5 Quick Leftover Turkey and Rice Recipes

After the holiday season, many of us find ourselves with an abundance of leftovers, including turkey and rice. Instead of letting these ingredients go to waste, why not transform them into delightful meals that will bring new flavors to your table? Here are five quick and delicious recipes that make the most out of your leftover turkey and rice, ensuring your meals are both exciting and waste-free.

Leftover Turkey Fried Rice

Transform your Thanksgiving dinner into a delightful Chinese-inspired dish with this Leftover Turkey Fried Rice recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of cooked rice (preferably chilled or day-old)
  • 1 cup of chopped leftover turkey
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sesame oil for drizzling
• Steps:
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Scramble the eggs and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, then stir-fry the vegetables until just tender.
  4. Add the chopped turkey and cook until heated through.
  5. Toss in the cold rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir to incorporate all ingredients.
  6. Add the scrambled eggs back into the pan.
  7. Drizzle soy sauce over the mixture, season with salt and pepper, and continue stir-frying until everything is well mixed and hot.
  8. Garnish with green onions and a splash of sesame oil before serving.

🍚 Note: Using chilled or day-old rice helps achieve the desirable texture for fried rice, as it's less likely to clump together.

Turkey and Rice Soup

Nothing says comfort like a bowl of soup, especially when it’s made from your holiday leftovers. Here’s how to whip up a soothing Turkey and Rice Soup:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded turkey
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish
• Steps:
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Pour in the broth, increase heat to high, and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to a simmer, add the turkey, rice, and thyme. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

🥣 Note: Add a splash of cream to the soup for extra richness and creaminess if desired.

Turkey Rice Bowl with Asian Flair

Get a fusion of flavors with this delightful Turkey Rice Bowl that’s both nutritious and tasty:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup chopped leftover turkey
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
• Steps:
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
  2. In a pan, lightly heat the turkey with the sauce mixture until it’s warm and coated.
  3. Assemble the bowl by placing rice at the bottom, then topping with the turkey, avocado, cucumber, and carrot.
  4. Garnish with cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Turkey Jambalaya

Bring a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen with this easy-to-make Turkey Jambalaya:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chopped leftover turkey
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions for garnish
• Steps:
  1. In a large pot or skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic, cooking for another minute.
  4. Add the turkey, tomatoes, rice, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid, about 20 minutes.
  6. Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with green onions.

Turkey and Rice Stuffed Peppers

Elevate your leftovers with these colorful and flavorful Stuffed Peppers:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup chopped leftover turkey
  • ¹⁄₂ cup diced tomatoes
  • ¹⁄₂ cup corn
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix the turkey, rice, tomatoes, corn, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Stuff each bell pepper with the mixture, place them in a baking dish, and top with cheese if using.
  4. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot.
  5. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

As we wrap up these five delicious recipes, it’s clear that leftover turkey and rice can be the start of something wonderful in your kitchen. Each dish brings a different culinary tradition to the table, from the comforting warmth of a soup to the vibrant flavors of Asian-inspired rice bowls. These recipes are not only easy to prepare but also ensure that your holiday feast continues to provide joy and sustenance well beyond the festive season.

How long can I keep leftover turkey in the fridge?

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Leftover turkey can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Ensure it’s covered well to keep out odors and preserve its freshness.

Can I freeze cooked rice?

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Yes, cooked rice can be frozen for up to 6 months. Make sure to cool it down quickly to avoid bacterial growth and store it in airtight containers or freezer bags.

What are some other vegetables I can add to the fried rice?

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Feel free to experiment with any vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, and bean sprouts are all great additions to fried rice.

Can these recipes be adapted for vegetarian diets?

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Absolutely! Simply replace the turkey with tofu, chickpeas, or any other protein source you prefer for a vegetarian version of these dishes.