Turkey isn’t just a thanksgiving food. Turkey meal prep is great year round and since it’s turkey season let’s highlight some interesting ways to meal prep with this delicious, nutritious, versatile protein. Turkey has become more and more popular as most people are looking for more affordable and healthier options at the grocery store. Turkey has been a core option for sandwich meat for a long time but now we are starting to substitute chicken and beef for turkey instead. There’s a lot of value in making the switch. Let’s review why you should consider the change and how to go about it for cooking.
Chicken vs Turkey Meal Prep
An increasingly popular option, turkey can essentially replace chicken in any dish. Turkey and chicken are very similar, but turkey tends to edge chicken out in protein to weight, lower fat per ounce, and during the fall can be much cheaper. The flavors are very similar with turkey tending to be more mild. Sometimes it may just be nice to change it up. In the end, there isn’t much difference in the two proteins but if you’re looking to maximize a protein diet, this can give you a slight bump.
Beef vs Turkey Meal Prep
Many cooks already replace ground beef with ground turkey. It’s a lower fat, lower calorie option to ground beef while containing similar levels of protein and typically costing less. Ground turkey can be subbed in for meatloaf, chili, casseroles, and many eastern dishes for a more lean option.
Turkey Meal Prep Versatility
Turkey is one of the most versatile lean proteins since it can bridge the gap between chicken and beef. The hearty texture and milder flavor means it can work in both types of recipes. Turkey has a milder flavor than chicken or beef so you may want to overseason any dish that you substitute turkey in. Turkey meal prep works across cuisines as well, from Italian to Mexican and Asian inspired dishes.
How to Meal Prep Turkey
Turkey meal prep is really no different from chicken or beef. There are a few differences though and it’s valuable to keep in mind before you dive too deep in. The firm texture of turkey means you may want to cook it for a little longer or a lower temp to give the heat time to penetrate before drying out the surface. Slow cookers are great this. Turkey can do really well in stews, curries, and as shredded.
Turkey Flavor Profile
Turkey is a mild, slightly earthy flavor with less intensity than beef or lamb with a little heartier of a flavor than chicken. Depending on the cut though, this can vary. This mild flavor lends well to marinades and spices.
- White Meat: Turkey breast has a very mild taste with a lean texture. Subtly sweet and slightly earthy, the white meat tends to be very similar to chicken breast meat. Be careful not to dry the meat out as the moisture is lower than other cuts.
- Dark Meat (thighs and drumsticks): The dark meat parts are richer with a bolder flavor bursting with umami. These parts also tend to be juicier than the breasts with a higher fat content. This makes it a little more tender while being higher in calories for the weight. This is great for slow-cookers or roasted dishes that preserve the texture.
Buying in Bulk & Portioning
Whole turkeys are more of a seasonal option and can only be purchased in the fall typically. If you know a local farmer you may be able to purchase more year round but most likely you will have to purchase parts of the bird instead. Buying by the quarter can be more than enough though. Use the extra bits, the bones and discarded cartilage or skin, to make stock or in soups to build the depth of flavor.
Turkey tends to yield more food so portion control needs to be recalibrated. It is a lean protein so you may need to consume more to feel full but don’t over do it. Portion the same as you would chicken.
Turkey Meal Prep Recipes
Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers with Air Fryer Yellow Squash Fries
If you’re craving fast food but want to stick to healthier choices, I’ve got the perfect reimagined meal for you—Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers with crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Fries! This dish gives you all the comfort food feels without the guilt, and it’s super meal-prep friendly too. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering, simple…
Breakfast Turkey Sausage Patties with Eggs
Starting your day with a nutritious, satisfying meal can make all the difference, especially during a busy workweek. That’s where our Breakfast Turkey Sausage Patties with Eggs comes in—a meal prep dream that’s as delightful on a hurried Monday morning as it is on a lazy Sunday brunch. This recipe not only packs a high-protein…
Turkey and Vegetable Couscous
Turkey and Vegetable Couscous 12 oz Lean Ground Turkey2 oz pearled couscous1/4 cup red onions ((diced))1 cup butternut squash ((diced))2 cups baby kale8 oz mushrooms ((sliced))2 tbsp balsamic concentrate1/4 tsp garlic powder1/4 tsp salt1/8 tsp pepper1-2 tbsp olive oil Cook the pearled couscous according to packaged instructionsMeanwhile, add oil to a pan on medium-high heat…
Sesame Ginger Turkey Meatballs and Squash Noodles
Sesame Ginger Turkey Meatballs and Squash Noodles knifecutting boardspatulasaute pan 12 oz pre-cooked turkey meatballs10 oz butternut squash noodles1 each red bell pepper ((diced))1 tbsp green onions ((chopped))2 tbsp sesame ginger vinaigrette dressing1 tbsp coco aminos (soy sauce)1 tbsp olive oil1/4 tsp garlic powder1/4 tsp salt1/4 tsp pepper Heat the meatballs according to the packaging…
Fall Recipes
Looking for more recipes for the season, try our post on fall seasonal meal prep.
Fall Seasonal Meal Prep
The leaves are starting to change color and the produce is getting switched out in the stores. It’s time for fall seasonal meal prep. The veggies, fruits, and recipes are transitioning to hearty options as the temperature cools. This is a wonderful time to embrace seasonal meal prep with thanksgiving around the corner and pumpkin…
