No matter how delicious a holiday turkey is, after a day or two, eating leftovers gets old. Instead, why not try something different? Turn that leftover turkey into a dish that’s a surefire hit at a New Year’s Eve party — or even a Superbowl Party. This recipe costs practically nothing, since you already have the turkey.
How to use leftover turkey meat
First, shred the leftover turkey meat. You can use meat from all parts, both white and dark. The usual method is to rake a fork over the meat, but if you have a stand mixer there’s a much quicker, easier way. I use a Kitchen Aid Mixer to shred the turkey. I just cut meat off the bone, put it in the bowl and mix until it’s shredded to the desired consistency.
I’ve used both the paddle attachment and the whisk, and both work fine. It’s easier to shred the turkey while it’s still warm. Once shredded, freeze.
A couple of days before you’ll need it, move the turkey to the refrigerator to thaw. Now for the sauce. Here in North Carolina there are three topics not discussed in polite company — religion, politics and barbecue sauce. Feuds have started over the merits of Eastern, vinegar-heavy sauce versus Western sauce, which has tomato or ketchup added.
This sauce is more like Western North Carolina Barbecue, but using turkey instead of pork will alienate us from all traditionalists anyway.
Homemade Barbecue Sauce
1 cup ketchup
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
Juice of 3 lemons
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup diced onions
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Step 1: Combine all in a sauce pan, bring to a boil and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
Step 2: Once the sauce is done, just mix in the shredded turkey. You can put it all in a slow-cooker on low and give the turkey all day to soak in the sweet and tangy flavor, or just get it all good and hot in a cooking pot. Serve with rolls and coleslaw.
More Recipes using leftover turkey
Leftover turkey is versatile! Use it in soups, sandwiches, casseroles, and more for quick, satisfying meals.
- Turkey Noodle Soup
- Combine shredded turkey, broth, noodles, carrots, celery, and herbs. Perfect comfort food!
- Turkey Pot Pie
- Use turkey with frozen veggies, cream of chicken soup, and a premade pie crust for a cozy dish.
- Turkey Tacos
- Sauté turkey with taco seasoning, then add toppings like avocado, salsa, and cheese.
- Leftover Turkey Chili
- Swap ground meat for turkey in your favorite chili recipe. Add beans, tomatoes, and spices.
- Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich
- Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing (if you have it) between slices of bread for a Thanksgiving-inspired bite.
- Turkey Fried Rice
- Stir-fry turkey with rice, veggies, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs for a quick meal.
- Turkey Enchiladas
- Roll turkey and cheese in tortillas, smother with enchilada sauce, and bake until bubbly.
- Turkey Salad
- Mix turkey with mayo, celery, and seasonings. Serve on crackers, in a sandwich, or over greens.
- Turkey Pizza
- Use turkey as a topping with cranberry sauce as a base, plus mozzarella and fresh rosemary.
- Turkey Breakfast Hash
- Sauté turkey with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Top with fried eggs for a hearty breakfast.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to use leftovers from the holidays to make delicious and new meals! Stretch the use to stretch the budget – it’s easy to do!
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