Transform your holiday leftovers into an extraordinary culinary experience with our elegant Turkey Oscar! This simple yet sophisticated recipe proves that leftover turkey can be truly magnificent, becoming a show-stopping meal when served “Oscar Style” – beautifully adorned with tender asparagus, succulent buttery shrimp, delicate crabmeat, and a luscious Hollandaise sauce.
Elevate Your Leftovers: The Ultimate Turkey Oscar Recipe
For many, the joy of the holidays extends far beyond the main feast, lingering delightfully in the form of delicious leftovers. But who says these post-holiday meals have to be mundane or repetitive? This year, ditch the predictable sandwiches and casseroles. Our Turkey Oscar recipe is designed to take your leftover turkey from a simple remnant to a gourmet centerpiece, so effortlessly that you’ll be amazed at its elegance and ease of preparation. Imagine tender slices of turkey breast, topped with a rich homemade Hollandaise sauce, plump shrimp, exquisite crabmeat, and crisp, tangy asparagus. Light a few candles, perhaps pour a glass of wine, and transform your dining table into a scene from a high-end restaurant with minimal effort.
This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, turning what might have been ordinary into something truly special. It’s a testament to the fact that with a little creativity and a few quality ingredients, holiday leftovers can be reimagined into meals that are not only deeply satisfying but also incredibly impressive. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this stunning Turkey Oscar, proving that the best gourmet meals can often be found in unexpected places – right after the holidays!
This post is proudly sponsored by Ely Farms. My enthusiasm for their exceptional products and the opinions shared are entirely my own.
SOME OF THE LINKS BELOW ARE AFFILIATE LINKS. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE AND AFFILIATE FOR OTHER BRANDS, I EARN A SMALL COMMISSION FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. REST ASSURED, I ONLY ENDORSE PRODUCTS I GENUINELY LOVE AND BELIEVE WILL ENHANCE YOUR CULINARY JOURNEY. FOR A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW OF MY DISCLOSURE POLICY, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
The Essential Zest: Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus
A cornerstone ingredient in our Turkey Oscar recipe is the outstanding Pickled Asparagus from Ely Farms, meticulously crafted in Grafton, Nebraska. These are not merely pickled asparagus spears; they represent agricultural excellence and innovation, having earned recognition as a national FFA entrepreneur winner. Since its humble beginnings in 1999, Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus Spears have achieved widespread acclaim, solidifying their reputation as a highly sought-after specialty product across Nebraska and neighboring states, celebrated for their distinct and delightful taste.
The Ely Farm’s unique pickling recipe imparts a vibrant, zesty dill and garlic flavor, expertly balanced with a subtle yet invigorating red hot chili pepper kick. Each spear offers a satisfyingly crisp and refreshing texture, accompanied by harmonious notes of garlic and dill. The gentle spiciness, courtesy of a single red hot chili pepper added to every jar, ensures the pickled asparagus boasts a perfectly balanced flavor profile. This makes it incredibly versatile, not just for garnishing a Bloody Mary or elevating a relish tray, but also for providing a crucial bright, tangy crunch that beautifully cuts through the richness of the Hollandaise and seafood in our Turkey Oscar, truly enhancing every bite.
Beyond the Holidays: Making Leftover Turkey Exciting Again
We all cherish the holiday feast, but for many home cooks, the real culinary creativity begins with the leftovers. Our family consistently aims for the largest turkey possible, precisely because leftover turkey offers endless possibilities for reimagination. I still vividly recall one year when a smaller turkey left us with a genuine scarcity of leftovers, and the thought of no Turkey Salad Sandwiches or comforting Turkey Noodle Soup was truly heartbreaking! Repurposing holiday leftovers is not just a practical necessity; it’s a creative culinary adventure that I absolutely adore, breathing new life into familiar flavors.
This Turkey Oscar recipe is the quintessential example of how to elevate your leftover turkey to a new level of sophistication. Let’s be honest – it looks incredibly fancy and restaurant-worthy, doesn’t it? Yet, “fancy” doesn’t have to equate to “difficult” or “time-consuming.” In fact, I pride myself on crafting recipes that call for minimal, easily accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques. Employing a few smart shortcuts is not laziness; it’s efficiency, especially when the final presentation is this spectacular. When you unveil a dish as visually stunning and delicious as Turkey Oscar, no one will ever suspect how simple it was to create. It’s all about maximizing flavor and presentation with intelligent ingredient choices and clear, concise steps.
