This flaky, golden spiral börek is filled with juicy seasoned meat, aromatic herbs, and warm spices—all wrapped in delicate pastry and baked to perfection. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Golden Spiral Turkish Börek
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Phyllo dough (or Turkish yufka sheets) | 1 package (or 4 large sheets) |
| Melted butter (or olive oil, for brushing) | ½ cup |
| Ground beef or lamb | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 large |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Ground cumin | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| Milk or yogurt | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic, then add the ground beef or lamb. Cook until the meat is fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Season the Meat:
Mix in the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the flavors meld together for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle in the chopped parsley, give it a final stir, then remove the skillet from the heat. Allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling.
Assemble the Spiral:
Place a sheet of phyllo (or yufka) on a clean surface and brush it lightly with melted butter. Spoon a line of the meat filling along one long edge of the sheet. Roll it up into a log, gently pressing the sides to seal as you go. Coil the filled log into a spiral shape on a greased baking pan. Repeat the process with the remaining sheets, attaching each new log to the end of the spiral to keep extending it.
Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with milk or yogurt. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the spiral to give it a beautiful golden finish.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and crisp. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
This Turkish börek is flaky on the outside and packed with flavorful, juicy filling inside. It’s perfect as a centerpiece for brunch, a hearty snack, or even a light dinner.
