When my family first asked for Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce, it was a real surprise. One evening, after a busy day filled with running errands and juggling homework, my youngest simply said, “Mom, can you make that turkey dish with the orange sauce again?” It caught me off guard because I hadn’t seen anyone request turkey breast medallions quite so eagerly before. But making this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce quickly became a heartwarming meal that had us all gathering around the table to share stories and laughter. The combination of citrus teriyaki sauce with the tender pan-seared turkey medallions was something special, a new family favorite born out of simplicity and flavors that wowed everyone.
What’s wonderful about Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce is how it fits right into those busy weeknights when you want a meal that tastes wonderful without lots of fuss. The bright citrus touches in the orange teriyaki glaze balance perfectly with the savory notes of the turkey breast medallions. Over time, this Asian-inspired turkey recipe earned a solid spot in our meal rotation. It’s one of those meals where convenience meets comfort—something easy to pull together that the family genuinely enjoys.
If you haven’t yet found that recipe that your family keeps coming back to, I invite you to try this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce. It’s a great way to bring a bit of brightness and warmth to your dinner table. Between the lightly caramelized turkey breast medallions and the tangy orange teriyaki glaze, your family will feel that familiar ‘home’ feeling after every bite. Let me take you through everything you’ll need to make this dish happen for your family—and soon, it might be your kid’s favorite request too.
What You’ll Need

Here’s a simple list for making Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce that keeps things easy but full of flavor.
- 1 1/2 lbs turkey breast medallions – Look for fresh, good-quality turkey breast medallions at your grocery store’s poultry section.
- 1 cup orange juice (fresh is best for vibrant flavor) – If you don’t have fresh, a high-quality bottled orange juice works well.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce – Choose low-sodium for a balanced taste in your citrus teriyaki sauce.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to your orange teriyaki glaze.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is a must for that Asian-inspired turkey recipe flavor.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger – Fresh ginger helps keep the orange teriyaki sauce bright and zesty.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water – This thickens your sauce into the perfect glaze.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil – For pan-searing turkey medallions with a little extra flavor depth.
- Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish – These small touches make your Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce look and taste restaurant-quality.
For the best Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce, I recommend buying turkey breast medallions that are uniform in thickness. That way, they cook evenly and stay juicy. You’ll find everything you need for this recipe at your regular grocery store—no specialty trips required.
This Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce recipe is forgiving if you need to swap ingredients. If you don’t have fresh ginger, a pinch of ground ginger will work. Coconut aminos can substitute for soy sauce if you want a soy-free version. Brown sugar can be replaced with honey or maple syrup for a different sweet note without changing the glaze too much.
Before cooking, pat the turkey breast medallions dry with a paper towel. This step helps them get a beautiful sear when they hit the pan. Also, measure out the orange teriyaki glaze ingredients ahead of time, so nothing slows you down once the pan heats up. My family prefers when I add a little extra ginger to the citrus teriyaki sauce—it adds a lovely brightness that balances the sweet and salty well.
Trust me, this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor! You’re about to take a straightforward meal and turn it into something special everyone will ask for again.
How to Make It
Making Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce is easier than you’d think, and I’m here to walk you through each step.
- Prepare your ingredients and glaze. Start by mixing the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves. This citrus teriyaki sauce is the magic that makes the turkey pop.
- Heat your pan and add oil. Use a non-stick skillet or a good-quality stainless steel pan. Add vegetable or sesame oil over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, it’s ready for the turkey breast medallions.
- Sear the turkey medallions. Place the turkey breast medallions in the hot pan without crowding. Sear them for 3-4 minutes on one side until they develop a golden crust, then flip and cook the other side for another 3 minutes until cooked through. Your turkey medallions should be tender and juicy, never dry.
- Remove turkey and make the glaze. Take the cooked turkey medallions off the pan, cover with foil to keep warm. Pour the citrus teriyaki sauce mixture into the pan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the orange teriyaki glaze. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze. This orange teriyaki glaze will cling to your turkey perfectly.
- Return the turkey medallions to the pan. Coat them with that luscious orange teriyaki glaze by gently stirring or spooning the sauce over each medallion. This step seals in flavor and makes the dish shine.
- Serve and garnish. Transfer the pan-seared turkey medallions with their orange teriyaki sauce to plates. Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a fresh look and subtle crunch.
This Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce typically takes me about 25 minutes from start to finish. What’s great is you get that rich citrus teriyaki flavor without spending a lot of hands-on time. Your kitchen will smell amazing while the glaze simmers—it’s a sign your family’s in for a treat.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce—the turkey would dry out if I didn’t watch the timing carefully. Now I always remember that the medallions only need a few minutes per side on medium-high heat. It’s all about balancing that quick sear with gentle finishing in the sauce.