Storing Leftover Turkey: Essential Tips for Safety and Freshness
When considering how to best utilize your leftover turkey, understanding proper storage is crucial for both food safety and preserving its delicious flavor. Cooked turkey should be promptly refrigerated and is best consumed within 3-4 days. If you find yourself with an abundance of turkey and don’t plan to use it within that short window, your freezer is an excellent option, where it can safely last for approximately 2-3 months. To prevent freezer burn and maintain quality, store turkey in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Having a collection of versatile leftover turkey recipes, such as this elegant Turkey Oscar, is incredibly useful. It allows you to plan your post-holiday meals effectively and ensures you can utilize your delicious holiday bounty while it’s still at its prime, preventing food waste and extending the enjoyment of your festive feast. Remember to always reheat turkey thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when preparing new dishes.
Understanding “Oscar Style”: A Timeless Culinary Classic
What exactly does it mean to prepare a dish “Oscar Style” in the culinary world? My own personal introduction to this exquisite preparation happened years ago, during my high school days, at a truly memorable dinner before a school dance at a local steakhouse in Omaha. My date, with a sophisticated air, ordered a “Filet Oscar.” Intrigued by the alluring description and the elegant name, I decided to follow suit. From that moment on, the combination of flavors and textures was simply irresistible, and it quickly became my go-to order whenever I visited that restaurant for many, many years. It left a lasting impression, showcasing how a few well-chosen components can transform a dish.
To serve a dish “Oscar Style” signifies topping your chosen protein – traditionally a premium cut of meat like beef filet, veal, or a delicate fish – with a lavish combination of fresh, tender asparagus spears, rich crabmeat, and a velvety Hollandaise sauce. Often, as we’ve incorporated into our Turkey Oscar, succulent shrimp is also included, adding another layer of luxurious texture and briny flavor. This method results in a dish that is wonderfully rich, incredibly delicious, and boasts a truly gorgeous, upscale presentation. The thought naturally struck me: if classic proteins like steak, chicken, and salmon can be prepared “a la Oscar” with such stunning results, why not extend this elegance to flavorful turkey? The delicate, savory notes of turkey provide an ideal canvas for the luxurious toppings, making it a perfect and surprisingly harmonious fit for this time-honored classic.
Flexible Protein Choices: Leftover Turkey or Fresh Cutlets
While this recipe is undeniably a fantastic and inspired way to utilize your holiday leftover turkey, it’s important to note that having a stash of leftovers isn’t a strict prerequisite to enjoying this magnificent dish. You have the freedom to prepare Turkey Oscar any time the craving strikes! If your refrigerator isn’t currently stocked with post-holiday turkey, simply cook a couple of fresh turkey cutlets specifically for this purpose. When preparing fresh turkey, always ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for optimal food safety. However, exercise caution not to overcook it, as turkey breast can become dry very quickly. A perfectly cooked, moist turkey cutlet will absorb and complement the rich, flavorful Oscar sauce beautifully, ensuring a tender and delicious experience.
Mastering Homemade Hollandaise Sauce from Scratch
For ultimate convenience and a truly speedy meal, you could certainly opt for a pre-packaged Hollandaise sauce to simplify this recipe even further. However, creating Hollandaise sauce from scratch is a surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding process that lends a superior fresh taste and silken texture to your Turkey Oscar. You don’t need a professional kitchen setup; all you truly need are a reliable blender and a small saucepan.
The most critical aspect of making homemade Hollandaise sauce both safely and successfully is ensuring the egg yolks are adequately cooked. The key lies in the heat from the melted butter, which gently cooks the eggs as it’s incorporated, emulsifying them into that classic creamy, stable consistency. Our blender method is designed for both ease and food safety, ensuring you achieve a delicious and worry-free sauce every time, with minimal effort.
The essential ingredients for a classic Hollandaise sauce are surprisingly simple, creating a complex flavor from humble beginnings: fresh egg yolks, vibrant tangy lemon juice, unsalted butter (for a clean, rich flavor), a pinch of salt to enhance taste, freshly cracked black pepper for a subtle bite, and a delicate hint of cayenne pepper for a gentle warmth that awakens the palate.
