Turkey Stir-Fry

Looking for a go-to recipe that’s quick, lean and big on flavor? Turkey might not be the first meat that springs to mind, but this easy turkey stir-fry recipe is definitely one to shortlist.

It’s a tasty option for using up leftover turkey during the holiday season, when you need something healthy after indulging in everything that’s hearty. But it’s also a dependable dish you can come back to in a hurry on weeknights, personalizing it each time with your choice of vegetables and spices.

Ingredients for Turkey Stir-Fry

• Turkey: Use lean boneless, skinless breast halves and cut them into strips, for tender bites. Turkey has more protein than an egg, so it’s a more nutritious option than some other meats.
• Canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral oil that can handle higher stir-frying temperatures.
• Onion: Chop a small onion or use fresh scallions for their aroma.
• Carrot: Julienne a carrot into thin strips for quicker cooking and some variety in presentation.
• Green pepper: Any thin-sliced sweet pepper with the seeds removed will do for crunch and color.
• Mushrooms: Thinly slice some fresh, washed mushrooms for the umami flavor they bring.
• Chicken broth: Use a store-bought broth or make your own chicken stock.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a key ingredient for thickening the sauce to a lovely velvety consistency.
• Soy sauce: Use light soy sauce for cooking. You’ll still get the saltiness with a low-sodium version.
• Ginger: Ground, minced gingerroot adds some heat and fragrance to the stir-fry.
• Pea pods: These trimmed pods give plenty of fiber and a sweet, crunchy texture to the dish.
• Cooked rice: You can use a rice cooker or a box of instant rice to contribute the carbohydrate component.
• Cashews (optional): These are an authentic topping to sprinkle over the stir-fry before serving.

Directions

Step 1: Stir-fry the turkey and veggies

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In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry the turkey strips in canola oil over a medium-high heat for five to six minutes until the meat is no longer pink. Remove the turkey and keep it warm. In the same skillet, stir-fry the onion, carrot, green pepper and mushrooms for five minutes until they are crisp-tender but not limp.

Step 2: Make the thickening sauce

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In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, cornstarch, soy sauce and ginger. Add to the skillet and cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce is thickened and bubbly.

Step 3: Add the peas and turkey

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Return the turkey to the skillet with the pea pods. Cook and stir until everything is heated through. Serve with rice and top with cashews if desired.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t overcook the turkey when you return it to the skillet or it will turn tough. You really just want to heat it through again in the sauce.

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Turkey Stir-Fry Variations

• Use ground turkey: This recipe works just as well with ground turkey, which gives it a chewier texture.
• Start with a frozen vegetable mix: Use a ready-made stir-fry vegetable mix if you’re pressed for time. Cook them from frozen, since the frozen vegetables will likely already be blanched.
• Spice it up: To raise the heat a little, add red pepper flakes, more ginger and some fresh garlic cloves.

How to Store Turkey Stir-Fry

Store turkey stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days before the vegetables turn soggy. If you’re using leftover turkey that’s already been refrigerated, factor in time already spent in storage accordingly.

How do you reheat turkey stir-fry?

To keep turkey moist, you’ll get good results if you reheat the stir-fry in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, return the ingredients to a hot skillet and heat them through for just a couple of minutes.

Turkey Stir-Fry Tips

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How do I serve turkey stir-fry?

Turkey is something of a blank canvas that can take a lot of extra flavor. Finish it with a drizzle of smoky sesame oil, a squeeze of lemon, or some sriracha or chili garlic sauce for spice. We’ve recommended topping the stir-fry with cashews (or roasted peanuts), but sesame seeds are also an excellent choice.

What other proteins can replace turkey?

You’ve got all the ingredients here for a low-fat, nutrition-packed stir-fry. You’ll sacrifice none of that if you substitute the turkey with chicken, pork or tofu for a vegetarian version. It’s the sweet, spicy sauce that really brings everything together.

What can I serve with turkey stir-fry?

For a super healthy version, pair lean turkey with high-fiber brown or wild rice, which brings a nutty flavor. If you don’t want something so heavy, toss the final dish with noodles in the same skillet, or serve it with steamed spinach or broccoli.