Stir-Fry Pineapple Turkey

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A quick, sweet‑savory stir‑fry that turns leftover turkey into a tropical treat with pineapple, onions, celery and water chestnuts—ideal for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover turkey, diced
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp water
  • 1 (8 oz.) can pineapple chunks
  • 6 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups onion, sliced
  • 1 cup sliced celery
  • 3/4 cup water chestnuts, sliced

Instructions

  1. Combine cornstarch, soy sauce, salt, and water; stir well. Toss turkey chunks in the cornstarch mixture.
  2. Drain pineapple chunks, reserving one‑third cup of the syrup for later use.
  3. Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or medium skillet over medium‑high heat.
  4. Sauté sliced onion for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  5. Transfer the cooked onion to a bowl and set aside.
  6. Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet; sauté sliced celery and water chestnuts for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  7. Return the onion to the skillet and stir to combine all vegetables.
  8. Add the seasoned turkey and pineapple chunks to the skillet, pouring in the reserved pineapple syrup.
  9. Cook everything together for another 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the turkey is heated through and the sauce thickens.
  10. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy the burst of sweet and savory flavors.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding fresh ginger or garlic when sautéing the vegetables. You can substitute the turkey with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. If you're looking for a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly or let it simmer a bit longer. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this stir-fry hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. For added crunch, top with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. This dish also pairs well with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad to balance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm in a skillet over medium heat until everything is hot. Avoid overcooking to maintain the texture of the vegetables.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Stir-Fry Pineapple Turkey contains roughly 587 calories, with 3g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

587 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.9g 6% DV
Total Fat 48.3g 62% DV
Carbs 38.7g 14% DV
Fiber 1.8g 6% DV
Sugar 1.8g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 365.1mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 48.6mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 752.4mcg 84% DV
Vitamin C 7.9mg 9% DV
Calcium 45.2mg 3% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with leftover stir-fry?

Leftover stir-fry can be repurposed in various ways. Use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, or mix it into a salad for an extra protein boost. You can also stir it into scrambled eggs for a quick breakfast option.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Cook the stir-fry just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and the turkey hot. However, it's best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and texture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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