Coconut Curry Turkey Rice

Featured in: Bold Weeknight Flavors

This dish features tender turkey pieces gently cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with curry powder, turmeric, and cumin for vibrant flavor. It’s complemented by sautéed aromatic vegetables and finished with fresh lime juice and cilantro. Served over fluffy basmati rice, it offers a comforting and satisfying weeknight meal with a perfect balance of richness and spice.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:07:00 GMT
Creamy coconut curry turkey and rice served with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Save to Pins
Creamy coconut curry turkey and rice served with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. | spicra.com

A fragrant creamy curry featuring tender turkey pieces in a coconut milk sauce served over fluffy rice Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with vibrant flavors

I first cooked this dish on a chilly evening and it warmed up the whole family with its rich taste and comforting texture

Ingredients

  • Turkey breast: 500 g (1.1 lb) cut into bite-sized cubes
  • Onion: 1 medium finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Fresh ginger: 1 tbsp grated
  • Red bell pepper: 1 diced
  • Carrot: 1 medium thinly sliced
  • Frozen peas: 1 cup
  • Curry powder: 2 tbsp mild or medium to taste
  • Ground turmeric: 1 tsp
  • Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
  • Chili flakes (optional): 1/2 tsp for heat
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Coconut milk: 400 ml (1 can)
  • Chicken or vegetable broth: 200 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp)
  • Vegetable or coconut oil: 2 tbsp
  • Lime juice: Juice of 1/2 lime
  • Basmati or jasmine rice: 200 g (1 cup)
  • Water: 400 ml (1 2/3 cups)
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Fresh cilantro: chopped garnish
  • Lime wedges: garnish

Instructions

Prepare rice:
Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear Combine rice water and salt in saucepan Bring to boil reduce heat to low cover simmer 12 15 minutes until rice is tender Remove from heat let rest covered for 5 minutes Fluff with fork
Sauté aromatics:
Heat oil in large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat Add onion sauté 3 4 minutes until translucent
Cook garlic and ginger:
Add garlic and ginger cook 1 minute until fragrant
Add spices:
Stir in curry powder turmeric cumin and chili flakes if using Cook 30 seconds to toast spices
Brown turkey:
Add turkey pieces cook stirring until lightly browned on all sides about 4 5 minutes
Add vegetables:
Add bell pepper and carrot sauté for 2 minutes
Add liquids and simmer:
Pour in coconut milk and broth scraping up browned bits Bring to gentle simmer
Cook turkey and vegetables:
Cover cook 12 15 minutes stirring occasionally until turkey is cooked through and vegetables are tender
Final touches:
Stir in peas and lime juice simmer 2 more minutes Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper
Serve:
Serve curry over steamed rice Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges
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| spicra.com

Our family loves gathering around the table for this meal especially on busy weeknights It always brings smiles and requests for seconds

Notes

Serve with naan or roti for a heartier meal For extra heat add sliced fresh chili or more chili flakes

Required Tools

Large skillet or Dutch oven Medium saucepan for rice Sharp knife Cutting board Wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains coconut tree nut allergy risk Gluten-free as written but verify broth and curry powder for hidden gluten Always check product labels for allergens if unsure

Tender turkey simmered in coconut milk curry over fluffy rice, ideal for dinner. Save to Pins
Tender turkey simmered in coconut milk curry over fluffy rice, ideal for dinner. | spicra.com

This coconut curry turkey recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for any night of the week

Questions & Answers

Can I substitute turkey with other proteins?

Yes, chicken or tofu can be used instead of turkey without altering the dish’s character.

What type of rice is best for this dish?

Basmati or jasmine rice work well, providing a fragrant and fluffy base.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Modify the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chili to increase heat to your liking.

Can I add more vegetables?

Spinach, green beans, or peas can be added for extra color and nutrition.

What oils are recommended for cooking?

Vegetable oil or coconut oil works best to enhance the curry’s flavors during sautéing.

Coconut Curry Turkey Rice

Tender turkey in creamy coconut curry sauce served over aromatic basmati rice with warm spices.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
35 min
Overall Time
50 min
Recipe by spicra Olivia Carter

Dish Category Bold Weeknight Flavors

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Fusion (Indian-inspired)

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Details No Dairy, Free of Gluten

What You'll Need

Meats

01 1.1 lb turkey breast, cut into bite-sized cubes

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 1 medium onion, finely chopped
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
04 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
06 1 cup frozen peas

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tbsp curry powder (mild or medium, to taste)
02 1 tsp ground turmeric
03 1/2 tsp ground cumin
04 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
05 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Liquids & Sauces

01 13.5 fl oz (1 can) coconut milk
02 7 fl oz chicken or vegetable broth
03 2 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil
04 Juice of 1/2 lime

Rice

01 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
02 1 2/3 cups water
03 1/2 tsp salt

Garnish

01 Fresh cilantro, chopped
02 Lime wedges

Cooking Steps

Step 01

Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Step 02

Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent.

Step 03

Add garlic and ginger: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Toast spices: Incorporate curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and optional chili flakes. Cook for 30 seconds to release aromas.

Step 05

Brown the turkey: Add turkey cubes and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 06

Add vegetables: Stir in diced red bell pepper and sliced carrot; sauté for 2 minutes.

Step 07

Simmer in liquids: Pour in coconut milk and broth, scraping the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 08

Cook turkey and vegetables: Cover and continue cooking for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until turkey is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

Step 09

Finish with peas and lime: Stir in frozen peas and lime juice, simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 10

Serve: Plate the curry over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges before serving.

Necessary Tools

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Medium saucepan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Details

Go through each ingredient to spot allergens. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains coconut (tree nut allergen). Verify broth and curry powder for hidden gluten.

Nutrition Info (each portion)

For informational use only—please talk to your doctor for health advice.
  • Calorie Count: 515
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 32 g