries as well. In this article, we will explore the history and traditional recipe of Turkish balik ekmek, so you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen.
BALIK EKMEK / ISTANBUL STREET FLAVOR, FISH SANDWICH
Main Ingredients: Bonito, Salt, Black Pepper, Pepper, Olive Oil, Romaine
If you're looking for a taste of Istanbul street food, Balik Ekmek is a must-try. This popular fish sandwich is made with fresh grilled fish, topped with lettuce, onion, and a squeeze of lemon juice. It's served on a soft bun and can be found at street food stalls all over the city.
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Cherry Turkish Taffy
Main Ingredients: Egg White, Sugar, Water, Cornstarch, Cherry Jam, Butter
This sweet and chewy taffy is a popular treat in Turkey. Made with a combination of sugar, corn syrup, and cherry juice, it's a deliciously fruity and indulgent dessert. You can find it at local markets and sweet shops, or make it at home with this easy recipe.
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Greek Yogurt Turkish Flatbread (Bazlama)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Greek Style Yogurt
Bazlama is a traditional Turkish flatbread made with simple ingredients like flour, yogurt, and olive oil. It's similar to pita bread, but thicker and heartier. Serve it with dips like hummus or tzatziki, or use it as a wrap for sandwiches or kebabs.
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Menemen (Turkish Egg Scramble)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Large Green Bell Pepper, Diced
Menemen is a popular Turkish breakfast dish made with eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and spices. It's similar to a Western-style omelette, but with a unique blend of flavors thanks to the addition of Turkish spices like cumin and red pepper flakes. Serve it with bread for a filling and flavorful breakfast.
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Turkish Cacik
Main Ingredients: Plain Yogurt, Cucumbers, Chopped Walnuts, Fresh Dill
Cacik is a refreshing and cooling dip made with yogurt, cucumbers, and herbs like dill and mint. It's similar to tzatziki, but with a thinner consistency. Cacik is often served as a condiment for grilled meats or as a dip for bread. It's also a popular accompaniment to Turkish dishes like kebabs and borek.
Gozleme is a traditional Turkish flatbread stuffed with a variety of fillings, including minced lamb, vegetables, and cheese. The dough is rolled thin and then cooked on a griddle, giving it a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. It's a popular street food in Turkey and can be found at markets and food stalls.
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Turkish Bread
Main Ingredients: Instant Yeast, Caster Sugar, Warm Water, All Purpose
Turkish bread, also known as pide, is a staple in Turkish cuisine. It's a soft, slightly chewy bread that is often served with meals to soak up sauces and dips. It's also commonly used to make sandwiches and wraps. You can find Turkish bread at local bakeries and markets, or make it at home with this easy recipe.
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Turkish Kunefe (Künefe)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Shredded Phyllo Dough, Cheese, Butter
Kunefe is a popular Turkish dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and a sweet syrup. It's often served warm and topped with crushed pistachios for a crunchy texture. This sweet and savory dessert is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Also known as cilbir, Turkish eggs are a classic breakfast dish made with poached eggs, yogurt, and a spiced butter sauce. The combination of tangy yogurt and rich, runny yolks makes for a delicious and satisfying morning meal. It's traditionally served with Turkish bread for dipping.
This hearty and flavorful dish features a combination of potatoes, chickpeas, and spices like cumin and paprika. It's a popular vegetarian option in Turkish cuisine and can be served as a side dish or a main course. Add some chopped fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
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Turkish Lentil Balls (Mercimek Köfte)
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Water, Bulgur, Olive Oil, Pepper, Salt
Mercimek Köfte are savory lentil balls made with bulgur, onions, and spices. They're often served as a mezze (appetizer) or as a vegetarian main course. These delicious and protein-packed bites are perfect for a light lunch or a party snack.
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Homemade Doner Kebab: A Turkish Classic
Main Ingredients: Ground Lamb, Egg, Garlic, Ground Cumin, Ground
Doner kebab is a popular Turkish street food made with thin slices of meat, usually lamb or chicken, cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is then shaved off and served in a pita or wrap with vegetables and sauces. Recreate this delicious and iconic dish at home with this easy homemade doner kebab recipe.
