Leftover turkey stir fry with vegetable

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If you're looking for a quick, flavorful way to repurpose leftover turkey, this stir-fry recipe is a perfect option. It’s a vibrant, healthy dish packed with fresh (or frozen) vegetables, savory flavors, and just the right amount of spice. The combination of tender turkey with crisp-tender vegetables and a sweet and spicy stir-fry sauce makes this meal both satisfying and versatile. Best of all, it comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or a light, refreshing meal after a holiday feast. Serve it over jasmine rice for a complete meal that’s sure to please.

After a big holiday meal, leftovers can sometimes feel uninspired—but this Leftover Turkey Stir-Fry with Vegetables will breathe new life into your fridge’s bounty. Rather than reheating turkey the same old way, this stir-fry transforms it into a fresh, vibrant meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. A medley of colorful vegetables paired with tender turkey creates a satisfying yet light dish that’s quick to prepare and adaptable to your taste. The secret lies in the sweet and savory stir-fry sauce. It's an irresistible combination that brings a new dimension to your holiday leftovers.

Whether you're looking for a way to repurpose extra turkey after Thanksgiving or Christmas, or simply trying to make a quick, wholesome meal, this stir-fry is the answer. It’s designed to be flexible—swap out vegetables for whatever you have on hand, or use a bag of frozen stir-fry mix for ultimate convenience. With a cooking time of just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, yet still impressive enough to serve when entertaining guests.

The beauty of stir-frying is in the simplicity and speed. The dish is light but satisfying, making it a great choice after indulgent holiday meals. Best of all, this recipe is a delicious way to minimize food waste while turning leftovers into something truly exciting.

Whether served over fragrant jasmine rice or on its own, this stir-fry will undoubtedly become one of your go-to meals for using up leftover turkey. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a dish that proves leftovers can be far more than just reheated meals—they can be transformed into something fresh, flavorful, and nourishing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes Yields: 6 serving

Ingredients 

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

• 1 large yellow onion, diced 

• 3 cloves of garlic, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry 

• ⅓ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional)

• 2 cups cooked turkey, sliced or diced

• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced

• ½  cup carrots, slices

• 1 cup green beans

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 canned mushroom (4 oz.)

• salt and black pepper, to taste

• Chopped green onion, for serving (optional)

• Cooked jasmine rice, for serving 

Note: You can substitute fresh vegetables with your choice of frozen stir-fry vegetable mix. 

Directions

1. In a large non-stick pan or wok, add the vegetable oil, onion, and sauté over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes, or until onion is beginning to soften; stir frequently. Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and fry for 1 more minute or until fragrant. 

2. Meanwhile, make the stir fry sauce by stirring together the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce or sriracha, rice wine or dry sherry, and water until the sugar is dissolved. Set the sauce aside.

3. Add the carrots, peppers, green beans, mushrooms to the pan and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through and are crisp-tender. 

4. Add the broccoli, and cooked turkey. Stir to combine, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for 1 minute to steam the broccoli slightly.

5. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and stir to coat the turkey and vegetables. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender to your liking and everything is evenly coated.

6. Taste and season with salt and black pepper if necessary. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately over jasmine rice.

Notes:

• Leftover Turkey: If your turkey is heavily seasoned (e.g., from a holiday roast), adjust the amount of soy sauce or other seasonings to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.

• Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Frozen stir-fry vegetable blends work perfectly for this dish and can save prep time. Just be sure to cook them until they're crisp-tender.

• Other Protein Options: This recipe works equally well with leftover chicken, pork, or even tofu if you want to make it vegetarian.

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to suit your desired spice level, or leave it out altogether for a milder dish.