Budget Barbecues

Leftover turkey gets a second life in these budget-friendly barbecue sandwiches. Cubed cooked turkey simmers in a homemade sauce built from ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, and a trio of spices: dry mustard, paprika, and chili powder. The sauerkraut stirred in adds a tangy crunch that cuts through the sweetness.

The sauce comes together in one skillet. Sauteed onions form the base, then everything else goes in and simmers until thick and glossy. The brown sugar and ketchup caramelize together into that sticky, sweet barbecue flavor, while the vinegar and sauerkraut keep it from tipping into candy territory.

This is a great way to use up Thanksgiving or holiday turkey, but it works just as well with rotisserie chicken or any cooked poultry you have on hand. The turkey goes in at the very end and just heats through, so it stays moist and tender.

Kitchen Tips

• Drain the sauerkraut well before adding or the sauce will be too thin and sour
• Simmer uncovered at the end to thicken the sauce. It should coat the turkey, not pool at the bottom
• Use leftover white or dark meat turkey, or a mix of both. Dark meat holds up better in the sauce
• Toast the hamburger buns before filling so they don’t get soggy from the sauce

Variations

• Pulled pork style: Shred the turkey instead of cubing it for a more pulled-barbecue texture
• Coleslaw topper: Skip the sauerkraut and pile creamy coleslaw on top of the sauced turkey instead
• Spicy version: Add a diced jalapeno to the onions or stir in hot sauce to taste