Leftover Christmas Turkey Ideas

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While it’s traditional to serve up a plump and juicy roast turkey and all the trimmings on Christmas Day in the UK, it’s not uncommon to end up with an ample amount of leftovers on Boxing Day. Turkey and stuffing sandwiches just don’t cut it as a meal option, especially when you can easily create a tastier alternative, like katsu curry, to feed the family. 

If you’re stuck for ideas on what to do with a mountain of leftover turkey, here are some delicious, quick and easy to make suggestions to consider…

Turkey & All The Trimmings Pie

Surprise loved ones on Boxing Day by using up the roast turkey leftovers and trimmings in a comfort food way. A deep-filled pie makes an excellent substantial meal for all the whole family. 

You can use shop-bought ready-made pastry, or if you prefer, you can make your own. Once you’ve lined the dish with the pastry, add layers of sliced turkey and ham, and top with sauce made from turkey stock and double cream infused with wholegrain mustard and chopped tarragon. Add a layer of leftover sliced Brussels sprouts, carrots and parsnips with more sauce. Finish with a sliced meat layer and top with the pastry lid. Crimp the edges to seal the pie and brush with an egg wash.

As the pie will need around 50 minutes to bake in the oven, you can relax and put your feet up. Serve the humble pie with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes.

Turkey Katsu Curry

Many people love to rustle up a curry with the turkey leftovers after Christmas. If this is your family’s festive foodies tradition, swap your usual curry recipe for a Japanese inspired version. Katsu curry is highly rated dish in the UK, and all over the world. The popular dish is typically made with German schnitzel style chicken that has been panko crumbed and deep-fried until crispy and golden. The chicken is served with a side of rice and a generous amount of delicious creamy, sweet and tangy savoury sauce.

To make a post Xmas turkey katsu, select thin cuts of meat to coat in panko breadcrumbs. For the curry sauce, cook onions and chopped carrots in a frying pan with hot oil, until soft and caramelised. Add garlic and ginger and sizzle, and then stir in curry powder and turmeric. Allow the spices to warm through and release their flavour, before adding coconut milk, honey and water. Season the sauce, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. 

Plate up the turkey and rice, and drench with curry sauce.

Cajun Turkey Salad

After indulging in a rich and heavy Christmas Day feast, it makes sense to treat your taste buds to a meal that is fresh, light and healthier. A spicy Cajun style turkey salad is quick and easy to prepare with leftovers and a handful of ingredients. 

To make: lightly toast some sesame seeds in a hot pan until golden, and then add the turkey, Cajun seasoning, and a sliced red pepper. Arrange your preferred type of nutritious fresh, and crunchy salad leaves on plates, and spoon on the turkey mixture. Add a generous dollop of guacamole on top, and serve with a side of tortilla chips.

Asian Turkey Ramen

If you prefer the aromatic flavours of Asia, use up your turkey leftovers making an Asian style ramen broth that is packed with oodles of noodles and veggies, and topped with a boiled egg. Leftover gravy can be added to the warming broth to intensify its rich meaty taste.

In a saucepan, combine the gravy with crushed garlic, ginger, miso, dried mushrooms, and dark soy sauce. Gently simmer for 5 minutes and then strain, discarding the aromatics and mushrooms. Boil the egg, and prepare your favourite noodles. Add slices of turkey and spring onions to the broth, warming the ingredients through before ladling over a bowl filled with hot noodles. Top with the halved egg and some crumbled nori or dried chilli threads.

Christmas Turkey Pizza

Satisfy the pickiest of leftover eaters with a takeout family favourite with a twist. It’s easy to make your own pizza at home, using a base mix dough that you roll out and shape. If you prefer, you can cheat and use a ready-made pizza base or a large sized naan bread.

Spread tomato pizza sauce over the base and scatter pieces of turkey, sausagemeat stuffing, and leftover veggies on top. Top with grated or sliced mozzarella and a few fresh sage leaves, if you have some available. Drizzle with olive oil and bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes.

Once your family tucks into tasty katsu curry made with leftover turkey, or any of the other inspired ideas, there’s just no way that you’ll ever be able to persuade them to eat another boring turkey sandwich during the festive season.