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 have become a rising star on many restaurant menus and home kitchens alike. Their tender bite and versatility have made them a go-to choice for everything from succulent kabobs to weeknight stir fries. But despite their growing popularity, a lingering question remains for many curious cooks – what exactly are turkey tips made of?
In this article, we’ll uncover the anatomical origins of turkey tips to solve the mystery once and for all. You’ll also learn why their composition makes them ideal for quick, healthful meals along with expert tips for cooking up this tasty cut. So let’s get started unlocking the secrets behind one of today’s trendiest turkey cuts!
Turkey Tips Come From the Breast
Turkey tips are sliced from the tapered ends of the breast muscle, near the area that connects to the wings. They consist of small, slender pieces of boneless white breast meat, typically 1 to 2 inches in size.
Some key facts about the composition of turkey tips
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They contain lean mild tasting breast meat without any bones, fat or skin.
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Being all white meat, turkey tips are lower in fat and calories compared to dark turkey meat.
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The meat consists of muscle fibers that deliver a tender fine-grained texture when cooked.
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With no tough connective tissue, turkey tips can be cooked quickly without becoming dry or chewy.
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The tapered, asymmetrical shape of the breast muscle lends itself to the name “tips”.
So while it may sound exotic, the truth is turkey tips come from a very familiar part of the anatomy – the prized breast meat.
Why the Breast Composition Makes Turkey Tips So Versatile
The fact that turkey tips contain 100% boneless, skinless breast meat is key to what makes them so useful in the kitchen. Here are some of the advantages that composition provides:
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Quick cooking time – The lean breast meat cooks faster than other cuts, making turkey tips ideal for weeknight meals. They can be cooked through fully in just 8-10 minutes.
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Absorb flavors easily – Without fat, bone or connective tissue, the breast meat readily absorbs marinades and spice rubs. This allows you to infuse bold new flavors easily.
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Ideal for grilling or broiling – The uniform shape allows the tips to cook evenly over high dry heat without drying out. They can develop a nice sear while staying moist inside.
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Simple to prepare – With no bones or skin to remove, turkey tips require minimal prep work before cooking. Just slice, season, and cook!
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Nutritious – The low fat content provides an excellent source of lean protein without excess calories or saturated fat.
So the anatomy of turkey tips being 100% boneless, skinless breast meat is what allows for their versatility in recipes from kebabs to stir fries. Their composition makes them a nutritious blank canvas for a wide range of flavors and cooking methods.
How Size and Shape Add to the Appeal
In addition to composition, the size and shape of turkey tips contribute to their popularity as an ingredient:
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Bite-sized pieces – The small, nugget-like cuts are easy to eat in a few bites, perfect for appetizers.
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Evenly-shaped – Uniformly cut into medallions or cubes, they cook evenly and predictably.
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Pointed ends – Tapered tips add visual appeal and textural interest.
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Grooved surfaces – The rough texture holds sauces and marinades even when grilled over high heat.
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Lightweight – Weighing just a few ounces each, turkey tips are conveniently portioned for meals.
The carefully trimmed size allows the mild breast meat to transform into a flavorful finished dish. The shape also delivers a fun presentation.
Buying and Preparing Turkey Tips
Now that you know what turkey tips consist of, let’s look at how to buy and cook them:
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Purchase – Find turkey tips fresh or frozen sold in pre-cut packages. Or ask your butcher to slice them to order from whole turkey breast.
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Thaw – If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before marinating or cooking.
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Portion – Separate pieces in the package so they marinate evenly.
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Marinate – Soak turkey tips in your choice of marinade for 1-4 hours to impart flavor.
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Pat dry – Remove excess moisture before cooking to ensure proper searing.
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Cook quickly – Grill, sauté, or broil over high heat for 7-15 minutes until no longer pink inside.
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Rest – Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to absorb.
With proper prep and quick cooking, you’ll enjoy the full potential of flavorful, juicy turkey tips!
