Pan-Fried Turkey Breast

Pan-Fried Turkey Breast is a quick and healthy way to prepare poultry for a weekday dinner. It takes very little time to cook and results in a tender and juicy finish. You can serve this with roasted vegetables, rice or a fresh garden salad. It is a great alternative to chicken when you want something slightly different but just as easy to make.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Pan-Fried Turkey Breast

Why prepare pan-fried turkey breast

Cooking Pan-Fried Turkey Breast in a hot pan ensures a golden crust while keeping the inside moist. Using simple seasonings like salt and pepper allows the natural flavour of the meat to shine. It is a lean source of protein that fits perfectly into a balanced diet. This method is much faster than roasting a whole bird and requires very little equipment.

How to prepare pan-fried turkey breast

Step 1
Seasoning: Place the turkey on a clean cutting board and pat it dry with a paper towel. Rub the olive oil over both sides of the meat. Sprinkle the salt, pepper and dried thyme evenly over the surface. Make sure the seasoning is pressed into the meat so it sticks during cooking.
Step 2
Heating: Place a large frying pan over a medium heat and wait for it to get hot. You do not need extra oil if the meat is already coated. Add the crushed garlic to the pan to infuse the heat with flavour. The pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles instantly on the surface.
Step 3
Frying: Carefully place the Pan-Fried Turkey Breast into the hot pan. Cook for about five minutes on the first side without moving it to get a good colour. Flip the meat over and cook for another four to five minutes. Check that the juices run clear or the internal temperature reaches seventy-five degrees.
Step 4
Resting: Remove the turkey from the pan and place it on a warm plate. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute so the meat stays tender. Serve your turkey while it is still hot with your favourite side dishes.

Important tips for pan-fried turkey breast

To get the best results with Pan-Fried Turkey Breast, always take the meat out of the fridge ten minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly throughout the piece. If the steaks are very thick, you can gently flatten them with a meat mallet. This ensures the outside does not burn before the middle is fully cooked.

Avoid overcrowding the pan as this will cause the meat to steam rather than fry. If you are cooking a large batch, it is better to work in two separate stages. Adding a small knob of butter in the last minute of cooking adds a rich flavour. Always use a digital thermometer to ensure the poultry is safe to eat without being overcooked.

Find more ideas here: pan-fried potato rosti, cured pork loin or stuffed pointed cabbage.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 500 g turkey breast steaks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 garlic clove crushed

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1339 kJ / 320 kcal
  • Fat:10 g
  • - of which saturates:2 g
  • Carbohydrates:1 g
  • - of which sugars:0 g
  • Protein:55 g
  • Fibre:0 g
  • Salt:1.2 g

People also ask

It usually takes between eight and ten minutes to cook Pan-Fried Turkey Breast in a pan. The exact time depends on the thickness of the meat slices. You should cook each side for four to five minutes until the meat is no longer pink.
Yes, you can store cooked Pan-Fried Turkey Breast in an airtight container for up to three days. It is best to let it cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator. You can eat it cold in sandwiches or reheat it gently in a pan.
The key to moist turkey is to avoid overcooking and to let the meat rest after frying. Using a medium heat prevents the outside from drying out too quickly. Covering the pan with a lid for the last two minutes can also help retain moisture.
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