What Are Turkey Tips Made Of? A Guide to This Tasty Turkey Cut

Turkey tips have become a popular appetizer or small plate item on many restaurant menus. But what exactly are turkey tips made of? This turkey cut consists of small tender pieces of meat from the breast that can be prepared in flavorful ways. Let’s explore the anatomy of turkey tips and what gives them their distinctive texture and taste.

Turkey Tips Come From the Breast

Turkey tips are cut from the tapered ends of the breast muscle They are medallions approximately 1-2 inches wide taken from the underside of the breast near the wing joints

Some key facts about turkey tips:

• They consist of white breast meat, which is lean and mild tasting.

• The small size means they cook quickly and absorb marinades well.

• They contain less connective tissue than dark meat so the texture is tender.

• When cut against the grain into bite-size pieces, they remain juicy and soft.

• The conical shape leads to the name “tips” describing the pointed ends of the breast.

So while many assume turkey tips must come from a little-known part of the bird, they are simply carved from the prized breast meat.

Why Are Turkey Tips Ideal for Grilling and Skewers?

There are a few reasons why turkey tips work so well for grilling, skewers, and broiling:

• Uniform shape: The medallion shape allows even cooking on the grill or under a broiler.

• Quick cooking: Turkey breast meat doesn’t require long cooking times. The tips can cook through fully in just 8-10 minutes.

• Ability to sear: Turkey tips can develop a nice char while the interior remains moist.

• Absorb marinades: The many grooves in the meat absorb wet marinades, adding lots of flavor.

• Easy to eat: The small, bite-size pieces make turkey tips simple to pick up with a toothpick or fork.

So the composition of nearly 100% lean white breast meat makes turkey tips perfect for searing over high heat while staying juicy inside.

Preparing and Cooking Turkey Tips

While grilling or broiling are common cooking methods, turkey tips can be prepared in various ways:

• Marinated and grilled: Soaking in a marinade for a few hours adds lots of flavor during grilling.

• Skewered: Thread turkey tips and vegetables onto skewers for easy turning on the grill.

• Griddled or pan seared: Cooked on a hot griddle or cast iron pan to create a crispy exterior.

• Baked: Baked in the oven with just a light brushing of oil to keep moist.

• Sautéed: Quick sautéing in a pan is perfect for stir fries or pasta dishes.

• Fried: Breading or battering turkey tips then frying makes a crispy nugget-like texture.

• Slow cooked: Braised in a tomato-based sauce or cream sauce, turkey tips become fall-off-the-bone tender.

With the right prep and cooking technique, turkey tips can be super versatile!

Flavoring Ideas for Turkey Tips

Part of what makes turkey tips so fun is experimenting with different marinades and spice rubs. Consider these flavor ideas:

• Italian: A marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs. Grill and serve with pasta.

• Mexican: Rub with chili powder, cumin, lime, and cilantro. Add to fajitas or tacos.

• Asian: Marinate in soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Use in a stir fry or Buddha bowl.

• BBQ: Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce during grilling for easy weeknight meal.

• Mediterranean: Marinate in Greek yogurt, lemon, parsley, and sumac. Serve in a pita sandwich.

• Cajun: Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning blend before baking or pan searing for heat and spice.

The mild taste of turkey breast meat serves as a perfect canvas for your favorite ethnic cuisine flavors.

Nutritional Profile of Turkey Tips

One of the biggest benefits of turkey tips is their stellar nutritional makeup. Here is how 3 ounces (85 grams) of turkey tips stacks up:

• Calories: 110
• Protein: 24 grams
• Fat: <1 gram
• Saturated Fat: 0.3 grams
• Cholesterol: 60 mg
• Sodium: 65 mg
• Iron: 1 mg

Turkey breast meat is one of the leanest sources of protein available. The high protein content coupled with minimal fat makes turkey tips a nutritious choice.

Where to Buy Turkey Tips

Check larger grocery stores near the fresh poultry section or the prepared/marinated meat case. You can also ask your butcher to slice turkey tips to order from whole turkey breasts. Alternatively, look for turkey tips at club stores that sell fresh meat in bulk.

For the biggest selection, visit specialty butcher shops focused on fresh, natural meats. They may even have pre-marinated turkey tips ready to take home and cook!

So now you know what turkey tips consist of and how to best cook them. Will you be trying this healthy, grill-friendly turkey cut? With such lean protein and versatility, turkey tips deserve a spot in your weekly meal planning.