To begin, gently melt your unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s just liquid. It’s crucial not to let it brown or sizzle; you simply want it warm and melted. Simultaneously, combine the fresh egg yolks, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper in your blender and blend for approximately 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. With the blender running on low speed, slowly and steadily pour the warm melted butter into the egg yolk mixture in a very thin stream. The continuous blending, combined with the heat from the butter, will swiftly emulsify and gently cook the egg yolks, creating a smooth, rich, and perfectly safe Hollandaise sauce. Season the finished sauce with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
Hollandaise vs. Béarnaise Sauce: Unveiling the Differences
It’s a common culinary query, as both Hollandaise and Béarnaise sauces are celebrated staples of classic French cuisine, sharing a similar elegant appearance and creamy, luxurious texture. Both are distinct variations of emulsified sauces, expertly crafted from fresh egg yolks and clarified butter, brilliantly enhanced with an acidic component. They both typically present a light yellow hue. However, their flavor profiles subtly diverge thanks to a few key defining ingredients.
Hollandaise sauce, famously used in our Turkey Oscar, derives its bright, tangy acidity from fresh lemon juice. This imparts a clean, buttery, and slightly piquant flavor that beautifully complements a wide array of dishes, from delicate vegetables like asparagus to various fish and poultry. Béarnaise sauce, on the other hand, typically relies on a reduction of white wine, white wine vinegar, or tarragon vinegar for its acidic base. What truly distinguishes Béarnaise are the additional aromatics and herbs infused into this reduction: finely minced shallots and fresh tarragon (often accompanied by chervil or French parsley) are simmered before the butter is emulsified. This infusion gives Béarnaise a distinct, more complex, and pronounced herbaceous flavor profile, often making it a preferred and classic accompaniment for grilled red meats, particularly steak, adding a gourmet touch to any dish it graces.
Key Ingredients for Your Gourmet Turkey Oscar
Crafting our exquisite Turkey a la Oscar requires a thoughtful selection of both fresh and quality pantry ingredients, ensuring a symphony of flavors and textures. For your luscious homemade Hollandaise sauce, you’ll need essential staples like rich unsalted butter, vibrant fresh egg yolks, bright lemon juice, a hint of piquant cayenne pepper for a gentle warmth, and a delicate balance of salt and freshly cracked black pepper for seasoning.
For the star toppings that elevate this dish to its “Oscar Style” status, we combine readily available ingredients that deliver gourmet flavor. I typically opt for high-quality canned crab meat, ensuring it’s thoroughly drained to remove excess liquid, and use plump, pre-cooked shrimp, which I chop into bite-sized pieces for ease of eating and consistent texture. The comforting foundation of this dish is, of course, your tender, warmed leftover sliced turkey breast. And for that essential zesty, crisp element that brightens the entire plate, a jar of Ely Farm’s Pickled Asparagus is absolutely indispensable. Its unique tangy flavor profile perfectly balances the richness of the Hollandaise and savory seafood, adding a refreshing contrast that truly elevates the entire dish.
Assembling Your Turkey Oscar: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection
Once your silky homemade Hollandaise sauce is perfectly prepared, the assembly of your Turkey Oscar transforms into a quick, satisfying, and visually rewarding process. Begin by gently warming your chopped cooked shrimp and thoroughly drained crabmeat in a small skillet over low heat. This gentle warming ensures they are perfectly heated through and ready to be integrated seamlessly into the sauce.
Next, carefully pour your freshly made Hollandaise sauce directly into the skillet with the warmed seafood. Stir gently to combine everything, allowing the succulent shrimp and delicate crabmeat to be beautifully enveloped in the creamy, golden sauce. This method of warming the seafood directly within the Hollandaise is a personal preference. While some “Oscar Style” preparations might simply involve pouring the sauce over the meat and seafood on the plate, I find that integrating them within the sauce not only ensures the seafood is perfectly heated through, but it also, as a slightly over-cautious chef, provides extra confidence that the Hollandaise is thoroughly warmed and the flavors are fully melded. The resulting blend is a wonderfully cohesive and comforting topping that adheres beautifully to the turkey and asparagus.
Now, for the exquisite final plating, where the artistry of your Turkey Oscar truly comes to life. Arrange your warmed turkey breast slices (or perfectly cooked turkey cutlets) artfully on individual serving plates. Next, elegantly top each portion of turkey with approximately 5-6 spears of the wonderful Ely Farm’s Pickled Asparagus. I find that lightly draining and giving the asparagus a quick rinse helps to mellow its intense pickling liquid slightly, allowing its zesty, dilly flavor to complement, rather than overpower, the rich Hollandaise. This strategic plating creates a beautiful contrast in both color and taste, adding a refreshing crunch and a burst of tanginess to every sophisticated bite.
