Barbecue Turkey Coleslaw Sandwiches
If you love barbecue sandwiches with a touch of Southern flair, this recipe is a delightful twist on a classic. It swaps traditional pork for lean ground turkey, making it a lighter yet equally flavorful option. Topped with a crunchy, tangy coleslaw, these sandwiches are perfect for lunch, a snack, or even a casual dinner. This recipe is inspired by Southern Living Low-Fat Recipes, January 1997, and it’s a testament to the charm of Southern cuisine with a healthier approach.
Ingredients
Turkey Barbecue Filling
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Ground turkey |
1 pound |
| Onion, chopped |
1/2 cup |
| Tomato sauce |
1 cup |
| Brown sugar |
1 tablespoon |
| Worcestershire sauce |
1 tablespoon |
| Dry mustard |
1 teaspoon |
| Liquid smoke |
1 teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper |
1/2 teaspoon |
Crunchy Coleslaw
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Red cabbage, shredded |
1 1/2 cups |
| Granny Smith apple, shredded |
1/2 cup |
| Carrot, shredded |
1 cup |
| Plain low-fat yogurt |
1/2 cup |
| Curry powder |
3/4 teaspoon |
| Dry mustard |
1/2 teaspoon |
Sandwich Base
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Hamburger buns, split and toasted |
6 |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient |
Amount |
| Calories |
287.9 kcal |
| Fat |
9.6 g |
| Saturated Fat |
2.5 g |
| Cholesterol |
61 mg |
| Sodium |
524.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates |
32 g |
| Fiber |
3.6 g |
| Sugar |
11.2 g |
| Protein |
19.7 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Barbecue Filling
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and chopped onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the turkey is browned and crumbled. Drain any excess liquid.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, liquid smoke, and ground black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Crunchy Coleslaw
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded red cabbage, shredded Granny Smith apple, and shredded carrot.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain low-fat yogurt, curry powder, and dry mustard. Pour this dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Split the hamburger buns in half and toast them lightly. This adds a satisfying crunch and prevents sogginess from the barbecue sauce.
- Spoon the warm turkey mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns.
- Top the turkey filling with a generous portion of the coleslaw mixture.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the slaw to complete the sandwich.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the sandwiches immediately for the best taste and texture. Pair them with baked beans and crisp vegetable sticks for a wholesome, Southern-inspired meal.
Serving Tips
- Optional Add-ons: Sprinkle some pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Storage Advice: If you have leftovers, store the turkey filling and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the filling before assembling.
These Barbecue Turkey Coleslaw Sandwiches are a celebration of Southern comfort food with a health-conscious twist. The tender, smoky turkey paired with the crunchy, tangy slaw creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you and your guests craving more. Make them a staple in your lunch or snack repertoire for a taste of the South, wherever you are!
