I still remember the first time I made Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce—it was one of those random weeknight dinner wins that instantly became a favorite around here. I had some turkey breast medallions in the fridge and a craving for something bright and a little Asian-inspired, so I whipped up this citrus teriyaki sauce with fresh orange juice, soy, and a touch of honey. The pan-seared turkey was tender and juicy, and that orange teriyaki glaze? Pure magic.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s the easy lineup for making your Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce feel like a total win:
- 1.5 pounds turkey breast medallions (about 8-10 pieces)
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice (or bottled if you’re in a pinch)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan-ish twist)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening the glaze)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for searing)
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Out of fresh ginger? No problem, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger works fine in this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce too! Need to swap the soy sauce? Coconut aminos is a great choice and keeps it all gluten-free.
You can grab everything at your regular grocery store, and this recipe stays kind to your wallet since turkey breast medallions are often affordable and cook quickly.
Quick tip: Pat your turkey medallions dry before cooking to get that beautiful golden crust. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.
I always add a little extra orange zest to the sauce right before serving. It amps up the citrus teriyaki sauce just enough to keep things fresh and lively.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Ready to make these Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce pop? Here’s how we’ll do it, step-by-step:
- Mix up your citrus teriyaki sauce: In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Heat the skillet and sear the turkey breast medallions: Warm 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Pat the turkey dry, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and add to the skillet. Cook about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- Simmer your orange teriyaki glaze: Pour the sauce mixture into the same pan and bring to a gentle boil, scraping any tasty bits off the bottom. In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch and water until smooth, then whisk into the sauce. Keep simmering until the sauce thickens to a luscious glaze—about 2 minutes.
- Coat the pan-seared turkey: Slide your turkey breast medallions back into the pan, turning to coat them evenly with that sticky orange teriyaki glaze. Let them soak up the sauce for a minute or two.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that final pop.
Start to finish, this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce comes together in about 30 minutes. While it’s simmering, you can get your rice or veggies ready—multitasking win! Cue the amazing smells in your kitchen; the sweet and savory orange teriyaki glaze will have you smiling.
If your glaze seems too thin, don’t sweat it—just pop in a little more cornstarch slurry and keep simmering. I’ve learned patience here makes a big difference because thick, shiny glaze on tender turkey medallions? Yes, please.
Want a shortcut? You can use pre-minced garlic and ginger paste to cut down prep time without losing that punch of flavor.
Reminds me of another favorite recipe, these turkey medallions are a great alternative to my roasted butternut squash with ground turkey dish, which also features simple weeknight flavors that shine (Roasted Butternut Squash with Ground Turkey).
How to Serve & Savor It:
This Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce truly shines with some simple sides that soak up the citrus teriyaki sauce beautifully. I love pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or quick coconut rice—the slight sweetness matches perfectly.
For some greens, Asian-style sautéed bok choy or snap peas tossed with a hint of garlic are a crispy, fresh counterpoint to the richness of the orange teriyaki glaze.
This dish is an easy go-to for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties because it’s simple yet feels like you’re serving something special. It’s always a hit when I bring it to gatherings or even family dinners.
Got leftovers? No worries—turn that Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce into a vibrant lunch bowl over mixed greens or packed into lettuce wraps for a fun twist.
Feeling seasonal? Try adding a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for brightness, or toss in some toasted cashews or chopped peanuts for crunch.
If you’re into more everyday foodie inspiration, check out my ground turkey black bean enchiladas that bring a whole different flavor vibe but similar easy, satisfying prep (Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas).
Your Questions, Answered:
Can I prep the turkey medallions ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can lightly season turkey breast medallions the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. The citrus teriyaki sauce is best made fresh, but you can premix the wet ingredients and store separately.
What if I don’t have fresh orange juice?
No worries. Bottled orange juice works well, or you might try a mixture of orange marmalade and water for even more intense orange flavor in your citrus teriyaki sauce.
Can I double this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger pan or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps your pan-seared turkey get that perfect crust.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos—both work great and keep your orange teriyaki glaze deliciously gluten-free.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s more sweet and tangy than spicy, but if you want a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
Can I use turkey tenderloin instead of medallions?
Definitely! Turkey breast medallions or turkey tenderloin pieces both work well here. If you want some wonderful marinade ideas for turkey tenderloin, check out this garlic herb marinade which pairs beautifully with citrus flavors.
What sides do you recommend?
My go-to is simple jasmine rice and steamed veggies, but you can also serve with buttered noodles for a comforting meal (One Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles for inspiration).
For more marinade inspiration, have a peek at this turkey tenderloin marinade guide—helps when you want to switch things up.
Final Foodie Thoughts:
This Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce recipe holds a special spot in my foodie heart because it’s the perfect combo of approachable weeknight dinner and flavor-packed enough to share with friends. The citrus teriyaki sauce makes the turkey shine every time, and it’s so satisfying knowing I nailed a meal that’s both quick and crowd-pleasing.
My Top Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce Tips:
– Pat the turkey dry before searing for that golden crust.
– Don’t rush the glaze—letting it thicken makes all the difference.
– Add fresh orange zest at the end for a bright, fresh kick.
I’ve loved trying variations where I toss in chopped pineapple for a tropical punch or switch out honey for maple syrup when I want a slightly deeper sweetness. The version that gets requested the most around here is definitely the classic orange teriyaki glaze with extra green onions on top.
Fellow foodies, I can’t wait for you to make this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce your own. It’s all about that joy of cooking with simple ingredients that truly satisfy. So go ahead—grab those turkey breast medallions and make some delicious magic happen in your kitchen tonight!
If you’re curious for even more turkey goodness, you might want to check out this Turkey Breast Tenderloin Recipe with Rosemary and Thyme for another tasty spin.
Happy cooking, friends!
Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce
Tender turkey medallions glazed with a vibrant orange teriyaki sauce, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors ideal 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-inspired
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey breast medallions
- 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add turkey medallions and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Add remaining olive oil to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce mixture.
- Bring to a simmer. If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return turkey medallions to the skillet and coat them 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 the orange teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. Serve over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.