When it comes to seasoning turkey tenderloins, you can go in a few different directions. The two methods I like are made by using a simple seasoning mixture and using a simple marinade. The first one, coating them with a thin layer of seasoning, is the method I used in my Roasted Turkey Tenderloin recipe.
The second method, which I am covering here, is made by marinating turkey breast tenderloins in a soy sauce-based marinade for a few hours. The result is nothing short of a miracle with the most delicious and melt-in-your-mouth tender turkey tenderloins. Yes, there is a bit of advance prep and wait, but I think it is totally worth it.
Marinated turkey tips are a tasty and easy way to add flavorful, lean protein to your meals When properly cooked, marinated turkey tips come out moist, juicy and packed with flavor from the marinade. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn insider tips and tricks for cooking marinated turkey tips to perfection every time.
Selecting and Preparing the Turkey
The first step is choosing high-quality turkey tenderloins also called turkey tips. Look for pieces that are roughly 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. Uniform sizing will help them cook evenly.
Rinse the turkey under cool water and pat dry with paper towels before marinating. This helps the marinade better adhere to the turkey.
Marinade Basics
A flavorful marinade is key for infusing the turkey with lots of taste. Some popular options include:
- Soy sauce or coconut aminos + brown sugar + garlic + spices
- Italian dressing + garlic
- Honey mustard + olive oil + herbs
Whisk the ingredients together to blend. Add the turkey tips and toss to fully coat. Let marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight for more intense flavor.
Grilling for Maximum Flavor
Grilling is a classic cooking method for marinated turkey tips. The smoky barbecue flavor pairs perfectly with the marinade.
- Preheat grill to medium heat. Use a grill brush to clean the grates.
- Grill the tips for 7-8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature.
- Use tongs to flip the tips and avoid piercing them.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pro grilling tips:
- Use a digital meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Place tips on a grilling tray to avoid sticking.
- Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible.
- Grill over indirect heat if tips start to burn.
Baking for Moist and Tender Results
Baking is an easy, foolproof way to cook marinated turkey tips. The even heat of the oven helps retain moisture.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or use a roasting pan.
- Arrange tips in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Bake 15-20 minutes until browned and 165°F internal temperature.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Baking tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to test doneness.
- Bake at 375°F if tips brown too quickly.
- Tent foil over pan if tops get too brown.
Sautéing on the Stovetop
For quick weeknight meals, sautéing marinated turkey tips is very convenient.
- Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook tips in a single layer 5-7 minutes per side.
- Cook until browned outside and 165°F internal temperature.
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Stovetop tips:
- Use tongs to flip tips instead of a fork to avoid releasing juices.
- Cook in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
- Add extra marinade to pan juices for a sauce.
Air Frying for Crispy, Crunchy Bits
An air fryer makes terrifically crispy marinated turkey tips with very little oil needed.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Cook tips 6 minutes, flip and cook 6 minutes more.
- Check internal temperature, cook longer if needed.
- Let rest before serving.
Air frying tips:
- Spray basket with oil for crispiness.
- Don’t overfill the basket. Cook in batches.
- Mix up the tips halfway through.
- Add an extra minute if you prefer very crispy tips.
Complementary Side Dishes
What pairs well with juicy, flavorful turkey tips?
- Rice or quinoa – soaks up delicious pan juices
- Roasted veggies – onions, bell peppers, zucchini
- Salad greens – spinach, kale, mixed greens
- Roasted potatoes – seasoned with garlic, rosemary
A simple side salad or roasted veggies make easy complements to marinated turkey tips.
Safety Tips
Properly handling and cooking marinated turkey tips helps ensure food safety:
- Defrost turkey tips in the refrigerator before marinating.
- Marinate in the refrigerator up to 24 hours maximum.
- Discard used marinade instead of basting to avoid bacteria.
- Wash hands, utensils, cutting boards before and after use.
- Use a food thermometer to guarantee safe internal temperature.
Following these best practices keeps your meal safe as well as delicious.
Perfectly Cooked Marinated Turkey Tips
With so many quick and easy cooking methods, marinated turkey tips can be on your dinner table any night of the week. Grilling, baking, sautéing or air frying all result in juicy, flavorful turkey when following these helpful tips. Experiment with different marinades and cooking techniques to discover your favorites.
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How to Make the Recipe?
Whether you’re cooking turkey tenderloins in the oven or preparing grilled turkey tenderloin for a summer get-together, this simple marinade will give every bite restaurant-quality flavor.
- Mix the marinade for turkey tenderloins: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the marinade ingredients: olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, paprika, thyme, sage, black pepper, and garlic. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the mixture and set it aside.
- Add the turkey fillets: Pour the remaining marinade into a large resealable plastic bag or a medium size shallow bowl with a tight-fitting lid. Then, set turkey tenderloins in the marinade, fully submerging each piece of meat. Seal bag, if using.
- Marinate the turkey: Cover and refrigerate turkey tenders for 2 to 4 hours.
How to Bake Marinated Turkey Breast Tenderloins
Wondering how long to bake turkey breast fillets? Curious about how to bake turkey breast tenderloins without drying them out? This how-to guide has everything you need for baking turkey tenderloin like a pro.
- Prepare the oven: Fifteen minutes before you roast the marinated turkey tenderloin, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Transfer the loins: Remove the marinated turkey tenderloins from the seasoning mixture. Transfer the meat to an ovenproof dish and discard any remaining marinade.
- Roast: Place turkey tenderloins in the preheated oven and roast them until a meat thermometer registers 155 degrees F. when inserted into the thickest part of the meat. For 4-oz. pieces, the turkey tenderloin cook time should be 20-23 minutes, though larger tenders may require more time. Remove the turkey from the oven.
- Let the turkey loins rest: Place a sheet of tin foil over the baked turkey tenders, and let the meat rest for 10 minutes. During this time, the internal temp. for turkey tenderloin should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve: Slice the turkey fillets, drizzle them with the reserved marinade, and serve.
Chicago’s Best Turkey Tips: Kirk’s BBQ
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