Delicious Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce to Delight Your Taste Buds

I still remember the very first time I made Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce for my family. I was deep into figuring out dinners that could brighten up our hectic weeknights without adding more stress. I came across a citrus teriyaki marinade that sounded promising, and I thought, “Why not give it a whirl?” My kids watched curious as I sliced the turkey breast medallions and started that lovely orange teriyaki glaze simmering. The kitchen quickly filled with the sweet and tangy scent, and their eyes widened with excitement. When we finally sat down to try the meal, the smiles and eager seconds told me I had hit a comfort food home run.

That moment sealed Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce as a new family staple. It’s more than just dinner; it’s that warm, cozy feeling of pulling together something satisfying and quick after school, sports practice, and all the whirl of family life. This recipe fits perfectly into those busy evenings when you want comfort without the complication, and honestly, it’s become my go-to quick turkey skillet dinner option.

If you’re a fellow busy mom searching for a simple yet delicious way to feed your family without the overwhelm, I’d love to share how Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce brings us together around the table. It’s one of those meals where the citrus teriyaki marinade adds a delightful zing, and dinner feels both comforting and exciting. Trust me, this dish has saved more hectic evenings than I can count!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Ingredients for Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce including turkey breast medallions, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and more

1 pound turkey breast medallions – Tender and lean, these cook up quickly and soak up flavors beautifully.
1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible) – Adds that natural citrus punch to our orange teriyaki glaze.
1/4 cup soy sauce – For that classic teriyaki base, bringing savory depth.
2 tablespoons brown sugar – Balances the tang with a gentle sweetness.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Adds brightness and rounds out the citrus teriyaki marinade.
2 cloves garlic (minced) – Because garlic is comfort food magic.
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger – A little warmth that complements the orange glaze perfectly.
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water – For glazing that sauce just right.
1 tablespoon sesame oil – For that subtle nutty edge.
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (optional garnish) – They dress up this quick turkey skillet dinner beautifully.

No worries if you don’t have rice vinegar; I often swap it for apple cider vinegar when I want a milder, cozy tang in my Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce. These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, no specialty trips needed. This recipe proves that delicious, Asian-inspired turkey recipes don’t require exotic ingredients or big budgets.

For busy days, I buy pre-minced garlic and fresh ginger paste—it speeds things up and still brings the comforting flavors my family loves. My crew especially appreciates when I add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top; it feels like a little extra hug in every bite!

Let’s Make it Happen!

1. Start by patting your turkey breast medallions dry with paper towels. This step helps your turkey get that lovely sear without steaming.
2. Heat your skillet over medium-high and add the sesame oil. When it’s shimmering, carefully add the turkey medallions. Cook for about 3 minutes per side—don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Your Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce should start showing those beautiful golden edges.
3. Once the medallions are cooked through (internal temp around 165°F), remove them from the pan and set aside, covering to keep warm.
4. In the same skillet, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring this orange teriyaki glaze to a gentle simmer.
5. Add your cornstarch slurry little by little, whisking constantly, until your sauce thickens into that glossy, sticky glaze perfect for coating the turkey.
6. Return the turkey medallions to the skillet, turning to coat them well in that citrus teriyaki marinade. Let everything heat together for another 1-2 minutes.
7. Taste your sauce! Adjust with a bit more brown sugar or soy sauce if you need extra sweetness or saltiness.
8. Slice green onions over the top, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve your Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce hot!

This quick turkey skillet dinner usually takes me just 25 minutes from start to finish—that’s a huge win when juggling homework and bathtime. While your sauce is thickening, it’s perfect timing to prep those lunchboxes for tomorrow or steal a minute for yourself. Don’t worry if your sauce looks thicker or thinner than mine before adding the slurry; every stovetop is different.

If you want some inspiration for getting cozy in the kitchen beyond this, the Turkey Breast Tenderloin Recipe with Rosemary and Thyme gives a fantastic flavor twist too.

How We Love to Eat This!

We serve our Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce over steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up every bit of that tangy-sweet orange teriyaki glaze. My kids are obsessed with pairing it with roasted broccoli or simple steamed green beans—the freshness balances the richness and makes everyone happy.

