Turkey Hawaiian
A sweet and savory turkey dish featuring pineapple chunks and colorful peppers, coated in a light batter and fried until golden, perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons water ⓘ
- 2 cups cubed cooked turkey ⓘ
- Fat for frying ⓘ
- 1 can (13 1/2 oz.) pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon chicken stock base ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, cut into eighths ⓘ
- 1 red pepper, cut into eighths ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine beaten eggs, all-purpose flour, and salt in a bowl, then add water and beat until smooth.
- Add cooked turkey cubes to the batter and stir well until all pieces are coated.
- Heat oil in a frying pan and drop in turkey pieces, frying until browned on all sides. Keep warm.
- Drain pineapple chunks, reserving the juice, into a saucepan.
- Blend cornstarch into the pineapple juice to thicken.
- Add butter, pineapple chunks, chicken stock base, and soy sauce to the saucepan.
- Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the fried turkey to the sauce and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispy texture, make sure the frying oil is hot enough before adding the turkey pieces. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use leftover turkey for quicker preparation. Adding a splash of soy sauce can enhance the flavor, but be cautious with salt, as the stock base may add saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Turkey Hawaiian over steamed rice or alongside fried rice for a complete meal. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balance of flavors. For added flair, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. This dish also complements the flavors in Aunt Vera's Carrot Soup, making for a delightful meal combination.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep the turkey moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Hawaiian contains roughly 503 calories, with 32g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (64% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. 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 pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple chunks. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as fresh pineapple may need slightly less time to soften. Blend fresh pineapple with a bit of water for the juice needed in the recipe.
What can I substitute for chicken stock base?
You can substitute the chicken stock base with homemade chicken broth or low-sodium chicken broth. If you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable broth will work as well, providing a different flavor profile but still delicious.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes into the sauce. You can also serve it with a side of spicy dipping sauce or drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving.
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).