Finally, with a flourish, take your spoon and generously dollop the warm, creamy Hollandaise sauce, brimming with plump shrimp and delicate crabmeat, over the asparagus and turkey. For a truly perfect finish, add a delicate sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper just before serving. This simple addition not only enhances the flavors but also adds a touch of visual sophistication, bringing out the vibrant colors of the dish. See? It’s truly a magnificent and undeniably pretty meal, isn’t it? An elegant transformation of holiday favorites into a gourmet dish worthy of any special occasion, proving that leftovers can indeed be luxurious.
Craving More? Pin This Recipe for Later!
Excited to try this stunning Turkey Oscar recipe but not ready to cook it right now? Make sure you can easily find it whenever inspiration strikes! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now, so this elegant leftover transformation is always just a click away when you’re ready to create a gourmet meal.
Discovering the Excellence and Story of Ely Farms Products
Over the past year, it has been an absolute pleasure and a truly inspiring experience to develop and create recipes featuring the incredible products from Ely Farms. Working directly with Neal Ely, the visionary founder, has been a remarkable journey. He is an incredibly grounded, passionately driven individual whose dedication to quality and his agricultural roots shines through in every single jar of his produce.
The story behind Ely Farms is a heartwarming tale of humble beginnings, family collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit. It all started back in 1998, gathered around a simple kitchen table in Grafton, Nebraska, where Neal convened his family to brainstorm ideas for his FFA (Future Farmers of America) project. The brilliant idea that sparked it all? Asparagus! They realized they possessed the ideal conditions to grow it, and Neal’s mother, Tami, already had an amazing, cherished family recipe for pickling their favorite vegetable. As previously mentioned, their pickled asparagus quickly rose to prominence, becoming a national FFA entrepreneur winner – a powerful testament to its unique taste and undeniable quality. Over the years, the brand has thoughtfully expanded its product line, introducing new, equally delicious offerings such as Ely Farms Pickled Green Beans and Ely Farms Pickled Okra, each crafted with the same unwavering commitment to flavor, freshness, and the highest quality standards.
Ely Farms is much more than just a purveyor of pickled vegetables; it’s a celebration of family heritage, agricultural excellence, and a deep-seated passion for bringing exceptional, wholesome flavors directly to your table. Their unwavering commitment to quality and distinct, vibrant flavor profiles makes their products a must-have pantry staple for any discerning cook, adding a truly distinctive and memorable touch to both everyday meals and special occasions alike.
Where to Find Ely Farms Products Near You
What began with humble local sales in their hometown of Sutton, Nebraska, has gracefully blossomed into widespread demand for Ely Farms’ exceptional pickled asparagus. Today, you can proudly find Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus Spears gracing the shelves of a growing number of grocery stores and esteemed specialty shops across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Colorado. Their steadily expanding footprint is a powerful testament to the enduring popularity and the consistent, high quality of their products, earning them a loyal following.
For those outside these geographical regions, or if you simply prefer the unparalleled convenience and comfort of online shopping, acquiring Ely Farms products is still incredibly easy and accessible. You can explore and purchase their full range of delicious pickled vegetables directly through their official website, offering a comprehensive selection at your fingertips. Additionally, their products are readily available for purchase online via Buy Nebraska, providing yet another convenient and reliable option for enthusiasts and home cooks across the country.
Stay closely connected and engaged with Ely Farms to discover exciting new recipes, timely product updates, and much more! Be sure to follow them on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels. Explore their full, delightful range, including their renowned Pickled Okra and their newest, equally tantalizing offering, Pickled Green Beans, and find abundant inspiration for your next culinary creation!
(Past Giveaway Information – Please Check for Current Promotions)
*(Note: The following section details information about a past giveaway that has concluded. Please visit Ely Farms’ official website and social media channels for any current promotions or contests you may be interested in participating in.)*
Previously, from October 26, 2020, through November 2nd, 2020, our readers had the exciting opportunity to enter a fantastic contest to win an entire case of Ely Farms products! Keep a close eye on Ely Farms’ official social media channels and their website for future opportunities to win and enjoy their delicious range of specialty pickled vegetables. Don’t miss out on upcoming chances to stock your pantry with these gourmet delights!
