Forget the usual chicken sticks!
Today I’ll reveal the secret to making extra crispy oven-baked turkey sticks, a light and delightful alternative that will win over both adults and children.
If you think turkey is boring, get ready to change your mind!
These strips, with their golden and crispy panko coating, are an explosion of flavor and lightness.
But why choose turkey over the classic chicken?
The answer is simple: turkey is a lean meat, rich in protein, and low in fat, perfect for indulging without guilt.
Moreover, its delicate flavor lends itself to many interpretations, enhanced in this recipe by the panko coating, which provides unparalleled crunchiness.
In this video recipe, I’ll guide you step-by-step in preparing these irresistible turkey strips, revealing all the tricks for perfect breading and a lip-smacking result.
Get ready to impress everyone with a simple, healthy, and delicious dish!
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Oven, Frying, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
- Energy 381.41 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 29.75 (g) of which sugars 1.69 (g)
- Proteins 36.59 (g)
- Fat 12.91 (g) of which saturated 3.76 (g)of which unsaturated 6.40 (g)
- Fibers 2.26 (g)
- Sodium 440.34 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 180 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
To make these extra crispy turkey sticks, you’ll need a few simple but high-quality ingredients. The panko coating, in particular, is the secret to unparalleled crunchiness, while the turkey, tender and lean, offers a delicate and tasty flavor. Get ready to transform these ingredients into a dish that will win everyone over at the first bite!
- 1.3 lbs turkey breast
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 1.25 cups flour
- 1.25 cups panko
- 4 eggs (Beaten)
Tools
To prepare our extra crispy turkey sticks, you’ll need a few essential tools. Nothing complicated, just the right equipment to make the preparation simple and fun!
- 1 Cutting Board Ipea
- 4 Bowls Pyrex
- 1 Knife Shan Zu
- 1 Baking Tray Tescoma
Steps
Follow these simple steps and in no time you’ll have crispy turkey strips on the table that will delight everyone! Each step is explained in detail to ensure a perfect result and an irresistible golden coating.
Start by cutting the turkey breast into strips about 3/4 inch thick.
In a large bowl, prepare the marinade by mixing 6 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and your preferred spices (powdered ginger, garlic powder, paprika, etc.).
Immerse the turkey strips in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a more intense flavor.
This step is crucial for making the turkey tender and flavorful!
Breading Preparation:
Prepare three separate bowls. In the first, beat 3 eggs. In the second, pour 1.25 cups of flour and mix with 1 and a half teaspoons of paprika. In the third, pour 1.25 cups of panko (or breadcrumbs).
Take the marinated turkey strips and slightly drain them from the marinade.
First, pass them in the spiced flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the panko, ensuring they are well coated on all sides.
Press the panko onto the turkey slightly to make it adhere better.
This step is crucial for achieving a crispy and golden coating.
Oven Cooking:
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the breaded turkey strips, spacing them slightly.
Spray a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil over the surface of the turkey sticks to promote browning and crispiness.
Bake in a preheated oven at 392°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
At halfway through cooking, you can turn the sticks to ensure even cooking.
Check the cooking to avoid them drying out too much.
Plating and Tasting:
Once ready, take the turkey sticks out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Plate the crispy sticks and serve them with your favorite sauce.
We recommend a sauce made of Greek yogurt and chives for a fresh and light touch.
Or a sauce based on mayonnaise or ketchup.
Serve with a side of fresh vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
Enjoy your meal!
These extra crispy turkey strips are delicious as they are, but you can personalize them with your favorite spices and sauces. Additionally, I’ll give you some useful tips for storing them to enjoy even the next day. Don’t forget you can also add an exotic touch by using different spices
Tips, Variations, and Storage:
Tips and Variations:
Spices and Flavors:
For an exotic touch, add curry powder, cumin, or coriander to the coating.
For a more intense flavor, add fresh chopped garlic or chili powder to the marinade.
Fresh aromatic herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added to the coating for a delightful aroma.
Alternative Coating:
If you don’t have panko, you can use unsweetened crushed cornflakes or crushed potato chips for a tastier version.
Add grated parmesan to the coating for a richer flavor.
Sauces:
Besides the yogurt and chive sauce, try a sweet and sour sauce, homemade barbecue sauce, or a spicy sauce.
Spiced mayonnaise or flavored mustard are perfect with these sticks.
Cooking:
For an even lighter cooking, you can opt for air frying.
For those who love the taste of frying, the sticks can be cooked in a pan with seed oil.
Storage:
Refrigerator:
The cooked turkey sticks can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
Reheat in the oven or pan to maintain crispiness.
Freezer:
You can freeze the cooked turkey sticks for up to 2 months. Place them in a container or freezer bag, separated by parchment paper sheets to prevent sticking.
Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Do you still have any doubts about preparing our extra crispy turkey sticks? Don’t worry! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions with clear and detailed answers to help you achieve a perfect result.
Can I use breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, you can use traditional breadcrumbs, but panko ensures superior crispiness due to its larger flake texture.
Can I prepare turkey strips in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey strips and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. However, the coating may lose some crispiness.
Can I freeze cooked turkey strips?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Place them in a container or freezer bag, separated by parchment paper sheets. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven.
Can I use other spices for the coating?
Absolutely! You can customize the coating with your favorite spices, such as curry, smoked paprika, mixed herbs, or a pinch of chili for a spicy kick.
Can I cook the turkey strips in an air fryer?
Absolutely yes! The air fryer is a great alternative to the oven for achieving crispy and light turkey strips. Set the temperature to 356°F and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking.
