After Thanksgiving there is usually more turkey than anyone wants to eat in another sandwich. The good news: cooked turkey works almost anywhere you would use cooked chicken. Here are 8 easy ideas, several based on recipes already on Bananuts where you can simply swap the chicken for turkey.
First, store it safely
Refrigerate leftover turkey within 2 hours of cooking. Take the meat off the bone, store it in shallow covered containers, and eat it within 3 to 4 days. For longer, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat leftovers until steaming hot all the way through (165°F / 74°C).
8 ideas for leftover turkey
Want something cosy first? Our leftover turkey soup with noodles is a one-pot dinner in about 45 minutes, with a tip for turning the carcass into broth.
Get the soup recipe1. Turkey fried rice
Fry cold cooked rice in a hot pan with oil, garlic, frozen peas and carrots, add diced turkey and a beaten egg, then season with soy sauce and a few drops of sesame oil. Dinner in 15 minutes.
2. Creamy garlic turkey pasta
Make our creamy garlic chicken pasta, but skip cooking the chicken: stir 2 cups of shredded turkey into the sauce at the end and heat through.
3. Turkey and chickpea curry
Make our one-pot coconut chickpea curry and add 2 cups of diced turkey for the last 5 minutes. Spices and coconut milk freshen up dry leftover meat.
4. Turkey teriyaki rice bowls
Use the sauce from our chicken teriyaki rice bowls. Warm sliced turkey in the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes and serve over rice with steamed broccoli.
5. Thai coconut turkey soup
Our Thai coconut curry soup is a great home for shredded turkey. Add it with the coconut milk so it warms through without drying out.
6. Turkey Caesar pasta salad
Swap the chicken in our Caesar pasta salad for chopped turkey. Good for packed lunches the week after Thanksgiving.
7. Spicy peanut noodles with turkey
Toss shredded turkey into our spicy peanut noodles for extra protein. It works hot or cold.
8. The leftover sandwich, done right
Toasted bread, a thick layer of cranberry sauce, turkey, a spoonful of stuffing and a little mayonnaise. If you have masala sweet potatoes left too, mash a few onto the bread.
Get the cranberry sauce recipe
Questions
How long is leftover turkey good for?
Cooked turkey keeps for 3 to 4 days in the fridge when it is refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. In the freezer it keeps its best quality for 2 to 6 months.
Can I freeze leftover turkey?
Yes. Take the meat off the bone, portion it into freezer bags or containers with a splash of broth or gravy to keep it moist, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
How do I reheat turkey without drying it out?
Add a splash of broth or gravy, cover it, and warm it gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven or a covered pan until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Adding it to a sauce, soup or curry at the end of cooking also keeps it moist.
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