How to Cook Turkey Breast Tenderloins Perfectly

Turkey breast tenderloins are a lean, tender cut of meat from the breast of the turkey that can make for a quick and delicious meal. When cooked properly, turkey tenderloins are juicy, flavorful and easy to prepare Here is a complete guide on how to cook turkey breast tenderloins perfectly

What are Turkey Breast Tenderloins?

Turkey breast tenderloins, also known as turkey cutlets or turkey scaloppine, are slices of meat that come from the breast of a turkey. They are long, thin strips of meat that have been removed from the bone and skin of the turkey breast.

Turkey tenderloins are very lean and contain little fat or connective tissue This makes them cook faster than other turkey cuts like a whole turkey breast or turkey thighs The leanness also means turkey tenderloins can easily dry out if overcooked, so proper cooking technique is important.

Benefits of Cooking with Turkey Tenderloins

There are several benefits to cooking with turkey breast tenderloins rather than a whole turkey breast:

• Quick cooking time – Turkey tenderloins cook much faster than a whole breast, usually in 15-25 minutes. This makes them ideal for weeknight meals.

• Easy to portion – Turkey tenderloins come already portioned into individual servings. This makes meal prep and portion control simple.

• Versatile – Their mild flavor and lean meat work well in everything from sandwiches to salads to pasta dishes.

• Budget-friendly – Turkey tenderloins cost less per serving than many other types of meat. One pound provides 2-3 servings.

Choosing Turkey Tenderloins

When purchasing turkey breast tenderloins, look for a few things:

• Uniform shape – They should have a uniform thickness and shape to ensure even cooking.

• No tears or holes – Avoid tenderloins with tears or holes which can lead to dryness.

• Light pink color – The meat should look moist and light pink. Avoid gray or dull colored meat.

• Sell by date – Look for a sell by date at least 3-5 days away for maximum freshness.

• Around 1 pound each – Tenderloins are typically around 1 pound or slightly under. This provides 2-3 servings.

How to Cook Turkey Tenderloins – Step By Step

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked turkey breast tenderloins every time.

1. Prepare the Tenderloins

First, remove the tenderloins from the packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Using paper towels absorbs any excess moisture or brine solution on the exterior.

Then, trim off any excess fat or silver skin on the tenderloins with a sharp knife. The silver skin is the thin, silvery membrane on one side of the tenderloin. Removing it prevents curling when cooked.

2. Season the Turkey

Seasoning is key for flavorful, juicy tenderloins. Use a simple seasoning blend of:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning or dried herbs like thyme, sage or rosemary.

You can also use a dry poultry rub instead of plain seasonings. Coat all sides of the tenderloins evenly with the seasoning blend.

3. Sear the Turkey

Searing the tenderloins first develops a nice brown crust on the exterior. This adds flavor and helps lock in the juices.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the tenderloins. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until well browned.

4. Roast in the Oven

After searing, transfer the tenderloins to a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 15-25 minutes until done. Use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness.

The internal temperature should reach 165°F. The juices should run clear with no pink color remaining when sliced.

5. Let Rest and Slice

After roasting, let the tenderloins rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly.

Slice the turkey against the grain into 1/2 inch thick slices. Serve warm.

Cooking Time and Temperature

• Sear: 2-3 minutes per side
• Roast: 400°F for 15-25 minutes
• Internal temperature: 165°F

These cooking times are for 1 pound tenderloins. Larger tenderloins may need a few extra minutes. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Tips for the Juiciest Turkey Tenderloins

Here are some tips to ensure tender, juicy turkey tenderloins every time:

• Don’t overcook – 165°F is the perfect temp for juicy meat. Overcooking quickly dries them out.

• Let rest before slicing – Letting them rest allows juices to reabsorb for moist meat.

• Cook at high heat – High heat like roasting or grilling keeps the juices locked in.

• Brine if possible – Soaking in a saltwater brine boosts moisture and flavor.

• Sear before roasting – A good sear gives you juiciness with crusty browned exterior.

• Use a meat thermometer – It takes the guesswork out and prevents overcooking.

Marinades and Rub Ideas

Try marinating or rubbing the tenderloins before cooking for extra flavor.

Marinade ideas:

• Lemon garlic marinade – garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley

• Greek marinade – lemon, garlic, oregano, olive oil

• Soy ginger marinade – soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, garlic

Dry rub ideas:

• Rosemary garlic rub – dried rosemary, garlic powder, salt

• Lemon pepper rub – dried lemon zest, coarse black pepper

• Italian herb rub – oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder

Let the tenderloins marinate for 30 minutes up to 2 hours for best flavor. Pat dry before searing to prevent steaming.

Cooking Methods for Turkey Tenderloins

While roasting is easy, turkey tenderloins are versatile for all kinds of cooking methods:

• Grilled – Great for added smoky flavor

• Sauteed – Cook stovetop in a skillet for weeknights

• Baked – Besides roasting, bake in casseroles or pasta dishes

• Air fried – Gives you a crispy exterior with tender interior

• Broiled – Broil for a few minutes for easy weeknight meals

• Poached – Poach in broth, wine or lemon water for extra moisture

Serving Ideas for Turkey Tenderloins

The mild flavor and quick cooking time make turkey tenderloins extremely versatile. Here are some serving ideas:

• Turkey tenderloin sandwiches with pesto mayo and roasted red peppers

• Turkey and vegetable sheet pan dinner with green beans

• Thai turkey salad wraps with peanut dressing

• Skillet turkey fajitas with peppers and onions

• Weeknight turkey sausage gnocchi skillet

• Healthy turkey piccata over zucchini noodles

• Greek turkey gyro salad with tzatziki yogurt sauce

• Turkey pesto panini with sun dried tomatoes and mozzarella

• Tacos with guacamole, pico de gallo and queso fresco

Common Questions

Is it best to bake, grill or pan fry turkey tenderloins?

All methods work well. Baking gives you the most hands-off method with great flavor. Pan frying is quick for weeknights. Grilling adds nice char.

Can you freeze turkey tenderloins?

Yes, they freeze well for 2-3 months in an airtight freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

What’s the difference between turkey cutlets, scaloppine and tenderloins?

They all refer to thin slices from the turkey breast. Tenderloins are a whole intact muscle while cutlets are often sliced across the grain into smaller pieces.

How long do turkey tenderloins last in the fridge?

Store tenderloins in the fridge for 3-5 days. Freeze for longer storage.

The Takeaway

Turkey breast tenderloins offer a quick and healthy meat option for weeknight dinners. Their leanness requires proper cooking technique to prevent dryness. Sear then roast at high heat, let rest before slicing, and use a meat thermometer for the most juicy, tender results. With the right cooking methods and some creativity, you can enjoy tasty turkey tenderloins prepared many different ways.