A bowl of tender marinated turkey breast stew with vegetables

Tender & Flavorful Marinated Turkey Breast Stew

Tender & Flavorful Marinated Turkey Breast Stew
mediumstar
45 mintime

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs15gram

Fat10gram

Protein40gram

Ingredients

Quantity
  • Turkey breast, skinless and boneless, fresh or thawed (Choose fresh or fully thawed turkey breast with a pinkish color for best taste)500 g
  • Olive oil (Extra virgin olive oil is better for flavor)2 tbsp
  • Garlic cloves, minced (Fresh garlic cloves minced finely)3 piece
  • Onion, medium, chopped (Choose firm onions without soft spots)1 piece
  • Carrots, sliced (Fresh firm carrots)2 piece
  • Celery stalks, chopped (Fresh celery, check for crispness)2 piece
  • Chicken or turkey broth (Low sodium recommended)500 ml
  • Tomato paste (Look for pure tomato paste without added sugar)2 tbsp
  • Red wine (optional, can substitute with additional broth)100 ml
  • Fresh thyme (or dried thyme if fresh unavailable)1 tsp
  • Bay leaves2 piece
  • Salt (Preferably kosher or sea salt)to taste n/a
  • Black pepper, freshly groundto taste n/a
  • Lemon juice (for marinating, fresh is best)2 tbsp
  • Soy sauce (for marinating, use low sodium if possible)2 tbsp

This marinated turkey breast stew is tender, juicy, and full of rich flavors, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Marinating the turkey ensures it stays moist and flavorful, while the stew method makes it incredibly tender. The total cost of the ingredients is approximately $12 / €11 / £9 / ₹900. Each serving has around 350 calories, making it a balanced and nutritious meal. This dish is suitable for a moderate calorie diet and is medium in cooking complexity with about 1 hour total time required.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the Marinade

1In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and soy sauce. This marinade will tenderize the turkey and add depth of flavor. Takes about 5 minutes.

Marinate the Turkey Breast

2Cut turkey breast into bite-sized pieces. Place them in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to penetrate and to help tenderize the meat.

Chop Vegetables

3While the turkey marinates, chop onion, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. This preparation will make cooking smoother and quicker. Takes about 10 minutes.

Brown the Turkey Pieces

4Heat a large pot over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Remove turkey from marinade, pat dry to prevent splatter, and brown the pieces in batches until golden on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Browning adds flavor to the stew.

Sauté Vegetables

5In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened. This step builds flavor layers in the stew.

Add Liquids and Herbs

6Add tomato paste, red wine (if using), broth, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients for a balanced flavor profile.

Simmer the Stew

7Return browned turkey pieces to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 35-40 minutes. This slow cooking makes the turkey tender and infuses the flavors. Ensure internal temperature of turkey reaches at least 74°C (165°F) for safety.

Final Seasoning and Serve

8Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the stew hot with your choice of side such as rice or crusty bread. Enjoy your comforting and nutritious meal!

Cooking Tips

1Always marinate turkey in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.

2Avoid cross-contamination: use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables and wash hands thoroughly after handling raw poultry.

3Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

4If you do not have red wine, extra broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar can be used for acidity and depth.

5Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl for marinating
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with lid
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Meat thermometer
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Grocery Shopping List

  • [ ] 500g turkey breast (Approx. $6): Choose fresh or frozen fully thawed, skinless, boneless turkey breast.
  • [ ] Olive oil (Approx. $0.50 for quantity needed): Extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
  • [ ] 3 garlic cloves (Approx. $0.30): Prefer fresh firm cloves.
  • [ ] 1 medium onion (Approx. $0.50): Look for firm, dry skin without blemishes.
  • [ ] 2 carrots (Approx. $0.60): Fresh, firm carrots.
  • [ ] 2 celery stalks (Approx. $0.50): Crisp celery with no signs of wilting.
  • [ ] 500ml chicken or turkey broth (Approx. $1.50): Low sodium preferred.
  • [ ] Tomato paste (Approx. $0.50 for 2 tbsp): Pure tomato paste without additives.
  • [ ] 100ml red wine (optional) (Approx. $1): Use a cooking wine or your preferred drinking wine.
  • [ ] Fresh thyme or dried thyme (Approx. $0.50): Fresh preferred but dried works well.
  • [ ] Bay leaves (Approx. $0.10 for 2 leaves): Used for aroma.
  • [ ] Lemon (Approx. $0.50): For fresh lemon juice in marinade.
  • [ ] Soy sauce (Approx. $0.50 for 2 tbsp): Low sodium recommended.

Total estimated cost: Approx. $12

Tips: When selecting turkey breast, avoid those with an off smell or slimy texture. Fresh vegetables should be firm and brightly colored for best flavor and nutrition. Choose broth with low sodium to control saltiness in your stew.

FAQ

Can I use frozen turkey breast for this stew?

Yes, you can use frozen turkey breast but make sure it is fully thawed in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking.

How do I know when the stew is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey pieces; they should reach 74°C (165°F) to be safe to eat.

Can I substitute chicken for turkey breast in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breast can be used as a substitute, but adjust cooking time accordingly as chicken may cook slightly faster.

Is it necessary to marinate the turkey?

Marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness of the turkey, but if you are short on time, you can cook it without marinating, though the flavor might be less intense.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.