Description
Leftover Turkey Stir Fry with Veggies and Rice is a quick, vibrant, and healthy meal that transforms leftover turkey into a colorful, protein-packed dish. Combining tender turkey, fresh mixed vegetables, and fluffy rice with savory soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, this stir fry is perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep. It offers flexible variations and comforting flavors, making it a delicious way to reduce food waste while enjoying a nutritious balanced meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 to 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas), fresh or frozen
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Carbohydrates
- 2 cups cooked rice, preferably cold or day-old
Aromatics & Seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes
Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces and cut fresh vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking. Make sure your cooked rice is chilled to prevent clumping.
- Heat the Pan and Toast Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and stir constantly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add harder vegetables like carrots and broccoli first. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender but remain crisp. Then add softer vegetables such as bell peppers and snap peas, cooking just until warmed through and vibrant.
- Add Turkey and Rice: Toss in the diced turkey and cooked rice. Stir thoroughly to combine and allow the turkey to warm and rice to loosen, keeping everything moving to avoid sticking and ensure even heating.
- Season and Finish: Drizzle soy sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat. Add chili flakes if desired for heat. Finally, scatter sliced green onions over the stir fry for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- Use cold rice for best texture and to avoid sogginess.
- Cook over high heat to keep vegetables crisp and flavors concentrated.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; stir fry in batches if necessary.
- Have all ingredients prepped before cooking as stir fry cooks quickly.
- Add soy sauce gradually to avoid oversalting or making the dish soggy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: leftover turkey, stir fry, veggies, rice, quick dinner, healthy meal, meal prep, gluten-free