Want to make turkey tips? Need a great marinade recipe? We have an easy guide for both.
Turkey tips, also called turkey tenders, are select chunks of white meat that are cut from the breast of the turkey. They’re smaller, so they cook a lot faster and hold a lot more marinade for excellent flavor.
Turkey tips, like steak tips, are often menu staples in bars and pubs, as they are easy to prepare and offer a wider variety on a menu. They’re much quicker to cook than a roasted turkey breast.
The ease of preparation, as well as the variety of cooking methods and marinades, make turkey tips desirable for people looking to explore new foods without a huge investment of time or money. The fact that they are white meat (rather than dark meat) and therefore low fat means they fit into many diets.
You may also have heard of turkey rib tips, which are really turkey shoulder tips. This piece of meat is tender and moist, and is reminiscent of a pork rib. These are less common than turkey tips, but still delicious and worth trying! You can prepare rib tips in the same way.
Turkey tips, also known as turkey tenders or turkey cutlets, are a tasty and versatile way to enjoy the tender white meat of a turkey. When prepared right, turkey tips can be incredibly juicy, flavorful and delicious. But achieving perfect turkey tips does require some strategy and technique. The lean breast meat can easily dry out and turn tough if overcooked. Not to worry – in this comprehensive guide, I’ll share all my best tips and tricks for making irresistibly juicy and delicious turkey tips every time. You’ll be a turkey tip pro after reading this!
Choosing the Right Turkey Meat
The first important step is selecting the right turkey meat that will yield tender, high-quality tips. You have a couple good 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 very well, allowing you to slice your own uniform tips.
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Bone-in turkey breast – More economical, though you’ll need to remove the skin and bones yourself. Ensure the breast is large enough to yield ample usable meat for tips.
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Whole turkey – If you are roasting a whole bird, simply slice tips from the breast meat. Leftover roasted turkey can also workgreat.
For evenly-sized tips that will cook evenly trim off any excess fat or tendons from the breast meat. Then slice into long rectangular strips about 1/2 inch thick, cutting against the grain of the meat for optimal tenderness.
The Importance of Seasoning
One of the best qualities of turkey tips is how they readily absorb flavors from seasonings and marinades Take advantage of this by seasoning and marinating the raw turkey tips before cooking Consider rubbing or marinating the turkey with flavors like
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Fresh herbs – Thyme, rosemary, sage are great with turkey.
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Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika. Avoid salt until just before cooking to prevent toughness.
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Acidic marinades – Lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar will all help tenderize the lean meat.
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Oil-based marinades – Olive oil, vegetable oil.
Get creative and mix up your own signature herb and spice blends. Let the turkey marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to maximize both flavor and juiciness.
Mastering the Cooking Method
To prevent dry, tough turkey tips, it’s vital to choose a moist cooking method. Here are some excellent options to try:
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Oven baking – One of the easiest hands-off methods. Bake at 400°F on a parchment lined pan until nicely browned and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Brush with oil or glaze during baking.
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Grilling – Gets great charred flavor. Grill over medium heat, 4-6 minutes per side. Watch closely to prevent burning.
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Pan searing – Cook in an oiled skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Deglaze the pan with wine or broth for a sauce.
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Braising – Brown the tips first, then braise in sauce or broth until fork tender. Keeps tips super moist.
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Air frying – Mist the turkey with oil, then air fry at 380°F for 9-12 minutes until done. Gets a crispy exterior.
Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness – 165°F is the ideal internal temp for turkey.
Complementary Side Dishes and Sauces
What pairs best with your flavorful turkey tips? Consider:
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Hearty sautéed greens like kale, spinach or broccoli.
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Sheet pan roasted vegetables – potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots.
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Grains like rice, quinoa or pasta to soak up any pan sauces.
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Fresh green salads with a bright vinaigrette dressing.
For sauces, pick a flavor profile to complement your turkey tip seasoning. Delicious ideas include:
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Savory mushroom gravy
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Herby chimichurri sauce
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Tangy barbecue sauce
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Creamy mustard sauce
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Zesty red wine reduction
The possibilities are endless for incredible turkey tip meals!
Handy Tips for Turkey Tip Success
Follow these handy tips for tender, juicy turkey tip perfection every time:
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Always thaw turkey thoroughly in the refrigerator before cooking.
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Pat turkey pieces very dry before seasoning and cooking.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan or baking sheet to avoid steaming.
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Use a digital meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
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Allow cooked turkey tips to rest at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Slice against the grain for the most tender bite.
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Store leftover turkey tips in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat gently.
