Turkey Fried Rice

Got leftover turkey? Make Turkey Fried Rice! There’s nothing like the crispy bits of rice, tender pieces of turkey, and loads of flavor all cooked together in one easy, family-friendly meal. Forget take-out; this fried rice is easy, delicious, and hard to beat!

I love repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers, and when I’ve got leftover turkey, I make this Turkey Fried Rice. This isn’t wimpy fried rice – it’s packed with big and bold flavors from garlic and ginger, and there’s enough soy sauce to make each bite fabulous. But the secret ingredient is fish sauce!

Yes, fish sauce. It’s a flavor powerhouse that adds a hint of umami without overpowering the dish. You only need about a tablespoon for 4 cups of rice, but it makes all the difference!

Ingredients

• Cooked turkey meat – White or dark turkey; whatever you’ve got will work.
• Rice – Use white rice, cooked the day before and chilled.
• Carrots – For color and crunch.
• Onion – Yellow or white onion brings out the flavor.
• Peas – Optional but adds a nice touch.
• Ginger – Fresh, finely chopped.
• Garlic – Fresh, finely chopped.
• Soy sauce – Opt for low-sodium.
• Vegetable oil – For cooking on the griddle.
• Sesame oil – A little goes a long way; store in the fridge.
• Fish sauce – Optional, but worth trying.
• Egg – 1 per 4 cups of rice.
• Green onions – Freshly sliced, for garnish.
• Sesame seeds – Use white, black, or a mix.

How To Make The Best Turkey Fried Rice on the Blackstone

1. Dice the onions and carrots, mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the green onions. Get everything ready before you start cooking.
2. Preheat a skillet to medium-high. Add oil and cook the onions and carrots until they’re softn and the onions are translucent, about 6 minutes
3. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the cold rice to the skillet with the veggies and cook, stirring for 3-4 minutes or until lightly toasted.
5. Drizzle the sesame oil and fish sauce over the rice, mixing well.
6. Add peas, mix again, and keep stirring to avoid sticking. Drizzle soy sauce over the rice, mix well, and make a space in the center. Add a bit of oil, pour in the beaten egg, scramble it, and mix it into the rice.
7. Cook for another minute, then transfer to a serving dish. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Chef Jenn’s Tips

1. Cook the rice a day ahead, chill it, and keep it in the fridge overnight. This allows the rice to dry out slightly, which makes it ideal for frying. Trust me, fried rice always turns out better with day-old rice.
2. A small amount of fish sauce adds a depth of flavor. It’s not fishy, but it brings a rich, savory taste. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
3. The vegetables are flexible. Carrots and peas add color and texture but feel free to add your favorites for extra crunch and flavor.

Make It A Meal

This Turkey Fried Rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side of sautéed vegetables or a light soup for a more filling dinner.

Storage

Freezing: Yes, you can freeze turkey fried rice. Let it cool, portion it into airtight containers or plastic bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results.