The turkey tips recipe is also known for being a rich and savory dish with many variations and numerous types of recipes such as weeknight dishes, family-style dishes, or meal-preps. Tender little bites of turkey tenderloin marinated in a complex, savory-sweet mixture keep them juicy-tender and full of flavor.
Grilled, pan-seared, baked, or smoked, turkey tips are an excellent alternative to chicken or beef dishes. Here is a guide to preparing turkey tips you can follow, with information about the ingredients you need to cook the dish, the cooking process, and plates to serve turkey tips.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Tips:
- 2 lbs turkey tenderloin, cut into 1.5 inch chunks
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 T. Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the BBQ Glaze (optional, for extra flavor):
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Marinating the Turkey Tips
Marinating the turkey is key to achieving rich flavor and tenderness. In a large bowl, begin by whisking the olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard together. Mix well, and like, stir stir stir until its smooth like into one shit. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. It results in a sweet and tangy marinade.
With the marinade made, add the chunks of turkey to the bowl and coat everything well. You’ll want to marinate the turkey tips for at least an hour for best results, though 8 hours will make the flavor even deeper. (If time allows, turning the turkey pieces once or twice during this time will help the flavor penetrate.)
To amp up the flavor while you cook, set aside about a quarter cup of the marinade to baste the turkey tips when they’re close to finishing up.
Cooking Methods
Grilling Turkey Tips
Turkey tips are best prepared on a grill because the smoky char brings out the savory marinade. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat; around 400°F (200°C) will do well. Very lightly oil the grill grates to keep food from sticking.
Once the grill is hot, place the marinated turkey tips on the grates. Cook for four or so minutes per side, turning frequently to cook evenly. For a basting option, for the final 2 minutes, brush turkey tips with the marinade that’s been reserved, or use the optional BBQ glaze to create a glorious caramelized coating.
For safe cooking of the turkey, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature until it reaches 165°F (75°C). When finished, take the turkey tips off of the grill and let them rest five minutes before serving. This resting time gives the juices a chance to redistribute and linger in a tender bite.
Pan-Searing Turkey Tips
For a faster one, pan-seared turkey tips are great, producing a golden-brown crust. Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet on high heat. When the oil is hot, add the turkey tips in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan).
Cook the turkey tips for three to four minutes on each side, turning them as needed so that all sides develop a rich golden color. In the last minute of cooking, drizzle more of the reserved marinade or BBQ glaze into the skillet and toss the turkey tips to ensure they are all coated. Glazing will add shine as well as taste.
When the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C), remove the turkey tips from the pan and allow to rest before serving.
Oven-Baked Turkey Tips
Ovenbaking turkey makes it easy and convenient to produce a tender and juicy result. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the marinated turkey tips in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
Cooking Time: It takes about 18 to 20 minutes to bake the turkey tips while turning them halfway during cooking. For an extra punch of flavor, brush the tips with the reserved marinade or BBQ glaze five minutes before removing from the oven.
For a crisper texture, you can also broil the turkey tips for another two to three minutes until the edges get charred. Bake, then let the turkey tips rest for just a moment before serving.
Smoking Turkey Tips
Smoking turkey tips is an excellent way to impart a rich, smoky flavor if that is your preference. Set your smoker to 250 °F (120 °C) to start. Use hickory, applewood, or cherry wood chips for added flavor.
Place the marinated turkey tips on the grate of the smoker individually to distribute the smoke evenly. Something about the deep-fried turkey, however, rubs me the wrong way, and despite trying it, I always get the feeling that I could have made a better turkey simply by smoking the turkey tips for an hour and a half to two hours, until their temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Because of the method of low and slow cooking, the turkey is tender and juicy while absorbing the smoky smell.
Serving and Presentation
Turkey tips are super adaptable and perfect for many different situations. For an informal dinner, mound the turkey tips on a platter next to roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Finally, garnishing with a handful of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds an array of color, brightening up the presentation.
If you’re hosting a festive get-together, consider serving turkey tips on skewers with grilled bell peppers and onions for visual effect. Serve with cornbread, garlic bread, or coleslaw for a full meal.
Turkey tips also work wonderfully in wraps, sandwiches, or tacos. Throw them into a new salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese for a healthy and filling choice.
Creative Variations
If you want a spicy kick, mix some Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper into your marinade.
If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a touch of pineapple juice or brown sugar to the marinade, and it will combine to make a caramelized glaze when grilled or baked.
Troubleshooting Guide
For your turkey tips not to dry out, make sure they are marinated long enough and you do not overcook them. The best way to guarantee that they’re cooked perfectly is to use a meat thermometer.
Unsalted or poorly marinated turkey tips have no taste. Sprinkle on a little extra salt or splash with vinegar toward the end of cooking, at the peak of their flavors.
Leftover Ideas
Three meals to make with leftover turkey Tips on storing turkey leftovers Toss them into tacos with avocado and salsa for a Tex-Mex spin. They can also be nestled into creamy pasta dishes, served with grain bowls of quinoa and roasted vegetables, or layered onto a hearty sandwich with melted cheese and BBQ sauce.
For something cozy, turn leftover turkey tips into a rich soup or stew. Their lush texture and assertive seasoning will help finish the dish brilliantly.
Conclusion
Hey, do you have any tips about Turkey? Turkey tips are on the list of delicious food in America. Great for grilling, pan-searing, baking, or smoking, these tender turkey chunks give a high-protein meal that’s a great family dinner, party food, or bulk meal prep. With limitless marinade, glaze, and serving possibilities, turkey tips give you a blank culinary canvas on which to get creative. Have fun experimenting with different flavors and cooking methods to create a dish that’s sure to impress!