Sweet-Sour Turkey Breast
Sweet-sour turkey breast features tender turkey cubes coated in a tangy sauce with pineapple, carrots, and green pepper. This vibrant dish offers a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for those craving a quick, flavorful meal that pairs beautifully with rice and appeals to both family and guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put turkey breast into a small bowl.
- Add soy sauce to moisten, ginger, cornstarch, and m.s.g. (if desired).
- Marinate for about 30 minutes.
- Brown turkey in a little oil.
- Remove from pan.
- Spoon off excess oil.
- Into the pan, add brown sugar, vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, juice from pineapple, and ginger root.
- Bring to a boil.
- Turn down heat and simmer for a minute or so.
- Dissolve 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a little cold water and add to the pan.
- Add sliced green pepper, carrots, and browned turkey.
- Cook for a couple of minutes.
- Add pineapple chunks and heat through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, you can increase the cornstarch amount or simmer the sauce longer to reduce it. If you don't have MSG, feel free to skip it or use a little extra soy sauce for umami flavor. For a twist, try substituting chicken or tofu instead of turkey, and adding more vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers to enhance the dish's color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet-Sour Turkey Breast over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with Fried Rice(Lo-Cal) or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. For a complete dinner, consider a side salad or some egg rolls to complement the flavors and add variety to your table.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to regain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-Sour Turkey Breast contains roughly 448 calories, with 27g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (116% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 519mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
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
Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey breast, but be sure to thaw it completely before cubing and marinating. This will ensure even cooking and flavor absorption. Ideally, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker results.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses to replicate the flavor. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup can work in a pinch, though they may slightly alter the final taste and texture of the sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a spicy kick to your Sweet-Sour Turkey Breast, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when boiling the sauce. You can also add sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers along with the green pepper for an extra layer of heat.
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).