Innovative Ways to Use Turkey Tips
From global cuisines to comforting casseroles, turkey tips bring versatility to all types of dishes:
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Mediterranean – Marinate in lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, and garlic then grill.
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Tex Mex – Sauté with chili powder and cumin then add to tacos or nachos.
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Italian – Bread turkey tips and sauté in tomato sauce with basil and mozzarella.
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Asian – Toss with ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce and stir fry with vegetables.
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Indian – Marinate in yogurt with garam masala and turmeric then cook in a curry.
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American – Smother in barbecue sauce then bake or grill for a sweet and tangy flavor.
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French – Cook in white wine sauce with shallots, thyme and Dijon mustard.
So let your imagination run wild with globally inspired seasonings and marinades! Turkey tips offer a neutral flavor canvas that pairs well with any cuisine.
Health Benefits of Choosing Turkey Tips
With their lean protein and minimal fat, turkey tips deliver a powerhouse of nutrition:
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High in protein – A 3 ounce serving provides over 25 grams of protein for strengthening muscles.
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Low in fat and calories – Each serving contains less than 1 gram of fat and only around 120 calories.
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Low sodium – Turkey tips contain just 60-70mg of sodium per serving.
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Source of B vitamins – Especially vitamin B6 which supports nerve and immune health.
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Contains iron – Providing 10% of the recommended daily amount to prevent anemia.
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Naturally gluten free and allergen friendly.
So savor guilt-free goodness with each tasty, nutritious bite of these healthy turkey tips!
Satisfying a Craving for Turkey Flavor
For those times when you crave comforting turkey flavor outside the holiday season, turkey tips are the perfect solution. They provide all the succulent taste you look for in turkey meat in a convenient, quick-cooking form.
Turkey tips can be enjoyed as:
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An appetizer – Serve baked turkey tips warm with cranberry sauce and cocktails.
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Lunch – Build turkey tip pitas with spinach, feta cheese and light tzatziki sauce.
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Dinner – Sauté turkey tips in teriyaki and build rice bowls with sautéed veggies.
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Snack – Skewer turkey tips and vegetables for a protein-packed pick-me-up.
Anytime a craving strikes for turkey, you can get your fix quickly with thesesatisfying medallions.
So now that you know exactly what turkey tips consist of, it’s time to add them to your regular recipe rotation. With their lean nutrition, versatility, and craveable flavor, turkey tips have earned their place as a rising star ingredient.
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!
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!
A Beginner’s Guide to Roasting a Turkey | Food Wishes
FAQ
What part of the meat is turkey tips?
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.
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.
Are turkey tips good for you?
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High in protein:Turkey tips provide a substantial amount of protein, crucial for muscle building and repair.
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Low in fat:When the skin is removed, turkey tips are considered a lean protein source.
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Rich in B vitamins:Turkey contains important B vitamins like B3, B6, and B12, which support energy production and nerve function.
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Good source of selenium:Selenium, an antioxidant important for immune system function, is also found in turkey.
Are turkey tips white meat?
Turkey is classified as white meat, not red meat. The distinction between white and red meat typically depends on the muscle fiber composition and the amount of myoglobin present. While turkey has some darker meat, especially in the legs, it is generally categorized as white meat along with chicken and other poultry.
What do you put on the inside of a Turkey?
Rub olive oil all over the turkey. Stuff onion in the neck cavity and fold the neck skin flap over the onion. Stuff sprigs of thyme into the body cavity and sprinkle with some dry rub. Pat the rest of the dry rub all over the body of the turkey.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
What is easy tender Turkey tips?
This easy tender turkey tips dish is easy to prepare and will make an excellent main course for weeknight dinners. A simple yet satisfying dish served over a bed of curly no yolk egg noodles or rice. Starting with tender turkey breast cut into strips, easy tender turkey tips will become a staple weeknight dinner in your home in no time.
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 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!
What temperature should a grilled Turkey TIP be?
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.)