Leftover Turkey Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you probably find yourself staring at leftover turkey after a big holiday meal, wondering how to breathe new life into it without another boring sandwich. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this fan-freaking-tastic Leftover Turkey Stir Fry Recipe with you! It transforms those leftovers into a vibrant, quick, and incredibly tasty dinner that feels fresh, not reheated. Seriously, once you try this, leftover turkey will never be the same in your kitchen.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Leftover Turkey Stir Fry Recipe is how every ingredient complements one another with balance and brightness. The mix of crunchy veggies, fragrant herbs, and that homemade sauce brings everything together so your turkey feels brand new. When shopping or prepping, prioritize fresh vegetables and bright herbs — they really elevate the dish.

• Neutral oil (peanut, canola, or vegetable): These oils have a high smoke point essential for quick stir-frying without burning.
• Green onions: Separating whites and greens is key — the whites add depth when cooked, the greens add freshness at the end.
• Thai-style chilis: Adds just the right kick; slice thinly so you get heat without overwhelming the dish.
• Garlic: A classic stir-fry must-have for aroma and flavor.
• Fresh ginger (optional): I love the zing it adds—cutting it into thin sticks helps it cook evenly.
• Red bell pepper: Adds color and sweetness balancing the spice.
• Snow peas or sugar snap peas: For crunch and light sweetness that brighten each bite.
• Matchstick carrots: Thinly sliced for texture and natural sweetness.
• Baby bok choy: Using both white and green parts adds layers of texture and flavor.
• Cooked turkey: Your star leftover ingredient—roughly chopped to shred those bites in every mouthful.
• Thai basil leaves: Adds a wonderful herbal note and aroma when sprinkled on top.
• Cooked white rice: The perfect bed to soak up all those delicious juices and sauce.
• Leftover turkey broth or chicken stock: A flavorful base for the sauce that ties the whole dish together.
• Lime juice: Its acidity cuts through the richness and freshens the whole stir fry.
• Fish sauce, low sodium soy sauce, sugar or honey: The salty, sweet, and umami trifecta that’s indispensable here.
• Sriracha or red pepper sauce (optional): I toss this in when I want a bolder, spicy edge.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Leftover Turkey Stir Fry Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to match your mood or pantry. Feel free to swap veggies, adjust the spice, or try different herbs. It’s all about making this recipe feel like it’s yours, and I definitely encourage you to play around with it!

• Vegetable swaps: I once used broccoli and baby corn instead of bok choy — it was delicious and just a little different.
• Protein variations: No turkey? Try chicken or tofu if you want to completely change things up.
• Spice levels: Add more chilis or sriracha if you love heat, or skip them for a milder version your whole family will enjoy.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without losing flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Leftover Turkey Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepping your ingredients

The first step that sets this dish up for success is slicing everything thinly and roughly the same size. I like to separate the green onions’ whites and greens, slice the chilis thin so they integrate well, and prep the ginger into thin matchsticks if I’m using it. Starting this way makes the cooking smooth and ensures even cooking, so you don’t end up with a mushy mess or raw pieces.

Step 2: Whipping up the sauce

While prepping veggies, mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl — leftover turkey broth, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and optional sriracha. This blend brings the perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy. Having this ready in advance makes tossing it in during cooking simple and snag-free.

Step 3: Building flavor with aromatics

Heat your oil in a wok or large pan until it’s shimmering, then add the chilis and white parts of the green onions. Stir them around for 1-2 minutes — this step wakes up the oil with fragrance and heat. You’ll notice your kitchen filling with that delicious aromatic goodness.

Step 4: Stir-frying the veggies

Next, toss in the bell peppers and snow peas and stir constantly for about 3-4 minutes. Then add the matchstick carrots and bok choy whites, cooking a couple more minutes. The key here is keeping the veggies crisp-tender — you want them bright and colorful, not soggy.

Step 5: Adding the turkey, garlic, and ginger

Now stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and your chopped leftover turkey. Cook just 1-2 minutes, enough to warm the turkey through without overcooking it — leftover turkey can dry out quickly, so be gentle here.

Step 6: The sauce and finishing touches

Pour your prepped sauce over everything while tossing quickly so it coats the ingredients evenly. Add the bok choy greens and half of your Thai basil, stirring gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed — sometimes you want a splash more soy or a squeeze more lime.

Step 7: Serve it up

Plate this vibrant stir fry over warm cooked white rice, garnish with remaining green onion tops and Thai basil, and don’t forget a lime wedge on the side. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love finishing this stir fry with a generous handful of fresh Thai basil and the bright green tops of the scallions for color and fragrance. A wedge of lime on the side not only adds a pop of citrus but lets everyone customize their zing factor at the table.

Side Dishes

Since this stir fry already packs a punch, I usually serve it simply with steamed jasmine or white rice. But if I’m feeling fancy, a side of crunchy Asian cucumber salad or quick pickled carrots adds great texture contrast and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this stir fry family-style in a big beautiful skillet or cast iron pan right at the center of the table, surrounded by bowls of lime wedges, extra herbs, and maybe some chili oil for those who want more heat. It turns a quick meal into a fun, interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover turkey stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It keeps well, especially if you keep the rice separate to avoid sogginess. Just reheat gently to preserve textures.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen this stir fry often, I’ve done it once or twice with success. To freeze, cool completely after cooking, pack into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind some veggies might lose a bit of crunch after freezing.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it gently in a wok or skillet over medium heat, sprinkling a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep everything moist. Microwaving works too, but can sometimes make the veggies softer than I like.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Leftover Turkey Stir Fry Recipe has totally changed the way I approach leftover turkey. Instead of settling for sandwiches or casseroles, it brings excitement back to my plate with its crisp veggies, vibrant sauce, and that cozy turkey goodness. I truly hope you give this recipe a shot — it’s one of those dishes I find myself making again and again, not because I have to, but because I want to! So go ahead, grab that leftover turkey, and treat yourself to a speedy, satisfying stir fry dinner tonight.

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