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 – also known as turkey tenders or turkey cutlets – are a versatile and delicious way to enjoy the tender white meat of a turkey. Sliced from the breast into long, thin strips, turkey tips can be prepared in endless ways for amazing flavors. Oven baked, grilled, sautéed – you name it. The possibilities are endless with these tasty turkey treats.
However, achieving tender and juicy turkey tips does require some strategy. The lean breast meat can easily dry out and turn tough if overcooked. Have no fear – in this comprehensive guide, I’ll share all my best tips and techniques for making irresistibly delicious turkey tips every time You’ll be a turkey tip pro in no time!
Choosing the Right Turkey Meat
The first step is selecting the right turkey meat for tender tips You have a couple options
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Boneless turkey breast – The easiest and most convenient choice. Purchase a boneless, skinless breast at the grocery store. Whole breasts work well, allowing you to slice your own uniform tips.
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Bone-in turkey breast – More economical, and you can remove the skin/bones. Downside is it takes more time to prepare. Ensure the breast is large enough to yield ample meat.
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Whole turkey – If roasting a whole bird, slice tips from the breast meat. Leftover roasted turkey can also work.
For even thickness and cooking, trim any excess fat or tendons and slice into long, rectangular strips about 1/2 inch thick. Cut against the grain for tenderness.
Seasoning is Key
The beauty of turkey tips lies in how they absorb flavors. Seasoning and marinating is key for maximum taste. Consider flavors like:
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Fresh herbs – Thyme, rosemary, sage all pair well with turkey.
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Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, paprika. Avoid salt until the end to prevent toughness.
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Acidic marinades – Lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar all tenderize.
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Oil-based marinades – Olive oil, vegetable oil.
Mix up your own signature blends and let the turkey marinate to maximize juiciness.
Master the Cooking Method
To avoid dry turkey tips, it’s vital to choose a moist cooking method. Here are some top options:
Oven baking – The most hands-off approach. Bake at 400F on a parchment lined pan until browned and cooked through, 15-20 minutes. Brush with oil or glaze.
Grilling – Gets nice char. Grill over medium heat 4-6 minutes per side. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Pan searing – Cook in an oiled skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Deglaze the pan with wine or broth.
Braising – Brown first, then braise tips in sauce/broth until tender. Keeps tips super moist.
Air frying – Spray turkey with oil, air fry at 380F for 9-12 minutes until done. Gets crispy outside.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. 165F is ideal.
Complementary Sides and Sauces
What pairs best with your turkey tips? Consider:
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Hearty greens like kale, spinach, broccoli.
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Roasted veggies – potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots.
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Rice, quinoa, pasta – soaks up delicious pan sauces.
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Fresh salads with vinaigrette dressings.
For sauces, pick a flavor profile to complement your seasoning. Ideas:
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Creamy mushroom gravy
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Zesty chimichurri
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Savory red wine reduction
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Sweet and tangy barbecue
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Herb-infused olive oil
Get creative with globally inspired sauces to liven up your turkey tips!
Handy Turkey Tip Recipes
Need some recipe inspiration to get started? Here are a few of my favorite flavorful turkey tip meals:
Balsamic Glazed Turkey Tips
Marinate tips in balsamic, garlic, and herbs. Roast in the oven until caramelized and delicious.
BBQ Turkey Tips
Toss turkey tips in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Grill until charred and saucy.
Turkey Tip Stir Fry
Marinate raw turkey tips in soy sauce, chili paste, and honey. Stir fry with veggies for a quick meal.
Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Tips
Coat turkey tips in panko breadcrumbs and parmesan. Air fry until golden brown and crunchy.
Turkey Tip Fajitas
Saute turkey tips with bell peppers and onions. Wrap in tortillas with avocado and cheese.
Turkey Tip Soup
Simmer turkey tips in chicken broth with veggies and noodles for a hearty soup.
With so many options, you could enjoy turkey tips multiple times a week and never get bored!
Handy Tips for Turkey Tip Success
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Always thoroughly thaw turkey in the refrigerator before marinating or cooking.
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Pat turkey dry before cooking to maximize browning.
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Resist overcrowding the pan/sheet to prevent steaming.
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Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness and avoid overcooking.
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Let tips rest 5 minutes after cooking – this locks in juices!
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Slice against the grain for more tender bites.
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Store leftover turkey tips in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Now you have all the know-how for preparing the most irresistibly juicy, flavorful turkey tips ever!
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!
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!
Chicago’s Best Turkey Tips: Kirk’s BBQ
FAQ
What part of the turkey is turkey tips?
Can you cook turkey tips in the oven?
How long does it take to boil turkey tips?
How do you cook a Turkey tips dish?
This turkey tips dish is easy to prepare and will make an excellent main course for weeknight dinners. A simple yet satifying dish! In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the mushrooms and onion.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
How do you cook a grilled Turkey TIP?
PIN THIS RECIPE NOW! 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!
How long does it take to cook a Turkey TIP?
Roast the turkey for 15 minutes per pound. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving. The turkey will continue to cook while it rests. Turkey tips are a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways.