Turkey tenderloins are a delicious and versatile cut of meat that comes from the breast of the turkey. Though they may not be as widely known or used as cuts like turkey breasts or thighs, tenderloins have a lot to offer in terms of flavor, ease of cooking, and nutrition. Keep reading to learn all about what turkey tenderloins are, where they come from, how to prepare them, and some tasty recipe ideas.
Where Turkey Tenderloins Come From on the Turkey
Turkey tenderloins are long, cylindrical strips of meat that are removed from the breast of the turkey. More specifically, they come from the pectoralis major muscle, which makes up the bulk of the breast meat.
When processing a whole turkey, the breast meat is removed from the bone in two halves The tenderloins are then trimmed off of each breast half They are sometimes referred to as turkey fillets, turkey cutlets, or turkey medallions.
Since they come from the breast, turkey tenderloins are white meat, like chicken breasts They are boneless and skinless Tenderloins from a typical turkey weigh approximately 3/4 pound each.
Why Turkey Tenderloins Are So Tender
As the name suggests, turkey tenderloins are extremely tender, even more so than turkey breast meat. There are a few reasons for this:
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They contain less connective tissue than other cuts like thighs or legs. Connective tissue needs to be broken down through moist cooking methods, so less of it means more inherent tenderness.
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Turkey tenderloins are made up of fast-twitch muscle fibers that are fine-grained. These fibers are less tough than slow-twitch fibers found in turkey legs and thighs.
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Turkey tenderloins do very little work during the turkey’s lifetime compared to muscles like thighs and drumsticks that get more use. Less use means less toughness develops.
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Turkey breast meat in general is low in fat, and tenderloins have even less intramuscular fat than regular breast meat. Fat helps make meat juicy and flavorful, but too much can make it tougher.
Common Ways to Cook Turkey Tenderloins
The extreme tenderness of turkey tenderloins means they can be prepared using quick cooking methods. They also readily absorb flavors from sauces, rubs and marinades. Here are some of the most common cooking methods:
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Pan-searing or sautéing: Turkey tenderloins can be cooked stovetop in just a few minutes per side depending on thickness. Browning adds flavor.
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Grilling: The grill imparts delicious char while quickly cooking the tenderloins. Take care not to overcook.
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Roasting: Roast in the oven at 400°F for 15-25 minutes until done. Brushing with oil helps browning.
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Poaching or simmering: Gently cook tenderloins in liquid like broth, wine or sauce. They’ll become infused with flavor.
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Air frying: Air fryers quickly cook tenderloins to juicy perfection with crispy, golden exteriors.
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Baking: Bake low and slow, at around 325°F, for maximum tenderness and moisture.
Tips for Cooking Turkey Tenderloins
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Always cook to the proper internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer. This prevents dangerous bacterial growth.
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Allow the tenderloins to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
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Take care not to overcook, as turkey breast meat dries out quickly. Cook just until done.
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Brining or marinating for 30 minutes up to overnight adds moisture and flavor.
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Look for enhanced tenderloins that have been pre-brined or flavored for built-in juiciness.
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Cook tenderloins to 10°F below final temperature, as they will continue cooking as they rest.
Nutrition Facts of Turkey Tenderloins
One 3-ounce serving of cooked turkey tenderloin (85 grams) has:
- 120 calories
- 1 gram fat
- 0 grams carbs
- 26 grams protein
Turkey tenderloins are an excellent source of lean protein. They contain all nine essential amino acids needed for growth and maintenance of muscle tissue.
They are also rich in nutrients like:
- Niacin (vitamin B3)
- Vitamin B6
- Phosphorus
- Selenium
- Zinc
Turkey tenderloins are a nutritious addition to a healthy diet.
Recipe Ideas for Turkey Tenderloins
The mild flavor and versatility of turkey tenderloins allows them to shine in all kinds of recipes:
Simple Pan-Seared Turkey Tenderloins
Cook stovetop in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. Serve with sautéed veggies and rice pilaf.
Pesto Turkey Tenderloins
Coat tenderloins with basil pesto then bake until done. Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles.
Turkey Tenderloin Stir Fry
Marinate and stir fry tenderloins with snap peas, baby corn, carrots and teriyaki sauce. Serve over rice.
Southwest Turkey Tenderloins
Rub chili powder, cumin and oregano on tenderloins before grilling or broiling until cooked through.
Turkey Tenderloin Salad
Poach or grill tenderloins, slice, and serve on top of greens with cherry tomatoes, avocado and vinaigrette.
Herb-Crusted Turkey Tenderloins
Coat tenderloins with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Dijon and fresh herbs before baking.
The Takeaway on Turkey Tenderloins
Turkey tenderloins offer a tender, mild-tasting alternative to chicken breasts. Their leanness makes them perfect for healthy everyday meals. They cook up super fast while readily soaking up flavors from marinades, rubs and sauces. Try swapping turkey tenderloins into some of your favorite chicken recipes for an easy way to mix things up. Just watch cooking times since they take less time than chicken breasts. With proper preparation, you can enjoy juicy, delicious turkey tenderloins any night of the week.
About the Maple Mustard Sauce
This turkey is plenty tasty with the spice rub alone, but it takes no more than a minute or two to turn the precious juices left behind in the skillet into a savory pan sauce. All you need is whole-grain mustard, the juice of an orange, and a bit of butter.
Stir that into the juices in the skillet while your tenderloins rest and you’ve got a sauce to spoon over the turkey slices at the table.
What Is Turkey Tenderloin?
The tenderloin is a thick strip of meat that’s cut from the turkey breast. It’s boneless, skinless white meat that is prized for being one of the most tender parts of the bird. The relatively small size of the tenderloin means it cooks in minutes rather than the hours that a whole turkey demands.
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The Best Way To Make A Juicy Turkey Tenderloin
FAQ
What is the difference between turkey breast and turkey tenderloin?
Is turkey tenderloin healthy?
What is turkey tenderloin made of?
Is turkey tenderloin a processed meat?
Is Turkey Tenderloin the same as turkey breast?
Turkey tenderloin is a boneless, skinless part of the turkey. It’s a thick strip of meat between the turkey breast. So, it’s not the same thing as turkey breast. The meat is tender because that part of the bird doesn’t get much exercise. It’s considered a lean, healthy white meat.
What is a Turkey Tenderloin?
The tenderloin cut is a thick strip of boneless and skinless meat, cut from between the bird’s breasts. Similar to ways to cook chicken tenderloins, the turkey tenderloin is partially attached to the breast. Since it doesn’t get much of a workout when the bird is alive, the meat is particularly tender.
How do you cook a Turkey Tenderloin in a pan?
Sear the turkey breast fillet: Place turkey tenderloins in the heated skillet and cook for 1 minute on each side until the meat lightly browns. Bake the pan-seared turkey tenderloin: Place the skillet in the oven. Roast until the internal temperature of turkey tenderloin registers 155 degrees F. (about 15 minutes).
Where can I find Turkey Tenderloin?
This cut of turkey is very versatile and is used as an alternative to chicken breasts in many recipes. You’ll usually find it in 1-2 pound packages containing two tenderloins in the meat section of the grocery store. Ask if you can’t find it so they start stocking it!