More Delicious Ely Farms Recipes from An Affair from the Heart
I’ve genuinely enjoyed the creative process of developing unique and flavorful recipes featuring Ely Farms’ exceptional products. Here are a few more delectable ideas to inspire your culinary adventures:
Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus is a truly delicious hot appetizer that boasts an incredibly elegant and impressive presentation. Delicate, thin phyllo dough is generously sprinkled with savory bacon bits, a blend of rich Parmesan, and sharp Romano cheeses, then delicately wrapped around perfectly spiced pickled asparagus spears. This delightful combination creates a truly show-stopping appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress any guest at your next gathering.
Here in Nebraska, and throughout many regions of the Midwest, the “Red Beer” is a cherished and common beverage, often enjoyed for its simple, refreshing qualities. While it’s typically ordered without special instructions, if you appreciate a spicy kick to your drinks, you are bound to absolutely love this Kicked Up Red Beer. It’s masterfully crafted with a homemade Bloody Mary Dry Spice blend, which significantly elevates its flavor profile and adds a delightful heat. To make it even more perfect and visually appealing, it’s garnished with a few spicy pickled green beans, adding both an appealing texture and an extra layer of zesty heat to an already fantastic drink.
If you’re eager to truly jazz up your next burger, hot dog, or bratwurst, look no further – I have just the thing to elevate your grilling experience! This Pickled Okra Relish is precisely what you need to add an exciting burst of flavor. It offers a delightful balance of a little bit spicy and a little bit tangy, with a complex and robust flavor profile packed with the freshness of tomatoes, the sweetness of corn, the savory depth of onion, and the irresistible smoky notes of bacon. It’s a versatile condiment that brings vibrant flavor, appealing texture, and a gourmet touch to any grilled meal, turning ordinary into extraordinary.
As the festive holiday season approaches and gracefully extends, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a period filled with good health, cherished family moments, an abundance of delicious food, and brilliantly Repurposed Leftovers! May your post-feast meals be as delightful, innovative, and memorable as the grand main event itself, making the most of every delicious morsel.
A quick and versatile reminder: If you don’t happen to have any leftover turkey on hand, this incredibly adaptable Turkey Oscar recipe works wonderfully with other proteins. Consider using tender turkey tenderloins or succulent chicken breast for equally delicious results. Just remember to cook your chosen protein to the correct internal temperature for both safety and optimal texture. Furthermore, this luxurious “Oscar Style” topping isn’t limited to poultry; it’s equally sublime and elevates perfectly cooked steaks or fresh, flaky fish fillets to gourmet status, making it a truly versatile and impressive sauce for any occasion.
Now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for – let’s dive into the full recipe for our exquisite Turkey Oscar! 
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Turkey Oscar Style
Equipment
- 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
- Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick 1-Quart Saucepan with Lid
- Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender
Ingredients
- ¾ pound leftover cooked turkey breast sliced and warmed
- ⅓ cup cooked shrimp chopped
- ⅓ cup canned crabmeat drained
- 1 16-ounce jar Ely Farm’s pickled asparagus drained and lightly rinsed
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 ½ Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce: In a small saucepan, gently melt the butter over low heat. Be careful not to let it brown; you simply want it liquid and warm.
- Place the egg yolks, fresh lemon juice, and cayenne pepper into a blender. Blend for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
- With the blender running on low speed, slowly and steadily pour the warm melted butter into the egg yolk mixture in a very thin stream. Continue blending for about 1 minute until the sauce is thick, creamy, and beautifully emulsified. Season the Hollandaise sauce with salt to taste.
- Prepare the Seafood Topping: In a separate small pan or skillet, add the chopped cooked shrimp and drained crabmeat. Turn the heat to low and gently warm the seafood through.
- Pour the prepared Hollandaise sauce directly into the pan with the warmed shrimp and crabmeat. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the seafood is well coated and integrated. Keep warm over very low heat while you plate the turkey.
- Assemble the Turkey Oscar: Arrange your warmed slices of leftover turkey breast (or freshly cooked turkey cutlets) elegantly on individual serving plates.
- Top each portion of turkey with about 5-6 spears of the drained and lightly rinsed Ely Farm’s Pickled Asparagus.
- Generously spoon the warm Hollandaise sauce with shrimp and crabmeat over the asparagus and turkey, ensuring a rich coating.
- Finish with a light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy your gourmet Turkey Oscar!