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Turkish Flat Bread (Bazlama)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Greek Style Yogurt
Bazlama is a traditional Turkish flatbread made with simple ingredients like flour, yogurt, and olive oil. It's similar to pita bread, but thicker and heartier. Serve it with dips like hummus or tzatziki, or use it as a wrap for sandwiches or kebabs.
Turkish Delight, also known as lokum, is a popular sweet treat in Turkey and the Middle East. It's a chewy confection made with sugar, cornstarch, and various flavors, including rosewater. This fragrant and delicate dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a gift for friends and family.
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Apam Balik
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Instant Yeast, Large
Apam Balik, also known as Turkish pancake, is a popular street food made with a thin crepe-like batter and a variety of fillings, including cheese, chocolate, and jam. It's cooked on a griddle and then folded in half, similar to a quesadilla. This versatile and delicious snack can be enjoyed any time of day.
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Turkish Eggplant Casserole with Tomatoes (Imam Bayildi)
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sea Salt, Olive Oil, Small Yellow Onion
Imam Bayildi is a classic Turkish casserole made with eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. The dish gets its name, which means "the imam fainted," from the legend that the imam was so overcome with the deliciousness of this dish that he fainted. It's a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option for any meal.
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Turkish Borek (Sigara Borek)
Main Ingredients: Yufka Dough, Olive Oil, Small Onion, Spinach, White
Borek is a popular Turkish pastry made with layers of phyllo dough filled with various savory fillings like cheese, meat, and vegetables. Sigara borek, or "cigar borek," are small, cigar-shaped pastries filled with feta cheese and herbs. These crispy and delicious treats are perfect for snacking or as part of a mezze spread.
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Turkish Chicken Kabab Tavuk Shish
Main Ingredients: Plain Greek Yogurt, Minced Garlic, Tomato Paste
Tavuk Shish, or chicken kabab, is a popular Turkish dish made with marinated chicken skewers that are grilled to perfection. The marinade is made with a combination of yogurt, olive oil, and spices, giving the chicken a tender and flavorful taste. Serve with rice or Turkish bread for a complete meal.
Turkish Delight, also known as lokum, is a popular sweet treat in Turkey and the Middle East. It's a chewy confection made with sugar, cornstarch, and various flavors, including rosewater. This fragrant and delicate dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a gift for friends and family.
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Vegan Apam Balik
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Apam Balik, also known as Turkish pancake, is a popular street food made with a thin crepe-like batter and a variety of fillings, including cheese, chocolate, and jam. It's cooked on a griddle and then folded in half, similar to a quesadilla. This vegan version uses plant-based ingredients for a delicious and cruelty-free option.
The History of Balik Ekmek
Balik ekmek has a long history dating back to the Ottoman Empire. It was originally created as a way for fishermen to quickly prepare and eat their catch while out at sea. The dish was simple, yet satisfying – a grilled fish fillet served in a bread roll. As Istanbul grew into a bustling city, this dish became a popular street food option for locals and tourists alike. Today, balik ekmek stands can be found all over the city, especially near the Galata Bridge where fishermen still gather to sell their catch.
The Traditional Recipe
To make authentic Turkish balik ekmek, you will need a few key ingredients – a fresh fish fillet, Turkish bread, lettuce, onion, and lemon. The type of fish used can vary, but traditionally, it is made with mackerel or bluefish. The fish is marinated in a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper before being grilled over an open flame. The bread is then warmed on the grill and the fish is placed inside with some lettuce and onion. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a tangy and refreshing touch to the dish.
Putting It All Together
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, it's time to assemble your balik ekmek. Start by grilling your fish until it is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside. While the fish is grilling, warm your bread on the grill for a few minutes. Once the bread is warmed, cut it open and add a layer of lettuce and onion. Place the grilled fish on top and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over it. Fold the bread over the fish and enjoy your homemade Turkish balik ekmek.
In conclusion, balik ekmek is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that has a rich history in Turkish cuisine. Whether you're in Istanbul or trying to recreate the experience at home, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So why not give it a try and add a taste of Turkey to your next meal?
BALIK EKMEK / ISTANBUL STREET FLAVOR, FISH SANDWICH
