Leftover Turkey Fried Rice

Name: Leftover Turkey Fried Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked rice (cooled and refrigerated for at least 4 hours or overnight); ½ tablespoons avocado oil (divided); 4 eggs (beaten); 2 ½ cups leftover turkey meat (chopped into bite sized cubes or shredded); 1 medium onion (diced); 3-5 cloves garlic (minced); 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (thawed); 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon white pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 3 green onions (sliced); Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Transform your holiday leftovers into something totally new with this easy Leftover Turkey Fried Rice! Ready in 30 minutes, this savory dish combines tender turkey with fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and Asian-inspired seasonings for a meal your whole family will love.

Bowls of colorful fried rice with vegetables and chicken on a wooden board.

This isn’t just another leftover turkey recipe – it’s a complete meal that’s perfect for those post-holiday days when you want something different but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to use up both leftover turkey and rice!

Looking for more ways to use your holiday leftovers? Try my Muffin Tin Turkey & Stuffing Cups or Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders for more delicious options!

Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 30 minutes
Uses up holiday leftovers in a creative way
One-pan meal means easy cleanup
Perfect for meal prep and lunches

Recipe Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredients for turkey fried rice on a white background.

Ingredient Notes:

Cooked rice – Day-old rice works best as it’s had time to dry out. Fresh rice can become mushy.
Leftover turkey – Both white and dark meat work great, chopped into bite-sized pieces or shredded.
Eggs – Creates little fluffy bits throughout the rice and adds protein.
Onion – Adds savory flavor and texture. Use yellow or white onion.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor.
Frozen mixed vegetables – A convenient mix of carrots, peas, corn, and green beans adds color and nutrition.
Soy sauce – Provides the classic fried rice flavor and saltiness.
Sesame oil – Adds a nutty, authentic Asian flavor.
White pepper – Has a milder, more complex flavor than black pepper.
Green onions – Adds fresh flavor and color as both ingredient and garnish.

Substitutions and Additions

Meat options – Use leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan or rotisserie chicken
Rice choices – Brown rice can replace white rice for extra nutrition
Vegetable variations – Fresh vegetables or just peas and carrots work well
Sauce options – Add oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for extra flavor
Heat level – Include sriracha or chili oil for spice

How to Make Leftover Turkey Fried Rice (step-by-step directions)

Steps to make fried rice: cooked rice, beaten eggs, scrambled eggs, and diced meat.

Start with cold, day-old rice – this is crucial for avoiding mushy fried rice. (Photo 1)
Heat your skillet and scramble the eggs in a little oil until fully cooked. Remove and set aside. (Photos 2 & 3)
In the same pan, heat the leftover turkey just until warmed through. (Photo 4)

Cooking steps for fried rice in a black pan with a wooden spoon.

Sauté the diced onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. (Photo 5)
Add thawed mixed vegetables and cook until heated. (Photo 6)
Combine rice, turkey, eggs, and green onions in the pan. (Photo 7)
Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and garlic powder.
Toss everything together and cook until hot throughout. (Photo 8)

A wooden spoon scoops up colorful vegetable fried rice from a wok.

Recipe Tips

Use cold rice for the best texture
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Cook on medium-high heat for best results
Cut all ingredients into similar sizes
Have all ingredients prepped before starting

Storing Tips

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave until hot.
Make Ahead: Cook rice a day ahead for best results.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture can become mushy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Leftover Turkey Fried Rice with my Spicy Organic Hummus or Fresh Pineapple Salsa for an Asian fusion twist. For a complete meal, pair it with Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze.

Bowl of chicken fried rice with vegetables and a spoon.

Recipe FAQs

Why is my fried rice mushy?

Fresh rice can make mushy fried rice. For best results, use day-old rice that’s been chilled for at least 4 hours.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.

Can I add different vegetables?

Absolutely! Use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking.

Why use white pepper instead of black pepper?

White pepper has a milder, more complex flavor traditional in Asian cooking, but black pepper can be substituted if needed.

Need More Thanksgiving Recipes? Try These:

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