Pin This hearty honey-garlic turkey fried rice transforms leftover holiday turkey into a vibrant weeknight meal that's both comforting and exciting. The unexpected addition of cranberries creates bursts of tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the savory honey-garlic sauce.
I created this recipe after Thanksgiving when I was desperate to transform turkey leftovers into something my family wouldn't recognize as leftovers. The cranberries were a last-minute addition that my children now insist is the secret ingredient that makes this dish special.
Ingredients
- Turkey breast: 400g diced. The protein foundation of this dish. Choose lean breast meat for quicker cooking and tender results.
- Day-old jasmine rice: 3 cups. Cold rice prevents mushiness and creates the perfect texture. Freshly cooked rice will become gummy.
- Dried cranberries: 1/2 cup. These add bursts of tangy sweetness that balance the savory elements. Look for unsweetened varieties for best flavor.
- Honey: 2 tablespoons. Creates a glossy finish and subtle sweetness. Local honey adds depth of flavor.
- Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons divided. Provides umami depth and saltiness. Low-sodium works well if watching salt intake.
- Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon. Adds brightness and balances the sweetness. Rice vinegar is milder than other vinegars.
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon. A finishing oil that adds nutty aroma. A little goes a long way.
- Vegetables: carrots bell peppers peas. Add color nutrition and texture. Feel free to substitute with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Instructions
- Marinate the Turkey:
- Combine diced turkey with soy sauce cornstarch and black pepper in a bowl and let sit for 10 minutes. This quick marinade seasons the meat and the cornstarch creates a protective coating that keeps the turkey moist during high-heat cooking. The cornstarch will also help thicken our sauce later.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Whisk together soy sauce honey rice vinegar oyster sauce and sesame oil in a small bowl until well combined. This step is crucial because pre-mixing ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the dish. The honey might be thick but keep whisking until it fully incorporates with the other liquids.
- Cook the Turkey:
- Heat oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add marinated turkey in a single layer without overcrowding and cook undisturbed for 1 minute before stirring. Continue cooking for 3 minutes total until just cooked through with slight browning. Remove and set aside on a clean plate. Overcooking the turkey will make it tough so err on the side of less cooking time.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add remaining oil to the same wok and heat until shimmering. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add diced carrots and bell peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften but still maintain some crunch. The vegetables should be tender-crisp not mushy.
- Add Aromatics and Fruits:
- Stir in the white parts of green onions peas and cranberries. The white parts of green onions add a mild onion flavor while saving the green parts for garnish. Cook everything together for 1 minute allowing the cranberries to plump slightly and the peas to warm through.
- Fry the Rice:
- Add cold rice to the wok breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Spread the rice across the surface of the wok and let it cook undisturbed for 30 seconds before stirring. Continue stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through and begins to crisp slightly around the edges.
- Combine and Sauce:
- Return cooked turkey to the wok and pour the honey-garlic sauce over everything. Toss continuously for about 2 minutes until all ingredients are evenly coated and the sauce has thickened slightly creating a beautiful glaze. The rice should look glossy but not wet.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with reserved green onion tops. Serve immediately in warm bowls for the best flavor experience. The contrast between the hot rice and the fresh green onions creates a delightful textural contrast.
Pin The cranberries are what make this dish truly special. I discovered their magic in fried rice by accident when I had nothing else to add sweetness to a stir-fry. Their chewy texture and tart-sweet flavor create these wonderful little pops of brightness that cut through the savory elements. My daughter now requests "the rice with the little red jewels" at least once a week.
Storage Tips
This turkey fried rice keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in airtight containers to maintain freshness. The flavors actually improve overnight as the rice absorbs more of the sauce.
For reheating, add a tablespoon of water before microwaving to restore moisture, or better yet, quickly reheat in a hot skillet with a touch of oil to revive the crispy texture. Avoid freezing this dish as the texture of the rice will deteriorate.
Clever Substitutions
No leftover turkey? This recipe works wonderfully with rotisserie chicken, leftover ham, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Simply dice your protein of choice into bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking time accordingly.
If cranberries aren't available, try dried cherries, raisins, or even diced apples for a similar sweet-tart element. Each will bring its own unique character to the dish while maintaining that essential sweet-savory balance.
For a lower-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice for half or all of the jasmine rice. Cook the cauliflower rice separately first to remove excess moisture before adding it to the stir-fry.
Seasonal Adaptations
Spring version Replace cranberries with fresh peas and asparagus for a bright, seasonal twist.
Summer adaptation Add diced zucchini and fresh corn kernels with a squeeze of lime at the end.
Fall variation Include diced butternut squash and substitute maple syrup for honey.
Perfect Pairings
This honey-garlic turkey fried rice pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement without overwhelming. A cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing offers cool crispness against the warm rice. For drinks, try an off-dry Riesling or a jasmine green tea to echo the floral notes in the jasmine rice.
For a complete Asian-inspired meal, serve with a side of quick-pickled vegetables or miso soup. The acidity and umami from these accompaniments balance the sweetness in the fried rice.
Pin Toast your sesame oil in the empty pan for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to intensify its nutty flavor. I learned this technique from my neighbor who grew up in Taiwan, and it makes a remarkable difference in the depth of flavor.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, leftover chicken makes an excellent substitute and blends well with the honey-garlic sauce and cranberries.
- → Why is day-old rice best for stir-frying?
Cold, previously cooked rice is less sticky and helps achieve a perfectly separated, fluffy texture in the pan.
- → How do dried cranberries enhance this dish?
Dried cranberries add zingy color, chewy texture, and a tart note that balances sweet and savory elements.
- → What makes this suitable for dairy-free diets?
The ingredients omit any dairy products, relying on sauces and oils for flavor and richness.
- → Can I add extra veggies?
Absolutely! Try snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli for more crunch and color in your stir-fry.
- → Does this pair well with particular beverages?
A crisp Riesling or chilled green tea complements the sweet-savory flavors beautifully.