Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo Poultry

Turkey Poultry

At a Glance

  • Category Poultry

The Forktionary Angle

"Beyond the holiday centerpiece, turkey offers a versatile, lean protein source for year-round culinary creativity."

Definition

A large fowl native to North America, widely consumed for its lean, white meat, especially popular during holidays like Thanksgiving.

Optimal_Internal_Temp 165°F (74°C)
Protein_Content Approx. 29g per 100g breast
Resting_Time_Rule 20-30 min for whole bird

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Turkey are:

Mild savory lean slightly gamey (dark meat)

Chef’s Secret

Brine your turkey overnight for maximum moisture and flavor; a salt and sugar solution prevents dryness, especially in the breast meat.

Best Substitutes

Chicken

similar texture, milder flavor
Ratio 1:1

Duck

richer flavor, higher fat
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Fresh whole turkeys should have plump breasts and moist skin. Frozen turkeys should be solid.

Recipes Using Turkey

Low Calorie Low Saturated Fat Main Ingredient Cuisine

Turkey Corn Chile

Rachael Ray's 30-Minute Comfort Food Winner! This Turkey Corn Chile recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful weeknight meal. Packed with juicy turkey, sweet corn, and zesty spices, it's the perfect comforting dish ready in under 30 minutes. Get ready for a taste explosion!

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Easy Easy Soups Stews Course

Better Than Paula's Taco Soup

This slow cooker Taco Soup recipe is a hearty, flavorful twist on a classic! Inspired by Paula Deen, but with my own delicious improvements, this recipe is perfect for a chilly evening. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Makes a large batch – perfect for freezing leftovers for future quick meals! Requires a 6-quart slow cooker.

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Oven Time To Make Low Carb Fruit

Baked Leftover Turkey Salad Hot Dish Or Sandwich Filling

Transform leftover turkey into a delicious and versatile hot dish or sandwich filling! This easy recipe is perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers or any other cooked meat. Customize it with your pantry staples – chicken, tuna, lobster, or crab all work wonderfully. Kid-friendly and adaptable, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a flavor explosion! (See also recipe #50087)

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Preparation 5 Ingredients Or Less Main Ingredient Poultry

Aluminum Football Roast Turkey

Say goodbye to dry turkey! This foolproof method uses aluminum foil to create the most unbelievably moist and juicy roast turkey you've ever tasted. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion, this recipe guarantees a tender bird with a gallon of delicious drippings for gravy and stuffing. We'll cook it in the oven while you enjoy your day--no basting, no flipping, just pure, effortless deliciousness! This method yields a turkey so tender, the meat practically falls off the bone, making it ideal for slicing and serving directly to your guests. While the presentation may not be as visually appealing as a traditionally roasted bird, the unparalleled flavor and ease of preparation make it a game-changer. (Tip: Consider preparing another turkey using your favorite method for a beautifully browned centerpiece.)

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60 Minutes Or Less Easy 60 Minutes Or Less Number Of Servings

Apple Turkey Picadillo

This Apple Turkey Picadillo recipe delivers a burst of sweet and savory flavors in just 35 minutes! A unique twist on a classic, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and serves two. Enjoy tender turkey, crisp apples, and a vibrant blend of spices in a delicious, syrupy sauce. Easy to follow instructions make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all levels.

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Dietary Low Carb Preparation Fall

Autumn Meatloaf

Celebrate the vibrant colors of autumn with this healthy and delicious ground turkey meatloaf! Bursting with fall flavors, this recipe features earthy mushrooms, sharp cheddar, sweet red onion, and nutritious spinach, all baked to golden perfection. Easy to make and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive fall gathering. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this stunning and flavorful meatloaf!

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Meat Main Ingredient Dietary Preparation

Barbecue Turkey Cole Slaw Sandwiches

A lighter take on a Southern classic! This recipe for Barbecue Turkey Cole Slaw Sandwiches offers a delicious twist on the traditional pork barbecue sandwich, perfect for a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor. Imagine juicy, crumbled turkey in a tangy barbecue sauce, topped with a refreshing crunchy coleslaw and nestled in toasted buns. This recipe, inspired by Southern Living Low-Fat Recipes (January 1997), is a family favorite that's quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. (Optional: Substitute 1 lb ground country breakfast pork chops for a heartier version).

