Turkey Curry with Coconut Milk
Turkey Curry with Coconut Milk is a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines tender turkey meat with creamy coconut milk and aromatic spices for a rich and wholesome meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this easy-to-make curry delivers a balance of savory and mildly spiced flavors with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Proteins
- 1 pound ground turkey or diced turkey breast
Dairy & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Spices & Pastes
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (or 1 cup diced tomatoes)
Liquids
- 1 can (13.5–14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
Seasonings & Garnishes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, garlic, and ginger to create a flavorful base for the curry.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent and soften. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Turkey: Push the aromatics to one side of the pan and add the ground turkey. Cook until the turkey loses its pink color and starts to brown lightly, breaking it up with a spoon for even cooking.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle in the curry powder and stir well, coating the turkey and aromatics evenly. Mix in the tomato paste or diced tomatoes, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop.
- Pour in Coconut Milk and Broth: Slowly add the coconut milk and broth to the pan, stirring to combine. Reduce heat and let the curry simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Season and Finish: Taste and season the curry with salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top just before serving for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- Use fresh curry powder for a more vibrant flavor.
- Allow the curry to simmer gently to blend flavors perfectly.
- Full-fat coconut milk creates the richest and creamiest sauce.
- Ensure turkey is fully cooked through for safety and best taste.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered; if too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
- Add fresh chili or cayenne pepper to increase heat.
- Incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas for extra nutrition.
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free when using gluten-free broth and curry powder.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove with occasional stirring, adding liquid if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: turkey curry, coconut milk curry, quick weeknight dinner, gluten-free curry, healthy turkey recipe, creamy curry, easy curry recipe