Watch for sales on turkey tenderloins at the supermarket – then make these easy, delicious Grilled BBQ Turkey Tips.
With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, our local supermarket has been running some great specials on packages of turkey tenderloin. And, I suspect they will be on sale after the holiday too!
So now is really the perfect time to make these Grilled BBQ Turkey Tips! If the weather is mild enough – grill these turkey tips outside. Or, if it’s too cold for outside grilling, cook them in a ribbed grill pan on the stove top.
Turkey tips are a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. If you’ve never cooked with turkey tips before, keep reading to learn all about what they are and how to cook them!
What Part of the Turkey Are Turkey Tips?
Turkey tips are chunks of white meat that come from the breast of the turkey They are sometimes also referred to as turkey tenders.
Turkey breast meat is lean and mild in flavor It cooks up juicy and tender, making it an ideal choice for dishes like kebabs, stir fries, and more
Where Do You Buy Turkey Tips?
You can find turkey tips sold in packages at most major grocery stores typically near where chicken breast and other poultry is sold. They are sometimes labelled as “turkey tenderloins” or “turkey cutlets.”
Butcher shops or meat markets may also sell turkey tips. You can ask them to cut turkey breast meat into tip sized chunks if they don’t already carry them.
When buying turkey tips, look for pieces that are roughly 2-3 inches long and 1 inch wide. Uniformly sized pieces will cook the most evenly.
How Much Do Turkey Tips Cost?
The price of turkey tips can vary, but they typically cost slightly less per pound than buying a whole turkey breast. Expect to pay around $4-6 per pound.
Buying turkey tips can be more economical than purchasing a whole turkey breast, especially if you only need a small amount for a recipe. It eliminates the step of having to cut up the breast yourself.
Watch for turkey tip sales leading up to Thanksgiving, when grocers often discount turkey products. Stock up and freeze extras to save money.
How Are Turkey Tips Used?
Turkey tips are extremely versatile. Here are some of the most popular ways they are used:
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Kebabs – Turkey tips are the perfect size and shape for skewering for kebabs. They can be marinated in Greek yogurt or other flavorful marinades before grilling.
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Stir fries – Sliced into smaller pieces, turkey tips work great in any type of stir fry. They readily soak up the flavors of the sauce.
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Fajitas – Sautéed turkey tips seasoned with Southwest spices can be served up restaurant-style in fajitas or tacos.
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Salads – Diced cooked turkey tips add protein to any salad, from classic chef salads to Asian chicken salads.
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Sandwiches – Grilled or roasted turkey tips are delicious in sandwiches and wraps. Pair them with pesto, BBQ sauce, or other toppings.
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Soups & chilis – Bite-sized turkey tips can be simmered in hearty soups and chilis to add extra protein.
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Casseroles – In place of chicken, turkey tips work great in casserole recipes like enchiladas, pot pies, and more.
How to Cook Turkey Tips
Turkey tips can be prepared using a variety of cooking methods. Here are some of the most common ways to cook them:
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Grilling – This is one of the most popular cooking methods, as it gives the turkey tips a delicious char. Marinate them first for extra flavor.
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Broiling – For easy oven-cooked turkey tips, broil them in the oven about 5-6 inches from the heating element for around 10 minutes per side.
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Pan searing – Cook turkey tips in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
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Baking – For baked turkey tips, cook at 400°F on a sheet pan for 15-20 minutes until no longer pink inside.
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Sautéing – Cook over medium-high heat with olive oil or butter until fully cooked through and lightly browned.
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Slow cooker – For tender, fall-apart turkey, add tips to chili, soup, or other braises in a slow cooker.
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Air fryer – Air fry turkey tips at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, for quick crispy turkey.
No matter which cooking method you choose, turkey tips should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check that they are fully cooked.
Flavorful Marinades for Turkey Tips
One of the keys to delicious turkey tips is marinating them before cooking. The marinade helps keep the lean meat juicy and infuses it with lots of flavor.
