Thanksgiving Leftovers Meal – Turkey A La King

Transforming Thanksgiving Leftovers into Comfort: Turkey A La King on the Big Green Egg Minimax

Hey, fellow grillers and food lovers! Captain Ron here, back with another post on the FOGO Charcoal YouTube channel, where we take grilling and smoking to the next level. As we dive into the holiday season, I wanted to share a special recipe that’s close to my heart: Turkey A La King, made with those beloved Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s a dish that’s been in my family for years, passed down from my mom, and it’s one of my absolute favorites.

Now, before you think this is just another turkey leftover recipe, let me tell you why this one stands out. Not only does it use up your leftover turkey, but it transforms it into a creamy, savory, and absolutely comforting dish that you can enjoy with family and friends. The best part? I cook it up in my trusty cast iron skillet, on my Big Green Egg Minimax, using FOGO Charcoal to get that perfect, smoky flavor. It’s a recipe that feels like home, but with that delicious grilling twist that only charcoal can deliver.

Why Turkey A La King?

You might be wondering, “Why Turkey A La King?” After Thanksgiving, you’ve probably got a pile of turkey leftovers sitting in the fridge, just begging to be turned into something new. My mom would always make this dish using turkey after the big feast, and it was always the highlight of the leftovers. The combination of turkey, creamy sauce, and veggies all comes together to create a rich, comforting meal that hits the spot every time.

I wanted to share this recipe because it’s not just about using leftovers; it’s about holding onto those traditions and flavors that make the holiday season so special. For me, cooking Turkey A La King on the Big Green Egg isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about honoring family traditions and creating new memories around the grill.

Cooking on the Big Green Egg Minimax

For this dish, we’re firing up the Big Green Egg Minimax, which is perfect for this kind of cooking. The Minimax allows me to cook with direct heat, providing a consistent temperature and making sure everything cooks evenly. The cast iron skillet really keeps all the rich flavors locked in. And, of course, using FOGO Charcoal is essential—it gives the dish that incredible smoky depth that enhances every bite.

Here’s why cooking this on the Big Green Egg is a game changer:

• Even Cooking: The Minimax ensures that your food cooks evenly, whether you’re simmering the creamy sauce or getting that crispy, golden finish.
• Smoky Flavor: FOGO Charcoal imparts that perfect, subtle smoky flavor that just elevates everything.
• Cast Iron Magic: Cast iron retains and distributes heat like nothing else, ensuring that the dish comes out perfectly creamy.

A Dish That’s More Than Just Leftovers

While Turkey A La King is often made from Thanksgiving leftovers, it’s far from a “throwaway” meal. My mom always made sure to take the time to elevate those leftovers and turn them into something special. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just making a cozy dinner at home, this dish is a reminder that even simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary with a little creativity and love.

The best part? It’s versatile. You can swap out the turkey for chicken or even add different veggies depending on what you’ve got on hand. But trust me, there’s something magical about using that leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. It’s a great way to give new life to those final bits of the holiday meal and enjoy the flavors you love one last time before moving on to the next festive season.

Tips for Making the Best Turkey A La King

1. Use the Right Pan: If you’ve got a cast iron skillet, use it! It’s essential for getting everything evenly cooked. If you don’t have cast iron, a heavy-duty oven-safe pan will work too.
2. Take Your Time with the Sauce: The creamy sauce is the heart of this dish. Let it simmer and thicken before adding the turkey. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, throw in a little extra butter or heavy cream to make it richer.
3. Don’t Skip the Veggies: A mix of onions, peas, carrots, and mushrooms adds color, flavor, and texture. You can use frozen peas and mushrooms if you don’t have fresh ones on hand.
4. Add the Smoky Flavor: Using FOGO Charcoal on the Big Green Egg is the key to elevating this dish. Let the charcoal burn down to a consistent heat, and you’ll notice the subtle smoky flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.

Why This Dish Means So Much

I’ll be honest, this recipe isn’t just about food—it’s about memories. Every time I make Turkey A La King, I’m reminded of my mom in the kitchen, making something simple into something extraordinary. This dish is about bringing people together around the table, sharing stories, and creating new memories while honoring the old ones.

So, whether you’re cooking for your family or just making a small batch for yourself, I hope this dish brings some comfort and joy to your holiday season. It’s a great way to extend the celebration and savor the flavors of Thanksgiving long after the holiday has passed.

Wrapping Up

If you’re looking for more recipes like this or tips on how to cook with your Big Green Egg and FOGO Charcoal, make sure to hit that subscribe button on our FOGO Charcoal YouTube channel. We’ve got tons of great content lined up for you, from grilling tips to delicious recipes, and we’d love to have you along for the ride.

Thanks for joining me today, and I hope you give this Turkey A La King recipe a try. And as always, Get Out And Grill, stay safe, and enjoy those holiday leftovers in the best way possible!

— I look forward to seeing you the next time on the  FOGO Charcoal YouTube channel, Captain Ron…..OUT!

Directions:

1. Fill your grill with FOGO Premium Charcoal and prepare for direct grilling over medium heat. Place multiple FOGO Fire Starters around the charcoal and light them with your Grill Torch.
2. Place the ears of corn on the grill and cook until they turn light brown color.  Keep turning them to prevent them from burning.  Once brown on all sides, remove from the grill, allow to cool and use the santoku knife to remove the corn from the cob.
3. Place the cast iron pan on the grill and add the butter. Once melted, add the onion and sauté until the onion has turned translucent.  Add the mushrooms and cook until they start to turn dark and soften.  Now, add the vegetables, including the corn and cook until all of the moisture has evaporated, and the veggies are cooked through.
4. Once everything is done to your liking, add the stock and heavy cream. Stir, stir, stir until the sauce begins to thicken.  Add the turkey and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has reached your desired consistency.  It should be thick, but not too thick. 
5. Once it is done, remove the cast iron pan from the heat using your heat glove and ladle the Turkey a la King over a cooked puff pastry or over a piece of toast. Enjoy!