Below you will find 21 delicious turkey tenderloin recipes, which are perfect for people focused on eating healthy this year.
I often focus on roundups of the best weight watchers recipes from around the web. Today, I want to trying something slightly different and highlight a criminally underused healthy ingredient: turkey tenderloin (a zero point food!).
These recipes are not from ww blogs, but since they use a a zero point food as the primary ingredient, many of them are very low on ww points. As always, the easiest way to get the exact number of weight watchers points for a recipe is to simply plug it into your WW app.
Let me know down in the comments if you’d like to see more posts featuring a single healthy ingredient, and I will do my best to do more of them!
Turkey tenderloin is an underappreciated and healthy cut of meat that can be a nutritious addition to your diet. Here’s a detailed look at the benefits of turkey tenderloin, how to cook it, and why you should consider adding it to your meal plan.
What is Turkey Tenderloin?
Turkey tenderloin is a thick, fleshy strip of meat that comes from the breast of a turkey, specifically between the two breasts. It’s sometimes called turkey fillet or turkey cutlets.
Turkey tenderloin is very lean and contains no skin or bone. A 3-ounce serving contains around 120 calories and 25 grams of protein, with minimal fat or carbs. It’s even leaner than popular cuts like turkey breast or ground turkey.
Benefits of Turkey Tenderloin
Here are some of the main benefits of adding turkey tenderloin to your diet
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High in Protein: With about 25 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving, turkey tenderloin is an excellent source of this important nutrient. Protein provides the building blocks for muscle growth and repair.
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Low in Fat and Calories: Turkey tenderloin is over 90% lean, meaning it’s low in fat and calories. This makes it a smart choice if you’re watching your weight.
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Rich in B Vitamins: Turkey contains a number of B vitamins like B6, B12, niacin, and pantothenic acid. These support energy levels, brain function, and nervous system health.
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Good Source of Selenium Turkey tenderloin provides over 30% of the RDI for selenium in a 3-ounce serving Selenium acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function
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Versatile:Turkey tenderloin is mild in flavor and easy to season, making it versatile to use in a variety of cuisines and dishes.
How to Cook Turkey Tenderloin
Turkey tenderloin is easy to cook and prepare. Here are some simple cooking methods:
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Pan-Sear: Season the tenderloin with salt, pepper, herbs, or spices. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the tenderloin for 3-5 minutes per side until browned.
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Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Rub the tenderloin with oil and seasonings. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Grill: Heat grill to medium-high heat. Oil and season the tenderloin. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
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Braise or Stew: Brown the tenderloin then simmer in broth, tomatoes, or sauce for 1-2 hours until very tender. Works great for stews, chili, etc.
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Marinate: Soak the tenderloin for 30 mins – overnight in a marinade of your choice to add big flavor. Popular options are teriyaki, Italian dressing, or citrus juices.
Healthy Turkey Tenderloin Recipe Ideas
Turkey tenderloin is endlessly adaptable. Here are some healthy recipe ideas to give it a try:
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Turkey Tenderloin Gyros – with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, onion, in a pita
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Turkey Tenderloin Stir Fry – with veggies and teriyaki or sesame sauce
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Grilled Turkey Tenderloin Salad – with mixed greens, avocado, bell pepper, onion, balsamic dressing
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Turkey Tenderloin Chili – add to veggie chili along with beans and tomatos
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Turkey Tenderloin Tacos – topped with salsa, avocado, cotija cheese
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Turkey Tenderloin Piccata – sauteed with lemon, butter, capers over pasta
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Balsamic Glazed Turkey Tenderloin- seared then roasted with an easy balsamic glaze
Is Turkey Tenderloin Healthy: The Verdict
Turkey tenderloin is a lean, nutritious cut of meat that packs a big protein punch with minimal fat and calories. It’s rich in B vitamins, selenium, and other nutrients.
Compared to popular options like ground turkey and turkey breast, tenderloin is lower in fat and calories ounce for ounce. It can be cooked quickly on the stovetop or grill and takes well to marinades and spice rubs.
Turkey tenderloin is extremely versatile. You can slice it thin for sandwiches or salads, chop it up for chilis and sloppy joes, or leave whole to grill, bake, or braise in tasty sauces.
If you’re looking for a healthy protein to add to your meal plan, turkey tenderloin is a smart choice. It provides a satisfying hit of protein along with important vitamins and minerals. Try incorporating it into some of the recipe ideas in this article to take advantage of its great nutrition and ease of cooking.
6 Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast
This cranberry orange turkey breast comes from Sweet and Savory Meals.
This delicious turkey tenderloin is an ode to the classic thanksgiving feast.
The tartness of the cranberry and orange pair beautifully with the sweetness of the molasses. The turkey sits under this wonderful sauce–it’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
16 Oven Baked Turkey Tenderloin
This oven baked turkey tenderloin comes from My Forking Life.
This turkey tenderloin has a ton of flavor thanks to a marinade featuring soy sauce, ginger, sage, thyme, garlic, as well as lemon zest and orange zest.
Once the meat has marinated, you simply sear it on all sides in a hot skillet and then put the skillet into the oven to finish.
When you click on the recipe post, Myforkinglife also gives some great ideas for side dishes you can serve with it.
How to Cook Turkey Tenderloins
FAQ
Is turkey tenderloin good for you?
What is the difference between turkey breast and turkey tenderloin?
Is turkey tenderloin a lean meat?
Is Jennie O’ turkey tenderloin processed?