Some easy marinade ideas include:
- Lemon, garlic, oregano, olive oil, and salt
- Soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic
- Yogurt, lemon, garlic, and curry powder
- Italian dressing or vinaigrette
- Teriyaki or hoisin sauce
- Barbecue sauce or mesquite seasoning
- Chili powder, cumin, lime juice, and olive oil
Let the turkey tips marinate for at least 30 minutes up to overnight for best results. The longer they marinate, the more flavor they will have.
What to Serve with Turkey Tips
Turkey tips pair well with a wide variety of sides. Consider serving them with:
- Rice or quinoa
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
- Fresh green salad
- Warm pita bread or naan
- Hummus, tzatziki, or chimichurri sauce
The possibilities are endless! Choose sides that complement the seasonings and cooking method you used for the turkey.
For kebabs, grilled veggies like peppers and zucchini make perfect skewers to cook alongside the turkey. For stir fries or fajitas, serve over rice with sautéed peppers and onions.
Storing and Freezing Turkey Tips
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Raw turkey tips – Store raw turkey tips in the refrigerator for up to 2 days until ready to use.
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Cooked turkey tips – Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
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Freezing – For longer term storage, freeze raw or cooked turkey tips for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
To freeze, place turkey tips in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until solid. Then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.
Frozen pre-marinated turkey tips are very convenient – just thaw and throw them straight on the grill or in a skillet for a quick meal!
Common Questions about Turkey Tips
Are turkey tips white or dark meat?
Turkey tips are white meat that comes from the breast of the turkey. They are lean and mild in flavor compared to dark meat.
Can you use turkey tips instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey tips can typically be substituted for recipes calling for boneless, skinless chicken breast. The cooking time may be slightly less since turkey is leaner.
How long does it take to cook turkey tips?
Grilled or pan-seared turkey tips take 7-10 minutes per side. Baked or broiled turkey tips need 15-20 minutes in the oven. Cook to an internal temp of 165°F.
What’s the difference between turkey tips and turkey cutlets?
Turkey tips and turkey cutlets come from the same part of the turkey – the breast meat. The only difference is that turkey tips are cut into smaller, finger-shaped pieces.
Are turkey tips healthy?
Turkey tips are very healthy! Turkey breast is lean, low fat, high in protein, and contains important nutrients like selenium, vitamin B6, and niacin.
Time to Try Turkey Tips!
Now that you know all about what turkey tips are and how to cook them, it’s time try them out in your kitchen!
Their mild flavor, juicy texture, and versatility make turkey tips a fantastic alternative to chicken for easy weeknight meals.
Marinate turkey tips in your favorite sauces or spice rubs. Then grill, broil, bake, or pan sear until cooked through and piping hot.
Serve tossed in salads, piled on sandwiches, or enjoyed as the protein in a variety of global dishes.
With proper handling and cooking, turkey tips can be a delicious and healthy addition to your regular dinner rotation.
How to you make BBQ Turkey Tips?
You’ll start by cutting each turkey tenderloin into four equal pieces. Place them in a zipper seal bag, then add some Italian dressing and freshly squeezed lemon juice. (You can make our homemade Italian dressing or vinaigrette, or use your favorite bottled dressing – whichever you prefer.)
Marinate the turkey tips overnight. Then, the next day – when you are ready to grill – remove the tips from the marinade and pat each piece of turkey with paper towels to remove any excess marinade.
Oil your grill or grill pan – then cook the tips for approximately seven to ten minutes, then flip and grill for another seven to ten minutes. Test the internal temperate with a instant-read probe thermometer – at this point, it should be around 145 degrees F (not quite cooked through).
Remove your grilled turkey tips to a bowl, then slather on your favorite BBQ sauce. (*See some ideas below.) Place the turkey tips back on the hot grill and cook for another five to ten minutes, turning occasionally and brushing on more BBQ sauce as needed.
Once the tips reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, remove to a platter and cover with a sheet of foil to rest. The residual heat will continue to cook the turkey tips to a safe internal temp of 165 degrees F.
Serve with more BBQ sauce on the side. These Grilled BBQ Turkey Tips cook up tender and juicy!
What kind of BBQ Sauce should I use on Turkey Tips?
For this recipe, you can use your favorite store-bought variety. Or if you want, you can *make one of our delicious homemade BBQ sauces:
We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @afamilyfeast or hashtag #afamilyfeast so we can see your creations!
