I still remember the exact moment I nailed the perfect Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce. It was one of those hurried weeknights where I wanted big flavor but zero fuss. Turkey medallions felt like a blank canvas—lean, tender, and ready for a bright punch of flavor. The twist? A vibrant orange teriyaki sauce that danced between sweet and tangy with just the right hint of savory soy. That first bite was a game-changer—it was juicy, citrusy, with that glossy teriyaki glaze locking everything together. It’s a dish that hits all the cravings and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
This version of Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce stands out because I kept it simple enough for anyone, but with bold, memorable flavors. The magic comes from the citrus marinade that tenderizes the turkey and infuses it with fresh orange zing before it meets the pan. Then the teriyaki glaze for poultry caramelizes just right, transforming those medallions into a sticky, mouthwatering treat.
If you’ve been hunting for a fun, Asian-inspired turkey dish that feels special without complicated ingredients or techniques, this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce recipe is your new best friend. We’ll go step-by-step, with kitchen-tested tips so you don’t miss a beat. Ready for a tasty experiment that’s bursting with sunshine on your plate? Let’s dive in!
Gather These Ingredients:
This Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce comes together with pantry staples and a few flavor heroes that make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound turkey medallions (about 6-8 pieces) – I always reach for fresh turkey tenderloins sliced into medallions, but you can find these cut or slice your own. For tender meat, look for lean cuts with little connective tissue.
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice – This brings that signature citrus zing. Squeezing a fresh orange really brightens the marinade and sauce.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Look for low-sodium soy sauce for balance. This soy sauce is the base of our teriyaki glaze for poultry.
- 2 tablespoons honey – Adds sweetness and helps create that perfect sticky glaze.
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar – Balances the glaze with a hint of acidity.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – Garlic adds an irresistible savory note.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger – This citrus marinade for turkey really shines with ginger’s warm, spicy touch. You can swap fresh ginger for 1/4 teaspoon ground if needed.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – This thickens the orange teriyaki sauce recipe into a luscious glaze.
- 1 tablespoon water – To mix with cornstarch for the slurry.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For a neutral frying oil; avocado oil works great too.
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a fresh finish.
Want to switch things up in your Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce? Try swapping honey for maple syrup for a deeper sweetness. You can also add a splash of orange zest for extra brightness in the sauce.
Look for soy sauce and rice vinegar in the international aisle of your grocery store. High-quality soy sauce makes the biggest difference in that teriyaki glaze for poultry, so don’t skip on a good bottle.
Let’s Make This Happen!
Ready to get cooking? This Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for lively weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
- Mix the Citrus Marinade: In a bowl, combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk it together until the honey dissolves. This citrus marinade for turkey is the foundation—zingy and sweet with a savory kick.
- Marinate the Turkey: Place your turkey medallions in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the citrus marinade over and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. While the turkey soaks up flavor, prep your cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water in a small cup. This will thicken the sauce later.
- Cook the Turkey Medallions: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the medallions, cooking for about 3 minutes per side. They should develop a beautiful golden crust. You’ll know your Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce are ready for the next step when they feel firm but still juicy.
- Whip Up the Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry a little at a time to keep the sauce glossy and smooth. This step is where the magic happens in your Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce—don’t skip it! The sauce will thicken quickly, coating the medallions in bright, shiny glaze.
- Final Touches: Let it cook for another minute or two until the sauce clings perfectly to the turkey. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If your sauce seems too thick, splash in a teaspoon of water. While your Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce is cooking, grab a taste and dream about that first bite.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer to a plate and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Ready to dazzle your guests or your family!
If your Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce seem a little dry, don’t worry—remember that 15-minute marinade is key for juiciness. Also, overcooking is a common trap, so keep that skillet hot but watch the clock.
For more tips on turkey medallions cooking tips, check out this helpful post on How to cook turkey tenderloins with utmost tenderness?
Serving Ideas & Pairings!
This Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The sticky citrus glaze is perfect for soaking into grains.
Add a side of sautéed bok choy, snap peas, or roasted sweet potatoes for contrasting textures and earthy balance. For an easy veggie boost, drizzle wilted spinach with a little toasted sesame oil.
My favorite way to dig into this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce is on lazy weekends or when I’m feeding hungry friends who love Asian-inspired turkey dishes packed with punchy flavor. It’s also a wow-worthy option for weeknight meals that don’t feel routine.
Leftovers? Toss this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce into a wrap or grain bowl with crunchy cucumbers and shredded carrots. It heats up beautifully and keeps that fresh-orange brightness alive.
Feeling festive? Garnish with thinly sliced chili for some heat or toasted peanuts for crunch. This dish is totally adaptable for your flavor mood.
Looking to expand your Asian-inspired turkey dishes repertoire? If this recipe speaks to you, you’ll want to try my Turkey Burger Chili, which also packs bold flavors with easy prep. And for a seafood twist, check out the vibrant Teriyaki Salmon Avocado Rice that’s a bright, fun plate.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- Can I prep this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce in advance?
Absolutely! Marinate your turkey medallions for up to 2 hours ahead to maximize flavor. You can also make the orange teriyaki sauce recipe in advance and warm gently when ready. - What can I use instead of turkey medallions?
Chicken medallions or breast slices work great here, too. Pork tenderloin medallions are another crowd favorite swap if you want something heartier. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. The teriyaki glaze for poultry stays just as delicious. - How do I scale this recipe up or down?
Scaling is easy. Just keep your ratio of orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and vinegar the same. For bigger crowds, cook the medallions in batches. - Can I add heat to this recipe?
Sure thing. A splash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the citrus marinade for turkey adds a lovely kick! - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce without drying out your turkey medallions. - Any tips for keeping turkey juicy?
Patience with the marinade and careful watch on cooking time is key. For more turkey medallions cooking tips, check this Grilled Teriyaki Turkey Tenderloins recipe with great grilling insights.
My Final Take
This Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce recipe has officially earned its spot as a MilaBites recipe keeper. It’s bright, juicy, and sporty without intimidating steps or weird ingredients. From the first test kitchen trial to now, I’ve tweaked the marinade balance and cooking timing to hit the perfect sweet-savory-sour-salty groove.
My Top Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce Tips:
– Marinate at least 15 minutes for juicy medallions bursting with flavor.
– Don’t rush cooking—medium-high heat and about 3 minutes per side is just right.
– Whisk cornstarch slurry in gradually to avoid clumps in the glorious glaze.
I’ve also played around with a few flavor twists that kept this recipe fresh—like swapping orange juice for tangerine, adding toasted sesame oil to the sauce, or stirring in crushed pineapple for a tropical touch. The original honey-orange balance tends to get the most compliments, though.
What I adore about this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce is how it invites you to experiment. Fancy a milder glaze? Adjust the soy and honey. Craving heat? Chili flakes make a great companion. The recipe lets you make it yours.
If you love a little Asian-inspired turkey dishes action, you should absolutely give this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce a whirl. For more sweet and spice ideas, don’t miss my take on Orange Clove Cookies for that seasonal flavor fix.
This is a recipe that’ll make you smile every time you bring it to the table. Your kitchen adventure awaits—let’s get cooking!
Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce
Tender turkey medallions glazed with a vibrant orange teriyaki sauce, offering a perfect balance of citrus and savory flavors in a quick and healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey tenderloin, cut into medallions
- 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season turkey medallions lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add turkey medallions and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Mix orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar together and pour into the skillet.
- Bring sauce to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Return turkey medallions to the skillet and spoon sauce over them. Cook for another minute to warm through and glaze.
- Serve garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
For a complete meal, serve with steamed jasmine rice and sautéed vegetables. You can also substitute turkey with chicken breast if preferred.