Turkey Fried Rice: A Flavorful Twist on Thanksgiving Leftovers
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while we all look forward to the big feast, the question of what to do with all that leftover turkey is inevitable. This year, why not plan ahead with a delicious idea that turns those extra slices of turkey into a whole new meal? Turkey Fried Rice is a quick, easy, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for a post-holiday lunch or dinner. This recipe combines tender turkey, vegetables, and rice, all brought together with a savory blend of seasonings that will have your family asking for seconds.
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients:
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them.
- Dice the turkey and vegetables and make sure your rice is chilled; this helps the rice fry up nicely.
Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and mixed vegetables, and stir-fry for another 3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Add the Turkey and Rice:
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Stir in the diced turkey and cook until heated through.
- Add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula, and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until the rice is hot and slightly crispy.
Season and Scramble the Eggs:
- Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side.
- Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them into the rice.
Finish with Sauces and Green Onions:
- Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, stirring well to combine.
- Add the chopped green onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired. This Turkey Fried Rice is perfect on its own or as a side dish to your favorite meal.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate)
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 20g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Turkey Fried Rice is not just a quick fix for leftovers; it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to fit your family’s tastes. Swap out the mixed vegetables for whatever you have on hand, or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick. The combination of savory turkey, tender vegetables, and flavorful rice makes it a satisfying meal that keeps the holiday spirit alive even after the big day.
Planning ahead for leftovers has never been this easy—or this tasty! With Turkey Fried Rice on your post-Thanksgiving menu, you’ll look forward to creating something fresh and exciting from your holiday spread. It’s a delicious reminder that Thanksgiving doesn’t have to end at the dinner table!
