Leftover Turkey and Almond Stir Fry

This Leftover Turkey and Almond Stir Fry is a lovely way of using up Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers, and it’s light, spicy flavours are really refreshing after all those heavy holiday meals. Almonds are the perfect foil to the stronger taste of turkey, but of course you can use any other leftover nuts you prefer. Peanuts work well, if no one has an allergy to them.

You can serve Leftover Turkey and Almond Stir Fry over white or brown rice, but my family prefer it served over noodles. There is something about the texture of the noodles with the crunch of the almonds that makes it extra delicious.

This recipe is really delicious, and you may still want to make it when you don’t have leftovers! If so, just add thinly sliced raw meat at the beginning of the cooking time, before the vegetables. If you are using a lot of vegetables, you may want to cook the meat, remove it and keep it warm. Then cook the veggies and add the meat to round out at the end. This will prevent it from getting over cooked.

This recipes serves 5 to 6 generously, and is easily stretched for more, by adding extra turkey or vegetables.

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (I use mild olive oil.)
1 red onion, finely sliced
I red pepper, de-seeded and cut in thin slices
1 yellow pepper, de-seeded and cut in slices
2 carrots, peeled and cut in thin slices or matchsticks (optional)
1 zucchini (courgette), topped, tailed, halved lengthwise and cut in half moons OR 1 cup broccoli florets or shredded brussels sprouts
2 cups chopped leftover turkey (or chicken)
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 to 3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 pound of medium egg noodles
½ cup roughly chopped almonds plus more for garnish

Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok and add the onion. Stir fry for two to three minutes until it begins to soften.

Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package directions.

Mix the sweet chili sauce and the soy sauce together thoroughly.

Add the peppers, zucchini and carrots (if using), continuing to stir fry until they become tender-crisp (about 2 to 3 minutes). Stir leftover cooked turkey, along with the sauce mixture, tossing to coat everything with the sauce.

Toss in the almonds and ensure everything is heated through. Serve over the noodles, with some extra almonds sprinkled on top for garnish.