When I first tried making Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce, it was a total game-changer for our family dinners. I was juggling after-school activities and struggling to find quick turkey dinner ideas that were both nutritious and flavorful. The first time I served this dish, my kids actually asked for seconds — a rare win that left me feeling like I’d found a secret sauce for simple nutrition wins. This Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce not only brought flavor but packed a punch of lean protein and vitamin C from the citrus teriyaki marinade, great for our energy and immune support.
What surprised me most was how the orange teriyaki glaze brightened up the turkey breast medallions, turning a sometimes-dry protein into something juicy and kid-friendly. I first stumbled upon this Asian-inspired turkey recipe thanks to a fellow mom in a feeding kids Facebook group. It was refreshing to find a meal that felt special but didn’t require a ton of fuss when I was already stretched thin. Since then, Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce became a family staple, fitting perfectly into our busy lives and nutrition goals.
If you’re a fellow nutrition-seeker battling to make quick turkey dinner ideas that nourish without the overwhelm, this recipe has your name on it. Keep scrolling because I’m sharing everything you need to make this simple, tasty, and nourishing Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce a regular on your table.
For more simple nutrition inspiration like this, you might love my cranberry orange bread with glaze — another quick idea that blends family-favorite flavors with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s the straightforward ingredient list for Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce. Trust me, it’s designed for busy moms who want nutrition without complexity!
- 1.5 pounds turkey breast medallions (lean and high in protein, perfect for family dinnertime nutrition wins)
- 3/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari (watch the sodium but delivers the classic teriyaki flavor)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (adds vitamin C and fresh sweetness to the citrus teriyaki marinade)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (natural sweetness balances the savory sauce)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (great immunity booster mom-hack!)
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger (helps digestion and adds a zing)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (adds heart-healthy fats and that nutty flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening the orange teriyaki glaze)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish and a fresh pop)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon chili flakes (for a little heat if your crew likes it)
No worries if you don’t have fresh ginger — ground ginger works just fine. Busy moms, here’s a nutrition hack: grab pre-minced garlic to save time on hectic evenings. You can find all these wholesome ingredients easily at your regular grocery store, so no extra trips needed.
If budget’s tight, consider substituting orange juice with a splash of bottled citrus juice or even a little zest for that bright note without the extra cost. My family gets extra nutrition when I toss in steamed broccoli or snap peas alongside our Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to bring this nutritious Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce to life? Let’s cook together step-by-step for a sanity-saving nutrition win.
- Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, orange juice, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This citrus teriyaki marinade is where the flavors marry, giving your turkey a juicy, savory, and slightly sweet kick.
- Marinate the turkey medallions: Place your turkey breast medallions in the marinade, turning them so each piece soaks up the flavor. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — while you prep the rest of your dinner, it’s a perfect moment to pack those school lunches or prep tomorrow’s snacks.
- Heat your skillet or pan: Use medium-high heat and add the toasted sesame oil. Once shimmering, remove the turkey medallions from marinade (save the marinade for the sauce) and sauté the medallions 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Turkey cooks fast, so trust the clock here to avoid dryness.
- Make the orange teriyaki glaze: Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the cornstarch and water mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into that glossy, sticky orange teriyaki glaze we love.
- Coat the turkey: Add the cooked turkey medallions back to the pan and spoon the orange teriyaki glaze over them. Let the sauce sizzle and thicken for another minute or two so it clings lovingly to each medallion.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and optional chili flakes for that final pop.
This Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce comes together in just about 30-40 minutes, making it one of my top quick turkey dinner ideas that balance nutrition with minimal fuss. While it cooks, enjoy a quiet cup of coffee or tick off a few more things from your to-do list. Your kitchen will smell like a wellness boost before you know it!
If you want a visual guide, check out this turkey breast tenderloin recipe with rosemary and thyme, which shares some techniques perfect for great turkey medallions cooking.
How We Love to Eat This!
Our family loves Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce served over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for added fiber and nutrients. The kids also go crazy when I serve it with roasted snap peas or simple stir-fried broccoli — crisp, colorful, and packed with vitamins.
