Beyond Turkey Noodle Soup: Creative Ways to Use Your Leftover Turkey Stock

This creamy vegetable, turkey, rice soup is the best leftover turkey soup ever. I always keep the recipe on hand for after holiday meals like Thanksgiving!.

I know you are probably knee deep in pie crust, recipe prep, and chaotic stress right now. And I don’t want to interrupt you.

But make a commitment to yourself that you will save this recipe and come back to it the day after Thanksgiving—I assure you that you won’t want to miss the opportunity to use some of those priceless leftover turkey for this incredibly flavorful soup.

It is one of the best soups EVER. Good news: in the off-turkey season, it works great with cooked chicken. However, I have to say that I like it better with turkey. I don’t know why. It’s definitely a placebo effect, but nonetheless, this is one of my favorite ways to use leftover turkey.

And that’s saying a lot considering that this girl primarily looks forward to leftover turkey sandwiches on homemade rolls every Thanksgiving.

So you’ve made a delicious turkey stock, but you’re left with a surplus that seems too good to waste. Fear not, fellow culinary adventurer! This guide will unveil a treasure trove of creative ways to utilize your leftover turkey stock venturing beyond the realm of classic turkey noodle soup.

Unlocking the Versatility of Turkey Stock:

Turkey stock isn’t just for soups and stews; it’s a versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to spark your culinary imagination:

Hearty and Savory Delights:

  • Risotto: Replace the usual broth with turkey stock for a richer, more flavorful risotto. Experiment with different grains like barley, farro, or even buckwheat for a textural twist.
  • Gumbos and Soups: Embrace the warmth and comfort of turkey-based gumbos and wild rice soups. You can even substitute chicken with turkey for a unique flavor profile.
  • Pot Pie: Whip up a quick and comforting pot pie by simmering vegetables in turkey stock and topping it with a flaky biscuit crust. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
  • Braised Pork Roast: Infuse your pork roast with the savory notes of turkey stock. Brown the roast, add stock, apples, orange juice concentrate, and spices, then bake to tender perfection.
  • Pan Sauces: Deglaze your pan after cooking meat or poultry with a splash of turkey stock to create a flavorful sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant way to enhance your dishes.

Adding Depth and Flavor:

  • Marinades: Infuse your marinades with the richness of turkey stock for added depth of flavor. It’s especially effective for marinating meats like chicken, pork, or even tofu.
  • Turkey Demi-Glace: Reduce your turkey stock for an intense and concentrated flavor bomb known as demi-glace. Add a touch of tomato puree or wine for extra complexity, then freeze it in ice cube trays for convenient use in sauces and soups.
  • Rice Enhancement: Elevate your rice dishes by replacing water with turkey stock. Brown rice, in particular, benefits from the added flavor and nutrients.
  • Vegetable Glazes: Create a luscious glaze for your roasted vegetables by simmering them in turkey stock with a touch of butter, salt, and sugar. The result is a caramelized masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds.
  • Creamy Delights: Craft a delicate cream sauce using turkey stock as the base. Add a splash of white wine and bake chicken or turkey in a casserole for a heavenly dish that pairs perfectly with pasta.

Beyond the Kitchen:

  • Frozen Stock Cubes: Portion your turkey stock into ice cube trays for convenient single-use portions. This way, you can easily add a flavor boost to any dish without thawing a large container.

Remember:

  • Reduce for Concentrated Flavor: If you have a large quantity of stock, consider reducing it to concentrate the flavor. This will create a more intense base for sauces and soups.
  • Experiment and Explore: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different recipes and flavor combinations. Turkey stock is a versatile ingredient that can be adapted to suit your culinary preferences.

With a little creativity, your leftover turkey stock can transform into a culinary treasure trove. From hearty soups and stews to elegant sauces and flavorful marinades, the possibilities are endless. So, embrace the versatility of this golden elixir and embark on a journey of culinary exploration. Your taste buds will thank you for it!

What to Serve With This

what can i make with turkey broth

What kind of rice to use for leftover turkey soup

Once a little broth is added (leftover turkey stock? use it!), in goes the rice. Now, this part is open to wild interpretation. Use white rice if that’s all you have, but this turkey soup tastes great served over hearty brown rice or a combination of brown and wild rice.

I like to use a blend of brown rice that includes both wild rice and several types of brown rice. I believe I found it at Costco, but you can look through the rice section to find a blend that suits your needs, and then modify the simmering time to take into consideration the type of rice you choose.

Brown and wild rices will take longer to cook than white rice.

what can i make with turkey broth

How To Make Turkey Stock – Turkey Broth Recipe

FAQ

What is turkey broth good for?

The carcass’s connective tissue can also add collagen, which can be beneficial to joint health. And bone marrow can be rich in iron, vitamins A and K and other nutrients. Adding vegetables to the broth can also add nutrients.

What can I do with leftover turkey juice?

Whenever you make a Roast Turkey, don’t toss the fat and juices that are left behind in the roasting pan. We love using these turkey drippings in gravy to achieve homemade results with minimal effort and no extra dishes needed.

How long does turkey broth last in the fridge?

Turkey stock can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 4 months. Note: If your turkey was brined or heavily salted, you may need less salt. Taste the broth when it is close to done. You can always add more salt towards the end!

Is it OK to freeze turkey broth?

Preserving turkey stock To freeze, simply seal the stock in a freezer-proof container, freezer gallon storage bags work great for this method. Clearly label and date the storage bag or container – remember that this method has a freezer storage life of 6 months.

What can I do with turkey broth?

Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Turkey broth is the star of the show in comforting soups and stews. But you can also use it as a base for sauces or an enriching casserole addition.

What are the healthy substitutes of chicken broth?

Vegetable broth is an easy substitute for chicken broth. It has a very similar Flavor and color. Vegetable broth has a high amount of minerals because of vegetables, it prevents several diseases. Full of phytochemicals prevents eye diseases, cancer and heart problems. Immunity booster. Vegetable broth remains fresh and edible in a refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.

Can I use turkey broth instead of chicken broth?

Turkey broth makes amazing soups, like leftover turkey noodle soup, but can also be used in place of chicken broth in all your favorite recipes. At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe. Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities. Turkey carcass: Bones and all.

How do you make homemade turkey broth?

In just a few steps, it’s simple to use every bit of the incredible flavor of roasted Thanksgiving turkey to make your homemade turkey broth. In an 8 Qt. stockpot, add the roasted turkey bones, apple cider vinegar, salt, and 16 cups of filtered water. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to a simmer.

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