Transform your leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a flavorful and satisfying meal with these Leftover Turkey Tacos. Instead of sticking to the usual turkey sandwiches, these tacos add a fresh spin to your leftovers, combining juicy turkey carnitas with tasty toppings. This recipe is a great way to revitalize your leftovers and make a meal everyone will love.
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Why You’ll Love These Leftover Turkey Tacos
These Leftover Turkey Tacos are perfect for a quick, delicious, and family-friendly meal. The turkey meat is seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, simmered until tender, and then crisped to perfection in a skillet. The toppings, such as diced red onions, fresh cilantro, and cotija cheese, add a refreshing contrast, making every bite a delight. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner after Thanksgiving or simply want to reinvent your leftovers, these tacos are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Tacos
To make these turkey tacos, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in bringing flavor, texture, and aroma to your meal.
For Turkey Taco Carnitas:
• Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor that complements the turkey perfectly.
• Cumin: Gives the tacos a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the seasonings.
• Garlic powder: A must for seasoning, it adds depth and savoriness to the turkey.
• Light brown sugar: Balances out the spices and helps to caramelize the turkey.
• Leftover turkey: Both white and dark meat work well for this recipe. If you don’t have turkey, shredded chicken is a great alternative.
• Orange juice: Adds a touch of brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté the turkey and onions, contributing to the dish’s richness.
• White onion: Provides a subtle sweetness that complements the seasoned turkey.
For the Tacos:
• Flour tortillas: Soft tortillas that hold the turkey and toppings well. You can use corn tortillas or hard taco shells as an alternative.
• Red onion: Adds a fresh, crunchy element with a slight sharpness.
• Fresh cilantro: Brings a refreshing herbal note to balance the rich turkey.
• Cotija cheese: A crumbly, salty cheese that adds texture and flavor to the tacos.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to modify this recipe, consider these swaps:
• Chicken instead of turkey: If you don’t have leftover turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken will work just as well.
• Corn tortillas: If you prefer a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas in place of flour ones.
• Greek yogurt: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangy topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Leftover Turkey Tacos
Follow these simple steps to create your flavorful leftover turkey tacos.
- Make the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar.
- Season the turkey: Slice or shred your leftover turkey and place it in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the orange juice and seasoning mixture, and mix until the turkey is evenly coated.
- Simmer the turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the seasoned turkey and sliced onion. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The turkey should become soft and tender. Shred it into smaller pieces if necessary.
- Crisp the turkey: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the turkey and onions. Sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until the turkey is browned and crispy.
- Assemble the tacos: Divide the crispy turkey carnitas between tortillas and top with diced red onions, cilantro, and cotija cheese. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or sour cream if you like.
Tips and Tricks for Leftover Turkey Tacos
To make the most of this recipe, here are some helpful tips:
• Moist turkey: If your leftover turkey is dry, mix it with a bit of chicken broth and butter to bring back its moisture.
• Don’t skip the simmering step: Allowing the turkey to simmer in its juices with the onions helps it absorb flavor and become tender.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to add chili powder or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier taco.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These leftover turkey tacos are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with various sides and toppings to elevate the meal.
• Guacamole: Homemade guacamole adds creaminess and richness, balancing out the spices in the turkey.
• Salsas: A tropical pineapple salsa or zesty mango salsa would complement the turkey nicely. For a more traditional option, try a chunky tomato salsa.
• Vegetable sides: Serve these tacos with a side of air-fried broccoli or a chopped vegetable salad for a refreshing touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store the turkey meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the turkey in a shallow bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second increments until warm. You can also freeze the turkey for 3-6 months, but it may lose some flavor after prolonged storage.
Why These Leftover Turkey Tacos Are a Game-Changer
These tacos are not only an easy way to use up leftover turkey, but they also offer a new take on traditional holiday leftovers. The combination of tender turkey carnitas, flavorful seasoning, and fresh toppings makes for a delicious meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you have turkey leftover from Thanksgiving or are simply looking for a quick and tasty dinner, these tacos are a must-try.
Incorporate these Leftover Turkey Tacos into your post-holiday meals, and say goodbye to turkey sandwiches for good!
Conclusion: A Perfect Way to Use Leftover Turkey
These Leftover Turkey Tacos are a delightful way to reinvent your holiday leftovers. By transforming turkey into flavorful carnitas, you can say goodbye to repetitive meals like sandwiches and soups. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, these tacos deliver both delicious flavor and easy preparation. With the perfect balance of seasoning, tender turkey, and fresh toppings, these tacos are sure to become a new family favorite. So, the next time you find yourself with leftover turkey, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—it’s guaranteed to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh turkey for this recipe. Simply cook the turkey according to your preferred method (grilled, roasted, or even rotisserie) and follow the seasoning and simmering steps as outlined in the recipe.
How can I make the turkey meat crispy?
To make the turkey crispy, make sure to pan-fry the turkey after it has simmered and become tender. Use medium-high heat and allow the turkey to brown and crisp up in the skillet, turning it every 5 minutes until the desired texture is achieved.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these tacos gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas instead of flour tortillas. You can find a variety of gluten-free options in most grocery stores, including corn tortillas or dedicated gluten-free flour tortillas.
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Leftover Turkey Tacos
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Transform your leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a flavorful and satisfying meal with these Leftover Turkey Tacos. Packed with juicy turkey carnitas, seasoned with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and a touch of orange juice, these tacos are crispy, tender, and full of flavor. With fresh toppings like cilantro, red onions, and cotija cheese, this recipe is perfect for turning leftovers into a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1.5 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar, divided
- 2 cups leftover turkey (white or dark meat)
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 white onion, sliced into 1-inch half moons
- 6 flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cotija cheese
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar.
- Slice or shred the leftover turkey and place it in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the orange juice and seasoning mixture. Mix until the turkey is evenly coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the seasoned turkey and sliced onion. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The turkey should become soft and tender. Shred it into smaller pieces if necessary.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the turkey and onions. Sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until the turkey is browned and crispy.
- Divide the crispy turkey carnitas between tortillas and top with diced red onions, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Optionally, add lime juice or sour cream for extra flavor.
Notes
- If your leftover turkey is dry, mix it with a bit of chicken broth and butter to bring back moisture.
- For a spicier version, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can substitute it with rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fry, Simmer
- Cuisine: Mexican American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 226
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 245mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