Satisfying Turkey Tip Recipe Ideas
Need some recipe inspiration for your turkey tips? Here are just a few of my favorite flavorful preparations:
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Balsamic Glazed Turkey Tips – Marinate in balsamic, garlic and herbs. Roast until caramelized and delicious.
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BBQ Turkey Tips – Toss turkey tips in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Grill until saucy and charred.
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Turkey Tip Stir Fry – Marinate in soy sauce, chili paste and honey. Stir fry with crisp veggies.
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Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Tips – Coat in panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Air fry until golden brown.
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Turkey Tip Fajitas – Sauté with bell peppers and onions. Wrap in tortillas with avocado.
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Turkey Tip Noodle Soup – Simmer tips in chicken broth with veggies and noodles.
Marinated Turkey Tips Recipe
Marinating your turkey tips is arguably the best way to add a lot of flavor and moisture for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried sage
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves minced garlic (or garlic powder, if needed)
- Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, mustard, sugar, onion powder, paprika, thyme, sage, pepper, and garlic in a large bowl. Reserve and set aside 3 tbsp of the marinade.
- Pour the cup of marinade into a plastic bag or shallow bowl with a tight-fitting lid. Submerge the turkey tips in the marinade. Cover or seal and marinate for 2-4 hours in the fridge.
- Approximately 15 minutes before you are ready to roast your turkey, preheat to an oven temperature of 350 degrees F.
- Transfer the turkey tips to a baking dish or roasting pan (make sure it is oven safe) and discard the marinade in the bag.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes or until a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast is 155° with a food thermometer.
- Tent the top of the dish with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F (the safe minimum internal temperature).
- Drizzle with the remaining marinade you set aside before serving.
Taking the meat’s temperature may seem unnecessary if it’s reached a nice golden brown color, but undercooked meats pose a serious risk of foodborne illness, so don’t skip this step!
How Long Do Turkey Tips Last in the Fridge?
Uncooked, raw turkey is good for 1-2 days in the fridge once thawed. Cooked turkey lasts in the fridge for 3-4 days after preparation and is safe to consume if:
- It was placed in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking;
- It has remained cooled once stored;
- It does not look, smell, or taste bad.
When in doubt, toss it out! It is not worth the risk of serious illness to eat turkey or any poultry or meat that you question.
If you’re not sure if you will eat the turkey in the safe window, you can always freeze it.
Check out our guide to fridge shelf life.
Lay the turkey tips breast meat flat in a freezer bag and seal well, removing as much air as possible. You can also choose to vacuum seal your turkey tips for freezing.
Frozen turkey meat can last up to 4 months in a freezer bag or 6-12 months if sealed in a vacuum sealer, and thaw in the fridge before heating or reheating.
How to Cook Turkey Thigh Tips | Free to Cook
FAQ
How long do you cook turkey tips?
Coat an oven safe pan with cooking spray. Place turkey tenders in prepared pan and bake for 22-26 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the tender reaches a temperature of 165°F. Remove meat from pan, cover and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What is turkey tip?
Turkey tips are chunks of white-meat turkey (turkey breast meat) that are marinated much in the same way that steak tips are, then grilled, often to the point of charring on the outside. As with steak tips, turkey tips can typically be found in bars, lounges, and pubs.
Where do turkey rib tips come from?
Contrary to the name, turkey ribs are actually a shoulder cut of turkey meat. This delicious cut is typically considered a scrap piece and tossed out with the unwanted bits of the turkey carcass. What a shame, though, because the turkey shoulder has the most similar texture and flavor to a pork rib.
How to cook smoked turkey tips?
The key to perfectly smoked turkey is maintaining a consistent temperature, typically between 225-250°F. This low and slow approach ensures the meat cooks through evenly without drying out. As your turkey smokes, resist the urge to open the lid too often – each time you do, you lose valuable heat and smoke.
How to cook a turkey properly?
To cook a turkey properly, first, you should baste it with warm water rather than rubbing it with butter (avoid using butter as it can burn and cause the turkey to spoil faster). Second, don’t leave your turkey to cook unattended. Make sure that you have a family member or friend who can be around to monitor it and ensure that it is cooking correctly.
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 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.
How do you baste a turkey?
To baste a turkey, you can use either a dry rub or a wet rub. For a dry rub, you add several spices and herbs to the turkey before roasting and baste it during the cooking process. Alternatively, you can use a wet rub, which involves applying a liquid mixture to the turkey before roasting and basting it during cooking.
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 should Turkey tips be cooked in the oven?
Turkey tips should be cooked in the oven for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. What temperature should I cook turkey tips in the oven? Turkey tips should be cooked in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. What should I do if my turkey tips are dry?