Sometimes I mix in shredded carrots or baby corn to add texture and surprise little taste buds. The bright orange teriyaki glaze makes this Asian-inspired turkey recipe look as good as it tastes, making it an easy win for picky eaters who like food that looks fun.
This meal is perfect for busy weeknights, after being out with school activities. It has enough protein and fresh citrus punch to keep little bodies energized without being heavy. Leftovers? Oh yes! We often reheat Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce the next day over a fresh salad or tucked inside whole grain wraps for quick lunches.
Occasionally, I swap out fresh orange juice for mandarin segments during winter for that seasonal wellness touch. Or I’ve added pineapple tidbits for a tropical twist—both keep this dish family-friendly and fun. Guests often ask for “the turkey with orange sauce again,” making this one a trusty crowd-pleaser.
If you like this flavor combo, give these Christmas cookies with orange juice a try next for a sweet finish that complements your family’s citrus-loving taste buds.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Absolutely! Turkey breast medallions provide lean protein essential for growth, and the orange teriyaki glaze adds vitamin C and antioxidants. It balances taste and health, so I feel good serving it without guilt.
Try serving the orange teriyaki glaze on the side as a dipping sauce. Also, pairing it with familiar sides like plain rice or steamed veggies gives them safety zones while experimenting with new flavors. I’ve found kids warm up to turkey breast medallions more when it has a sweet and tangy glaze.
Yes! You can cook the medallions ahead and store the sauce separately to keep that fresh flavor. Just reheat gently in a skillet with the glaze. It works great for batch cooking and easy reheating on busy days.
Yes, freeze in an airtight container along with some sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This adds a great timesaver to your kitchen routine.
You can swap in pineapple juice or a blend of lemon and a touch of honey for a citrus teriyaki marinade that’s still vibrant but provides variety for your family’s palate.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this gluten-free, and keep the nutrition accessible to all family members.
Try this teriyaki turkey tenderloin recipe inspired by Show Me The Yummy’s quick approach. Also, Foolproof Living has a solid turkey tenderloin marinade that’s great for variety in your nutrition routine.
If your family loves Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce, they’ll appreciate the simplicity and nutrition in my custard pie with praline sauce — a little sweet break that balances out weeknight meals perfectly.
Final Thoughts:
Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce is a simple recipe that supports my family’s nutrition goals without adding stress to our already full days. Lean turkey breast medallions offer that clean protein punch everyone needs, while the citrus teriyaki marinade pulls in vitamins and flavor for energy and immune support.
- Marinate overnight to maximize flavor and tenderize the turkey naturally without extra seasoning.
- Add extra minced garlic and ginger for their immunity perks, especially during the school cold seasons.
- Swap plain rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa to sneak in extra fiber and nutrients for busy mornings ahead.
For variations, I sometimes make a spicy chili orange teriyaki glaze for my husband. My younger kids prefer a milder version with just the sweet citrus notes. We’ve also tried swapping turkey medallions for chicken, but the turkey’s lean profile keeps me coming back. I hope you take this recipe and make it your own nourishing way, adjusting ingredients and sides to fit your family’s tastes and wellness needs.
I’d love to hear how your Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce turns out and what simple swaps work in your kitchen. We’re all learning how to nourish without overwhelm, and this dish feels like a shared victory. Here’s to more dinnertime nutrition wins and happy, healthy families!
For more simple, family-friendly recipes like this, check out Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice, another fun approach to incorporating citrus in nourishing ways.
And don’t forget to peek at this Turkey Breast Tenderloin Recipe with Rosemary and Thyme for different herb twists on your turkey routine.
If you’re looking for more inspiration to keep things fresh and wholesome, cranberry orange bread with glaze pairs nicely as a weekend breakfast or snack next to your Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce.
Remember, fellow kitchen warriors, every small nutrition win like this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce counts. You’re doing amazing feeding your family with love and care. Keep going, one nourishing meal at a time!
Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce
Tender turkey medallions glazed with a bright and flavorful orange teriyaki sauce, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey tenderloin, sliced into medallions
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to create the sauce.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season turkey medallions lightly with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the turkey medallions to the skillet and coat them well with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the turkey medallions in half of the orange teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.