Image by Daniel Burka

Taiwanese turkey rice

When it comes to sumptuous and savory recipes, Taiwanese turkey rice is a classic dish that tantalizes taste buds and satisfies hunger. This comforting meal is made up of cooked white rice filled with succulent pieces of minced turkey, onions, and mushrooms. The ingredients are seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and other spices to create an umami flavor that is sure to hit the spot.

Taiwanese turkey rice


This traditional dish is as versatile as it is delicious — it can be enjoyed with a variety of other dishes such as stir-fried vegetables, soup, or braised eggs. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light meal. Furthermore, it can be served either cold or hot, depending on personal preference.

One of the best things about Taiwanese turkey rice is that it is incredibly easy to make. All you need to do is simmer the ingredients in a pot with some oil until the turkey is cooked through. Then add the seasonings and let cook for a few more minutes. Once it is ready, you can enjoy its delectable flavors right away!

I love to decorate my Taiwanese turkey rice with vibrant herbs and spices such as cilantro and spring onions. I also like to garnish the top with a drizzle of sesame oil that adds a wonderful nutty aroma.

Taiwanese turkey rice is an incredibly tasty and nourishing dish that definitely deserves to be part of your food repertoire. With its alluring flavors and simple preparation, it’s no wonder why this delicious dish has been enjoyed in Taiwan for centuries. So go ahead, give it a try — I guarantee you won’t regret it!

The origin of Taiwanese turkey rice

and phrases

Ah, Taiwanese turkey rice, a delightful dish that has forever been embedded into the minds and stomachs of people all across the world. For those unfamiliar with its origins, the story behind this beloved meal begins in the bustling city of Taipei, Taiwan in the 1950s.

At the time, the city of Taipei was bustling with industrial activity, with the growth of the local economy being largely driven by the country’s burgeoning tourism industry. During the same period, there was a growing demand for inexpensive, filling meals. This gave rise to a new local specialty, Taiwanese turkey rice.

The dish first made an impression on the local population by its simple but infinitely delicious combination of tender slices of turkey, sweet rice, flavorful scallions and carrots braised in a light soy sauce. Despite its humble beginnings as a dish created to fulfill hunger on a budget, it soon began to gain in popularity among the locals and eventually made its way across the ocean, becoming an international sensation, finding its way onto the menus of high-end restaurants, fast food chains and street stalls alike.

The allure of this unique dish lies in its versatility. One can choose to go the traditional route and pile on the meat and rice for a filling meal, or switch things up and enjoy the lighter option of just vegetables. The dish can also be served in a variety of ways such as over steamed white rice, stir-fried noodles, or even over mashed potatoes. As the years have passed, the dish has gone through some evolutions, with variations featuring additions like mushrooms, bell peppers, and ginger being added to the mix.

While the evolution of Taiwanese turkey rice has continued over the years, at its heart it has remained true to its original form, proving to be a timeless classic that continues to bring joy and sustenance to people all over the world.

FAQs about Taiwanese turkey rice

Are there turkeys in Taiwan?

No, there are no wild turkeys in Taiwan. Wild turkeys are native to North America and were introduced to some other parts of the world, including parts of Europe and Asia, but not to Taiwan.


How long is turkey good after cooking?

Cooked turkey is typically safe to eat for 3-4 days after it has been cooked.


What is Turkish rice made of?

Turkish rice is typically made of long-grain or basmati rice cooked in a pot with olive oil and butter, along with onion, garlic, tomato puree or paste, salt, black pepper and sometimes cumin.


Types of Taiwanese turkey rice

and make it seem genuine

Ah, Taiwanese turkey rice; arguably one of the greatest dishes to come from the Far East. The smell, the texture, the flavour - it's a magical combination that never fails to satisfy. But have you ever wondered about the different types of Taiwanese turkey rice available? Allow me to regale you with a tour of its many variants.

Let us begin with the most classic variety - jiu-niang (brewed rice). This is the traditional staple of Taiwan, with an unmistakable taste that has been around for centuries. It’s prepared by steaming the rice until it develops a unique watery texture, then adding turkey and vegetables to it. The final result is a savoury-sweet dish that’s best enjoyed hot.

Next up is lu-chang (glutinous) rice. Here, the process is similar to that of jiu-niang, but with the addition of sticky glutinous rice. This imparts a wonderful chewiness that accentuates the already succulent turkey perfectly. As an added bonus, lu-chang also helps to provide more sustenance and nutrition than the jiu-niang variety.

Moving on to mu-gua (sesame) rice, this version adds a whole new dimension of flavour to the traditional Taiwanese dish. In this version, chicken or turkey is marinated in a sesame sauce before being stir-fried together with rice and vegetables. Once it’s served, it is topped with a generous sprinkling of sesame seeds - an irresistible combination.

Finally, let us conclude our tour with shu-yu (dried fish) rice. As the name suggests, this variation is made with dried fish instead of chicken or turkey. However, it still features plenty of vegetables and a sweet-savory mix of flavors. For those looking for a more robust flavor profile, this is definitely the way to go.

And there you have it! A quick exploration of the wonderful world of Taiwanese turkey rice. No matter which variety you choose, each one will surely have your mouth watering and leave you wanting more. So go ahead and give some of these delightful dishes a try today - you won't be disappointed.