How to Grill Turkey Breast Tenderloin for Juicy, Flavorful Results

Grilling turkey breast tenderloin is a quick and easy way to enjoy lean delicious turkey meat. When done right grilled turkey tenderloins come out incredibly moist, tender and packed with flavor. Follow this simple guide to learn tips, tricks and techniques for grilling turkey breast cutlets to perfection every time.

Benefits of Cooking Turkey Tenderloin on the Grill

Grilling is one of the healthiest and tastiest cooking methods for lean poultry like turkey breast cutlets Here are some of the benefits

• Quick cooking – Turkey tenderloins grill up fast in just 10-15 minutes. Great for weeknight dinners.

• More flavor – The high dry heat of the grill sears the outside and infuses smoky, charred flavors.

• Juicy meat – Quick cooking prevents the delicate white meat from drying out.

• Caramelized exterior – The hot grill grate gives the most delicious browned and caramelized outer layer.

• Lean and nutritious – Turkey tenderloin is very low in fat and calories but high in protein.

• Easy cleanup – Grilling outside means no messy oven or stovetop to clean. Open air cooking!

• Fun and social – Grilling brings people together outdoors and is far more interactive than using the stove or oven.

Tips for Selecting and Preparing Turkey Tenderloins for Grilling

Follow these tips to pick out the best turkey tenderloins at the store and get them prepped and ready for the grill:

• Choose uniform tenderloins that are roughly the same size and shape to ensure even cooking.

• Look for tenderloins that are 1-2 lbs each for easy grilling. Larger cuts are harder to cook through.

• Pat the tenderloins dry with paper towels before seasoning. Wet meat will not brown as well.

• Coat all over with oil first to help the seasoning stick. Olive, avocado or grapeseed oil all work well.

• Season generously with salt, pepper and any other dry spices, herbs or rubs. Get flavor into every nook and cranny.

• For extra flavor, marinate in a wet mixture of oil, acidic ingredients like citrus juice or vinegar, and seasonings for up to a few hours before grilling.

How to Grill Turkey Tenderloins Perfectly

Follow these simple steps for foolproof grilled turkey tenderloins every time:

• Preheat grill properly – Heat grill to medium-high, around 400°F. The grates need to be very hot to sear the meat and prevent sticking.

• Oil the grates – Use a brush or oiled paper towel to lightly coat the hot grill grates just before adding the turkey. This prevents sticking.

• Sear both sides – Place tenderloins directly over the heat. Grill about 4-6 minutes per side until nicely seared with grill marks

• Finish indirectly – Move the tenderloins to indirect heat, close grill lid, and continue cooking until the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F internally.

• Check temperature – Use an instant-read meat thermometer to test doneness. Turkey is safe to eat at 165°F.

• Let rest 5 minutes – Transfer grilled tenderloins to a clean plate. Loosely tent with foil and let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

• Slice against the grain – Cut tenderloins into 1/2-inch slices across the muscle grain for most tender results.

• Serve and enjoy! – Brush with any glazes or sauces just before serving.

Grilled Turkey Tenderloin Cooking Times

The grilling time can vary based on size and thickness, but here are general guidelines:

• 1 lb tenderloins: 8-10 minutes total
• 1.5 lb tenderloins: 10-12 minutes total
• 2 lb tenderloins: 12-15 minutes total

Always rely on an instant-read thermometer to gauge doneness rather than grilling time. Check temperature in the thickest part of each tenderloin and pull them off the grill at 165°F.

Helpful Turkey Tenderloin Grilling Tips

• If tenderloins are thicker than 1 inch, butterfly them open before grilling to ensure even cooking.

• Use the hand test to check grill temperature. Hold your hand 5 inches above the cooking grate and count how long you can comfortably leave it there. 4 seconds = high heat, 2 seconds = medium-high, 1 second = medium.

• Resist the urge to flip and move the tenderloins frequently. Let those nice grill marks develop before rotating.

• Close the grill lid between flips. This traps heat and cooks the tenderloins faster.

• If flames flare up directly under the turkey, move it to another area of the grill to prevent charring.

• When in doubt, undercook slightly since you can always put it back on the grill for another minute or two.

What to Serve with Grilled Turkey Tenderloin

There are so many delicious side options that pair beautifully with simply grilled turkey breast tenderloins:

• Summer salads – potato, pasta, grain, greens, slaws
• Grilled or roasted vegetables – zucchini, squash, eggplant, peppers, onions
• Roasted or mashed potatoes
• Rice or quinoa
• Fresh fruit
• Baked beans or chili
• Buttered bread, rolls, or cornbread

Make a Complete Grilled Turkey Dinner

You can easily prepare a full meal by serving these sides alongside your juicy grilled turkey tenderloins:

Appetizer: Grilled corn on the cob

Protein: Grilled turkey tenderloins

Side: Cherry tomato and cucumber salad

Vegetable: Grilled zucchini and summer squash

Bread: Cheesy garlic bread

Dessert: Grilled peaches with ice cream

With the turkey as your protein centerpiece, round it out with easy vegetable dishes, starters and dessert. Dinner is served!

Flavorful Marinades and Glazes for Grilled Turkey

One way to infuse big, bold flavor into turkey tenderloins is marinating before grilling or brushing with a flavorful glaze. Whip up a marinade or glaze using combinations like:

• Soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, chili sauce

• Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, rosemary, oregano, mustard

• Yogurt, lime juice, curry powder, garlic, chili powder

• BBQ sauce, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, mustard

• Honey, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, chili powder

How to Keep Turkey Tenderloins Juicy

Follow these tips for ridiculously juicy grilled turkey tenderloins:

• Brine – Soak tenderloins in a saltwater brine before grilling to boost moisture.

• Pat dry – Remove excess moisture on the surface before grilling for better browning.

• Use a thermometer – This prevents overcooking. Check temp in thickest part.

• Sear, then indirect cook – Sear over direct heat, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking.

• Close the lid – Cooking with the grill closed keeps meat very moist.

• Rest before slicing – Letting it rest allows juices to redistribute back into the meat.

• Slice against grain – Cutting against the muscle grain shortens the meat fibers for tender, juicy results.

Get Grilling Turkey Tenderloin This Summer

Now that you know how easy it is to make incredibly moist, flavorful grilled turkey breast tenderloins, give it a try this summer! The foolproof methods ensure tender, juicy results every time. Grill up a batch for your next cookout or family dinner!