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Pasta Main Dish Course Pasta Rice And Grains

Baked Ziti With Turkey

This comforting twist on classic baked ziti swaps ground beef for lean ground turkey, creating a lighter yet equally delicious casserole. Enjoy layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, creamy ricotta, savory turkey, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with bubbly mozzarella cheese. A perfect weeknight meal or crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion!

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Low Carb Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Potluck

Craze E Turkey Meatballs In Sauce

These incredibly easy and delicious turkey meatballs simmer in a rich, savory mushroom-tomato sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or your next office potluck! Impress your taste buds with this quick and flavorful recipe – ready in under an hour!

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Oven Oven Time To Make Poultry

Barefoot Contessa's Turkey Meatloaf

Ina Garten's foolproof turkey meatloaf recipe, guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters! This recipe delivers incredibly moist and flavorful meatloaf with a perfect texture. Get ready for rave reviews – it's that good!

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Free Of Something Cuisine To Go Number Of Servings

Almost Stroganoff

A quick and easy 30-minute one-dish meal that's almost like Stroganoff! This kid-approved recipe uses ground turkey, egg noodles, and creamy mushroom soup as its base, with a few fun additions chosen by my 8-year-old son. Perfect for those who aren't keen on sour cream or simply don't have it on hand. Get ready for a comforting and flavorful family dinner that's surprisingly simple to make!

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Time To Make Preparation Appetizers Course

Aloha Meatballs

These Aloha Meatballs are a surprisingly light yet incredibly flavorful appetizer! Inspired by a fat-free cookbook, this recipe delivers a sweet and sour explosion of taste that will impress even the most discerning palates. No one will guess these juicy meatballs are low-fat – it's our little secret! Perfect for parties, game day, or a weeknight treat.

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Easy Lunch Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less

Baked Rolled Sub Sandwich

Game day just got a whole lot tastier! This crowd-pleasing Baked Rolled Sub Sandwich, inspired by a family recipe, is perfect hot or cold. Enjoy this easy-to-make, delicious twist on a classic sub, featuring layers of savory turkey, salty prosciutto, and melty provolone. The perfect combination of flavors and textures will make this your new go-to recipe for parties, potlucks, or a casual weeknight dinner.

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Time To Make Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Preparation 4 Hours Or Less

3 Way Bbq Baked Beans Oamc

Elevate your BBQ game with this incredibly versatile 3-Way BBQ Baked Beans recipe! Perfect for meal prepping and freezer-friendly, this recipe lets you customize your bean blend (use any 3 types!). After mixing, choose your cooking method: freezer storage for future meals, slow-cooking in a crockpot for ultimate tenderness, or classic oven baking for a delicious crust. Adapted from a beyond-macaroni-and-cheese favorite, this recipe is a must-try for busy families and BBQ enthusiasts alike. Get ready for the most flavorful baked beans you've ever tasted!

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Kid Friendly Poultry Main Dish Turkey

1 Turkey Meatloaf With Sun Dried Tomatoes And Feta

This gourmet turkey meatloaf elevates the classic comfort food with a burst of Mediterranean flavors! Sun-dried tomatoes and creamy feta cheese mingle with juicy ground turkey, creating a moist and flavorful loaf that even meatloaf skeptics will adore. This healthy recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Skip the canned breadcrumb route – we'll show you how to make perfectly seasoned, homemade crumbs!

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Time To Make Pork Course Easy

Beef Turkey And Andouille Meat Loaf

This Cajun-inspired meatloaf, adapted from Bruce Aidells and Denis Kelly's "The Complete Meat Cookbook," is a flavor explosion! Juicy ground beef and turkey are combined with spicy andouille sausage for a truly unforgettable meal. The savory mustard glaze adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the smoky heat. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Main Dish Main Dish 3 Steps Or Less Meat

Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers

Juicy turkey burgers get a sweet and savory twist with crisp apples and sharp cheddar cheese! This recipe elevates the classic turkey burger with a homemade cranberry mustard sauce for a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal.

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