While your Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce is cooking, you’ll have time to prepare a quick side or set the table. One night, I paired it with steamed jasmine rice and some roasted broccoli, and it was a dreamy meal everyone devoured.
How your turkey medallions look might vary depending on the pan you use—if you see some caramelized bits in the pan, that’s flavor gold. Use those bits for your orange teriyaki glaze to boost the taste even more.
For a little extra shortcut, you can prepare the citrus teriyaki sauce ahead and keep it refrigerated until it’s time to cook. This makes the whole process even faster when dinner time rolls around.
Serving Ideas

My family loves to enjoy Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce over jasmine or basmati rice. The rice soaks up the luscious orange teriyaki glaze beautifully. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser for weeknights and special occasions.
For veggies, steamed green beans or roasted snap peas pair well because their light crunch balances the tender turkey breast medallions nicely. On colder nights, I like to serve it with a simple stir-fried vegetable medley to keep the meal wholesome and colorful.
This recipe shines for casual dinners but also works surprisingly well for small celebrations when you want a dish that’s a step above your usual routine without stressing kitchen time. Presenting the turkey medallions with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds makes it look restaurant-worthy.
Leftovers are rare in our house, but if you have any Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce left, save them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra orange juice to keep the glaze saucy and fresh. It reheats well for lunch the next day.
I’ve tried swapping out orange juice for tangerine juice in the orange teriyaki glaze, and the family enjoyed the slightly different citrus note. Sometimes, I add a dash of chili flakes for a bit of heat, turning it into a mildly spicy Asian-inspired turkey recipe.
Everyone reaches for seconds when this Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce comes out with warm jasmine rice. The balance of sweet and savory flavors makes this dish a guaranteed meal win. And if your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy my recipe for Chicken with Boursin Sauce, which is another tasty dish with flavorful sauce.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the citrus teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, sear the turkey medallions and then simmer them in the pre-made glaze. This saves you time on busy nights.
What if I don’t have fresh ginger for the orange teriyaki glaze?
I’ve used ground ginger as a substitute before with good results. Use about half the amount called for in fresh ginger to avoid overpowering the dish. The turkey breast medallions still carry all the wonderful flavors.
How do I store leftover Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay good for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or orange juice to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
Can I use turkey tenderloin instead of turkey breast medallions?
Absolutely. Turkey tenderloin works just as well if sliced into medallion-sized pieces. Check out this Turkey Breast Tenderloin Recipe with Rosemary and Thyme for similar techniques.
Is there a gluten-free option for the soy sauce?
Yes, tamari or coconut aminos make excellent gluten-free substitutes. They keep your citrus teriyaki sauce flavorful while accommodating dietary needs.
How thick should the turkey breast medallions be?
About ¾ inch thick works best for even cooking. Too thin and they can dry out quickly; too thick and it takes longer to cook through.
Can I freeze Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce?
You can freeze cooked turkey medallions with sauce, but for the best texture, I recommend freezing the cooked turkey separately and the sauce separately. Thaw and reheat gently to prevent drying out.
If you want other turkey ideas, check out Baked Turkey Breast Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Marinade for a flavorful alternative. For some inspiration on unique marinades, here’s a Turkey Tenderloin Marinade guide that can be great for your turkey breast medallions needs.
The Final Word
Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce has earned its place in my recipe collection because it’s both delicious and doable. It brings the family together around the table with flavors that feel special without extra fuss. The kids love the sweet citrus notes, and the adults appreciate the balanced savory glaze packed with garlic and ginger.
My Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce Tips:
– Use fresh orange juice for the brightest citrus teriyaki sauce flavor.
– Don’t overcook the turkey breast medallions—watch for that golden crust and slightly springy texture.
– Keep the sauce simmering gently when thickening; a quick boil can make the glaze tough.
I’ve tried a few variations with success: adding a bit of chili for heat, swapping orange juice for pineapple juice for a tropical twist, and using sesame oil to deepen the flavor of the pan-seared turkey medallions.
My family loves the classic orange teriyaki glaze best, but my husband is partial to the spicy version. No matter what, this turkey recipe keeps us happy and coming back for more.
If you’re looking to make a meal that fits your busy life but brings that satisfying “wow” to your family dinner, give Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce a try. I hope your family loves it as much as mine does.
If this recipe inspires you, you might want to check out my other favorites like Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze or those fun Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice to keep your meals full of seasonal joy.
Happy cooking and here’s to many cozy meals together!
Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce
Tender turkey medallions glazed with a zesty orange teriyaki sauce make for a flavorful and healthy dinner option that’s quick to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey medallions
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic to make the orange teriyaki sauce.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add turkey medallions and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour the orange teriyaki sauce over the turkey medallions in the skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the turkey.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the turkey medallions in the orange teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.