On busy weeknights, this quick turkey skillet dinner shines because it feels special without feeling like a dinner marathon. I’ve also swapped out the rice for cauliflower rice or even whole wheat noodles when I want to mix up the sides. This dish works beautifully for casual family dinners but also feels fancy enough for inviting friends over.

If you’re wondering about leftovers, they’re fantastic cold or reheated, perfect for packing school lunches or a quick snack after school. My secret? I toss leftover Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce into a wrap with some crunchy slaw—it disappears every time!

Seasonally, I’ve tried adding a bit of grated carrot to the sauce or topping with a handful of chopped cilantro in summer for a fresh kick. When guests try this comforting meal, they always request my version of this Asian-inspired turkey recipe again.

For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out this cheesesteak tortellini with provolone sauce—it’s another dinnertime win!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Q: Is Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce filling enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely! The turkey breast medallions are lean but packed with protein, and combined with a hearty side like rice or noodles, this meal fuels my little ones through their after-school energy bursts.

Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this Asian-inspired turkey recipe?
A: I totally get that. My trick is to introduce the citrus teriyaki marinade as a dipping sauce first—sometimes that gentle introduction helps kids warm up to new tastes. Plus, the sweetness in the orange teriyaki glaze makes it more approachable.

Q: Can I meal prep Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce for busy weeks?
A: Yes, it’s a lifesaver! Cook the turkey, keep the sauce separate, and combine when reheating to avoid sogginess. This quick turkey skillet dinner reheats well and holds up nicely for a couple of days in the fridge.

Q: Is the orange teriyaki glaze difficult to make?
A: Not at all. It’s basically mixing a few easy-to-find ingredients—orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of vinegar. If you want a recipe with even fewer steps, try this teriyaki turkey tenderloin recipe for inspiration.

Q: Can I substitute chicken if I don’t have turkey breast medallions?
A: You can! Chicken breast medallions work and will swell with that yummy citrus teriyaki marinade. But turkey imprints a unique flavor our family has fallen in love with.

Q: How can I speed up prepping this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce?
A: I use pre-minced garlic and fresh ginger paste to shave off prep time. Also, this turkey tenderloin marinade is a great shortcut if you need a quick marinade base.

Q: Are there comfort-focused variations for this recipe?
A: Yes! Some nights, I add pineapple chunks to the skillet or swap the soy for tamari for gluten-free comfort. The meat can be sliced thinner or thicker depending on preference — leftovers worked into a wrap or salad also offer quick meals.

For dessert after this comforting meal, I love to pull out a simple custard pie like Custard Pie with Praline Sauce that is both easy and comforting.

Final Thoughts:

Final plated Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions

Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s flavorful, quick, and fits into our cozy chaos without demanding hours in the kitchen. Here are my Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce Comfort Hacks that make this recipe a true lifesaver:

  • Use pre-minced garlic and ginger paste to speed prep.
  • Make the orange teriyaki glaze ahead of time and refrigerate.
  • Double the recipe to have plenty of leftovers for school lunches or quick dinners.

We’ve also tested several family-loved variations: my eldest prefers the classic citrus teriyaki marinade with that perfect brown sugar balance. My youngest loves when I sneak in pineapple for a touch of sweetness. And my husband often likes it served over noodles with a sprinkle of fresh green onions.

Remember, you can make this recipe your own. Switch the sides, tweak the sauce, or add your favorite veggies to keep your family’s mealtime fresh and exciting. I hope you find as much comfort in making and sharing Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce as our family has.

If you’re ready for simple comfort and a welcome mealtime win, give this quick turkey skillet dinner a try. I promise it’s a keeper! And for more cozy recipes in your rotation, check out Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice—they pair perfectly with the warm feeling of family dinners.

Stay cozy and keep those beautiful family meals coming. You’ve got this, fellow comfort seekers!

Print

Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce

Tender turkey medallions served with a vibrant orange teriyaki sauce, combining savory and citrus flavors for a delicious and easy meal.

  • Author: Beatriz
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb turkey medallions
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season turkey medallions with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add turkey medallions and cook 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in teriyaki sauce, orange juice, soy sauce, and honey. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
  7. Return turkey medallions to the skillet and coat them evenly with the sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Serve garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the turkey medallions in the teriyaki and orange juice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.

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