Delicious Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

I still remember the first time I made Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce. It was a random weeknight, and I wanted something quick but nourishing. I had some turkey medallions in the fridge and an idea to mix up typical teriyaki flavors with a fresh twist—orange juice. Honestly, I didn’t expect much beyond “nice enough,” but wow, the citrus teriyaki glaze brought everything to life! That one meal shifted how I see turkey dinner ideas. It felt like a win without any kitchen stress or complicated ingredients.

Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce fits perfectly into my go-to meal rotation because it balances simple, real-food ingredients with flavors that feel special—not fussy. What I love most is how approachable it is. No need for hours or pricey pantry items. I often make this recipe when I want to impress friends with a sharp, feel-good dinner that’s easy to pull off. Plus, this recipe plays nicely with busy schedules, which is a must.

If you’re someone who wrestles with the balance between tasty and nourishing, this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce recipe might just be the gentle nudge you need. It’s a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet grounded in simplicity and practicality. Whether you’re feeding your family or just yourself after a long day, this recipe welcomes you to enjoy healthy, flavorful food without any stress. Let’s get cozy in the kitchen, and I’ll walk you through my favorite way to make these turkey medallions sing with that lovely orange teriyaki sauce.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce

Here’s the simple list for Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce. It’s designed to keep things straightforward, so you can get cooking without a second trip to the store.

  • 1 pound turkey medallions (about 4 thick slices)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari if you want gluten-free)
  • 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (around 1 large orange)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for that touch of natural sweetness)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (you can swap for garlic powder in a pinch)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger works too)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (easy to find in regular grocery aisles)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon water (to mix with cornstarch)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (optional extra flavor; can use olive oil)
  • Sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions, for garnish (adds lovely texture and freshness)

If you don’t have fresh ginger, no worries—ground ginger is a solid simple swap. The orange juice is best fresh, but bottled works well for busy days. This Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce keeps costs low by focusing on pantry staples and one fresh ingredient.

For prep shortcuts, you can grab pre-minced garlic or even frozen ginger cubes from the freezer aisle. Those small things save me time without skimping on flavor. Leftovers? Just store them in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. This glaze sets beautifully on day two, so sometimes I actually like the saved version better!

My favorite little tweak is adding a bit more honey when I’m in the mood for a sweeter, stickier orange teriyaki sauce. It’s your recipe to make, truly.

Let’s Make It Together!

1. First, pat your turkey medallions dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown beautifully when you cook. Season lightly with salt and pepper. In my kitchen, this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce step always feels like setting the tone for juicy, savory medallions.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add sesame or olive oil. When it’s shimmering, add the turkey medallions. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice golden crust and are just cooked through. Remember, turkey medallions cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.

3. While your turkey is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, fresh orange juice, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This citrus teriyaki glaze is where all the magic happens. If you want a visual, it matches the glaze described in this great Grilled Teriyaki Turkey Tenderloins – The Lemon Bowl® — definitely worth checking for similar flavor inspiration.

4. Once the turkey medallions are cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate tented with foil to stay warm. Don’t clean the pan just yet!

5. In the same skillet, pour your orange teriyaki sauce mixture over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Mix the cornstarch and water in a tiny bowl until smooth, then add it to the skillet to thicken the sauce. This step usually takes just 2-3 minutes, giving you a chance to prep a quick side salad or pick out dinner plates.

6. When your sauce is thick and glossy, return the turkey medallions to the skillet. Give everything a gentle toss so those turkey pieces get nicely coated with the citrus teriyaki glaze. At this stage, your kitchen should smell downright irresistible!

7. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. These small touches add that perfect finishing crunch and color.

Something I learned along the way: don’t overcook turkey medallions—they shine best when juicy. Also, if your first batch looks a bit dry, it usually means they needed to rest longer after cooking. That rest lets the juices redistribute.

If you’d like, you can also pop your turkey medallions under the broiler for a minute or two with sauce on top for extra caramelization. I shared a fun tip like this in this awesome Turkey Tenderloin Marinade – Foolproof Living, where they do something similar.

How I Love to Serve This!

This Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce recipe quickly became my go-to for easy weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend meals. I usually serve it with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up all that citrus teriyaki glaze. A simple side of roasted broccoli or snap peas complements this perfectly—those crisp veggies contrast wonderfully with the tender turkey and glaze.

