If you’re like me, the best part of cooking a big turkey curry recipe isn’t just the main meal — it’s what I get to do with the leftovers.
This Turkey Curry is one of my all-time favorite ways to bring bold flavors to tender, cooked turkey. It’s quick, rich in spices, and gives leftover meat a whole new life.
Whether it’s the day after Thanksgiving or you just have extra turkey in your fridge, this recipe comes together effortlessly and fills your kitchen with comforting, warm aromas. Let me walk you through everything — from prep time to plating.
How To Make Turkey Curry Recipe?
Recipe Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Yield
- Serves 4 hearty portions
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Small bowl for mixing spices
Ingredients
For the curry:
- 2 tablespoons oil (I use coconut or vegetable oil)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons curry powder (medium or hot, your call)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- 1½ cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the aromatics
I heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, I toss in chopped onion and let it cook for about 5–6 minutes until soft and golden. Then I stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1 minute.
2. Add the spices
Next, I mix all the dry spices in a small bowl. I add them to the skillet, stirring continuously for 30 seconds to bloom their flavor.
3. Stir in the turkey
I toss the shredded turkey into the skillet and stir well to coat it in the spice mixture.
4. Pour in tomatoes and simmer
I add the diced tomatoes with their juice. I bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, uncovered.
5. Finish with coconut milk
I pour in the coconut milk and stir. I let it simmer for another 5 minutes so everything melds together beautifully. I adjust salt if needed.
6. Serve and garnish
I serve this hot over basmati rice or with warm naan, topped with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) Of Turkey Curry Recipe
(Estimated values)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
Serving Suggestions for Turkey Curry Recipe
I love pairing this turkey curry with:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a classic feel
- Garlic naan to soak up the rich sauce
- Cucumber raita or mango chutney to cool things down
- A quick side salad with lemon dressing for freshness
Tips and Variations Of Turkey Curry Recipe
- No turkey? Use rotisserie chicken or cooked tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Spicier version: Add a chopped green chili when sautéing onions or use extra chili powder.
- Cream swap: If you don’t like coconut milk, I’ve used heavy cream or even Greek yogurt — both work great.
- Bulk it up: Throw in spinach, chickpeas, or peas for more texture and nutrition.
- Make ahead: This curry tastes even better the next day after the flavors deepen.
Health Benefits Of Turkey Curry Recipe
This turkey curry isn’t just delicious — it’s good for the body too:
- Turkey is lean, protein-rich, and low in fat
- Spices like turmeric, cumin, and ginger have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Coconut milk provides healthy fats
- Tomatoes offer lycopene and vitamin C
It’s comfort food that supports digestion and immunity — something I always appreciate, especially in cooler months.
Sure! Here’s a flavorful and easy Leftover Turkey Curry Recipe – perfect for transforming holiday leftovers into a warming, spiced dish. This comforting curry blends tender turkey with aromatic spices in a creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or naan.
What to do with turkey leftovers?
You can use turkey leftovers to make soups, sandwiches, salads, casseroles, curries, pot pies, or stir-fries. They’re perfect for quick meals like turkey chili, wraps, or turkey fried rice.
Should I use white or dark meat?
You can use both white and dark meat—white meat is leaner, while dark meat is juicier and more flavorful. Mixing both gives the best taste and texture.
Can I use frozen veggies?
Yes, you can use frozen veggies—they’re convenient, nutritious, and work well in most leftover turkey recipes.
Can I use ginger powder?
Yes, you can use ginger powder as a substitute—use about 1/4 teaspoon for every 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger.
How long can I keep the leftovers?
You can keep turkey leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days or freeze them for up to 2–3 months.
How To Prepare a Turkey Curry Recipe Without Coconut Milk?
To make turkey curry without coconut milk, use heavy cream, yogurt, or tomato puree as a substitute. These add creaminess and depth without the coconut flavor.
How to prepare a Chinese turkey curry recipe?
To make a Chinese turkey curry, stir-fry onions, garlic, and ginger, then add curry powder, soy sauce, and a splash of chicken stock. Stir in chopped turkey and frozen mixed vegetables, simmer until thickened, and serve with rice or noodles.
How to make a Turkey curry recipe Indian style?
To make Indian-style turkey curry, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in oil, add turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder, then stir in tomato puree and cook until thick. Add chopped turkey and simmer with water or cream until flavorful. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
Conclusion
Making this turkey curry is like giving leftovers a gourmet encore. It’s fragrant, rich, satisfying — and ready in under 40 minutes. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, depending on what’s in your fridge.
I always feel like I’ve cooked something special when I bring this to the table. And trust me — no one will ever guess it started as leftovers.
Let me know in the comments if you try this. I’d love to hear your variations! Thanks for reading this article on the turkey curry recipe.