Turkey Leftover Fried Rice

After a festive feast, turkey leftovers often pose the question: what next? For us, the answer tonight was a satisfying combo of Creamy Turkey Sweetcorn Soup followed by Turkey Leftover Fried Rice. Surprisingly, there were no complaints about the turkey overload - the two dishes complemented each other beautifully.

The best part? This turkey fried rice is a one-pot (or wok) wonder. It's got everything: protein (turkey, egg), starch (rice) and vegetables (carrots, edamame beans). A comforting, flavourful dish that makes leftovers shine.

Why Turkey Leftover Fried Rice is the perfect solution

Versatile and quick

Turkey leftover fried rice is adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand. Whether you want to add peas, peppers or even mushrooms, this dish is your canvas.

Economical and minimal waste

Reusing leftover turkey not only saves time but also ensures you're making the most out of your festive feast. Plus, it's a budget-friendly dinner idea.

Ingredients: What you'll need

Cooked rice

The secret to perfect fried rice is using cold, refrigerated rice with well-separated grains. If you don't have leftovers, cook your rice ahead of time. Add slightly less water than usual, fluff it up once cooked, and leave it uncovered to cool.

Eggs

Instead of coating each grain with egg, I opted for scrambled egg lumps this time to give the dish a slightly different texture.

Leftover turkey

Chop into cubes or chunks - it's up to you!

Vegetables

• Carrots - diced into small cubes.
• Edamame beans - frozen and defrosted. Simply soak them in slightly warm water before use.

Other essentials

• Sliced shallots
• Minced garlic
• Light soy sauce
• Spring onions for garnish
• Olive oil for frying

Step-by-step: How to make Turkey Leftover Fried Rice

1. Prep the infused oil

Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a wok. Add sliced shallots and minced garlic, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Once golden, remove them from the oil. Transfer the infused oil to a bowl for later use. Keep the fried shallots and garlic for garnish.

2. Scramble the eggs

With a little oil remaining in the wok, scramble the eggs under high heat. It takes just a minute. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the vegetables and turkey

Add a tablespoon of infused oil to the wok. Stir in the turkey, carrots and edamame beans. Add a tablespoon of light soy sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the wok.

4. Fry the rice

Return the rest of the infused oil to the wok. Add the cooled rice and stir continuously to separate the grains. Add two tablespoons of light soy sauce for flavour and help loosen the grains further.

5. Combine everything

Reintroduce the cooked turkey, vegetables and scrambled eggs. Stir well for another couple of minutes. Turn off the heat, mix in the fried shallots and garlic, leaving some aside for garnish.

6. Garnish and serve

Sprinkle the remaining fried shallots, garlic, and chopped spring onions over the top. Serve immediately for a warm, hearty meal.

Tips for perfect fried rice every time

• Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist, making it prone to clumping. If you don't have leftovers, chill the rice in the fridge for a few hours before frying.
• High heat is key: A hot wok ensures quick cooking and a smoky flavour.

Why you'll love this recipe

• Quick: Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customisable: Add your favourite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters won't complain about this vibrant, flavour-packed dish.

Turkey leftovers don't have to be boring! With this Turkey Leftovers Fried Rice, you can turn them into a delicious, easy dinner that the whole family will enjoy. Give it a go and let me know how it turns out.