Sweet-Sour Turkey
Sweet-sour turkey features tender diced turkey coated in a tangy pineapple sauce with vibrant green peppers and onions, perfect for a flavorful family meal or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple, reserving 1 cup of juice.
- Combine pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and salt in a saucepan.
- Cook over low heat until thickened and clear, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat; add diced cooked turkey to the sauce.
- Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Place green pepper strips in boiling water; let stand for 5 minutes.
- Drain green peppers well.
- Add green peppers, sliced onion, and pineapple chunks to the turkey mixture; heat through.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in water. You can substitute the turkey with cooked chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the brown sugar slightly. Fresh pineapple can be used instead of canned for more vibrant flavor. This dish can also be served as part of a larger spread with other Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet-Sour Turkey over fluffy white rice or alongside fried rice for a heartier meal. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, such as a Low-Fat Chinese Salad, to balance the richness of the dish. Consider garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are covered to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-Sour Turkey contains roughly 509 calories, with 42g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 fresh turkey instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh turkey, but you'll need to cook it thoroughly first. Dice the turkey and sauté it in a skillet until cooked through before adding it to the sauce. This will ensure the flavors meld beautifully.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet-sour sauce and cook the turkey in advance. Combine everything just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp. Just reheat gently to maintain the flavors.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition. Just blanch them briefly before mixing them in to keep their crunch and vibrant color in the final dish.
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).