Sometimes I add a quick cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar and a little sesame oil on the side. It feels fresh and balances out the flavors nicely. This citrus teriyaki glaze pairs well with many veggie sides, so feel free to get creative. Think roasted carrots, sautéed snow peas, or even a light Asian slaw.

This dish also shines at casual dinner parties. My friends always ask for the recipe because it looks impressive yet comes together quickly. I like to plate it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions on top for presentation. It makes the dish look thoughtful without extra effort.

Leftovers? Perfect the next day in a wrap or tossed into a salad bowl for a nourishing lunch. Turkey medallions keep their moisture nicely with the orange teriyaki sauce.

If you’re looking for seasonal variations, I’ve added fresh ginger in winter and swapped orange juice for grapefruit juice in spring. Both give a fresh twist but keep that citrus teriyaki vibe. You can find tons of turkey dinner ideas that build on this, like this tasty Turkey Burger Chili Hearty Comfort Recipe for chilly nights.

Common Questions Answered

Q: Can I make Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce ahead for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and turkey medallions separately and combine when ready to eat. The sauce thickens in the fridge, so just warm it gently and add a splash of water if needed. This makes weeknight dinners so simple.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh orange juice for the citrus teriyaki glaze?
A: No problem at all. Bottled juice works fine. I’ve also swapped in mandarin or grapefruit juice for a different twist. Just avoid anything with added sugars or preservatives for the best flavor.

Q: How can I adjust the flavor of this teriyaki turkey to my taste?
A: If you want it sweeter, add more honey or maple syrup. For more tang, a little extra rice vinegar does wonders. Want extra heat? Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when simmering the sauce.

Q: Can I use frozen turkey medallions?
A: Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Frozen turkey can hold more moisture, so drying is extra important for that golden crust.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers from Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to keep the turkey tender and the citrus teriyaki glaze glossy.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: For sure! Just swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. It keeps all the flavor with no gluten fuss.

Q: Any tips for picky eaters who might shy away from citrus teriyaki glaze?
A: Start with a milder stir-fry sauce version—use less orange juice and honey. Gradually add more as they get used to the taste. This turkey medallions recipe is very forgiving.

Also, this Facebook thread on turkey glaze or squirt sauce recommendations has some thoughtful insights you might find helpful for customizing your flavors.

Final Thoughts

Finished dish of Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce

This Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce recipe feels like a quiet hero in my kitchen routine. It’s my go-to when I want something nourishing, satisfying, and simple—without sacrificing taste or time. I love how it’s versatile enough to adjust for different moods and pantry possibilities.

My Favorite Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce Tips:

  • Rest the turkey medallions after cooking to keep them juicy.
  • Use fresh orange juice when you can, but bottled works with no stress.
  • Don’t rush the sauce thickening step; that glossy citrus teriyaki glaze ties the whole dish together.

I’ve tried a few versions—extra ginger for a spicy zing, adding pineapple juice for tropical vibes, and a soy-honey only glaze that’s more traditional. The one I return to most often is the classic orange citrus teriyaki glaze because it balances sweet, tangy, and savory so well.

I hope fellow home cooks feel inspired to make this recipe their own, tweak it to your liking, and most importantly, enjoy it with those you love. If you love easy, satisfying turkey dinner ideas, this one definitely deserves a spot on your dinner table.

And hey, if you want more nourishing and delicious turkey recipes, check out this turkey burger chili brought to life over at Just Healthy Bites.

Cooking is a journey, and Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce is a friendly step that quietly boosts confidence, taste, and well-being—one simple meal at a time. Give it a try, and let’s keep making nourishing food feel approachable and joyful together.

Print

Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce

Juicy turkey medallions are perfectly complemented by a zesty orange teriyaki sauce, creating a flavorful and healthy weeknight dinner option.

  • Author: Zaya Dawson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb turkey breast medallions
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic to make the orange teriyaki sauce.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Season turkey medallions lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook turkey medallions for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Pour the orange teriyaki sauce over the turkey in the skillet and reduce heat to medium.
  6. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the medallions to glaze them.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
  8. Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.

Notes

For added depth, marinate the turkey medallions in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. Serve with jasmine rice and steamed broccoli for a complete meal.

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