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.
Marinated turkey tips are a delicious and protein-packed addition to any meal When cooked properly, they come out incredibly moist, tender and bursting with flavor But cooking marinated turkey tips to succulent perfection requires some key techniques.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn insider tricks for selecting the best turkey tips, creating a flavorful marinade, and using the right cooking methods for maximum juiciness every time Whether grilling, baking, sautéing or air frying, these pro tips will help you master cooking mouthwatering marinated turkey tips
Choosing High-Quality Turkey Tips
The first step in cooking delicious marinated turkey tips is selecting high-quality meat. Look for turkey tip slices that are roughly 2 inches long by 1 inch wide with uniform sizing to promote even cooking.
Opt for turkey tips that are:
- Fresh, not frozen
- Free from blemishes or tears
- Pinkish in color without discoloration
Organic, free-range or sustainably raised turkey offers maximum flavor and juiciness. Rinse the turkey tips under cool water and pat completely dry before marinating. This helps the marinade better adhere to the meat.
Crafting the Perfect Marinade
A flavor-packed marinade infuses the turkey tips with delicious seasoning and makes them super juicy. Popular options include:
- Soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, thyme – classic savory flavors
- Italian dressing, garlic – robust Mediterranean vibe
- Honey mustard, olive oil, rosemary – herby sweetness
Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. Add the turkey tips and toss to coat completely. Let marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight in the fridge for more intense flavor.
Grilling for Optimal Flavor
Grilling is a great cooking technique for marinated turkey tips. The smoky barbecue flavor pairs perfectly with zesty marinades.
- Preheat grill to medium heat. Oil grates to prevent sticking.
- Cook tips 7-8 minutes per side until browned and 165°F internal temp.
- Use tongs to flip. Avoid piercing tips.
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
Grilling tips:
- Use a digital meat thermometer for doneness.
- Place tips on a grilling tray if sticking.
- Keep grill lid closed as much as possible.
- Grill over indirect heat if tips start to burn.
Baking for Moist, Tender Turkey Tips
Baking in the oven is a foolproof way to cook marinated turkey tips while retaining moisture and tenderness.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Arrange tips in a single layer without crowding.
- Bake 15-20 minutes until browned and 165°F internal temp.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Baking tips:
- Check doneness early to prevent overcooking.
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- If browning too quickly, tent foil over tips.
Sautéing on the Stovetop
For super quick weekday dinners, sautéing marinated turkey tips is very convenient.
- Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook turkey tips 5-7 minutes per side until browned and 165°F.
- Use tongs to flip tips instead of piercing them.
- Let rest 5 minutes then slice and serve.
Sautéing tips:
- Work in batches to avoid crowding pan.
- Flip carefully with tongs to keep juices intact.
- Add extra marinade to pan for a tasty sauce.
Air Frying for Crisp, Golden Tips
An air fryer makes marinated turkey tips incredibly crispy outside with less oil needed.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Cook 6 minutes, flip and cook 6 minutes more.
- Check internal temp, cook longer if needed.
- Let turkey tips rest before serving.
Air frying tips:
- Spray basket lightly with oil for crispiness.
- Don’t overfill basket. Cook in batches.
- Mix up turkey tips halfway through cooking.
- Add 1 minute for extra crispy tips if desired.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Cooked marinated turkey tips pair well with:
- Rice or quinoa to soak up flavorful pan juices
- Roasted veggies like onions, bell peppers, zucchini
- Fresh salad greens like spinach, kale, mixed greens
- Herb-roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
A simple green salad or pan of roasted vegetables makes an easy, tasty pairing with your juicy marinated turkey tips.
Turkey Tip Food Safety
Properly handling raw turkey and cooking it thoroughly helps ensure food safety:
- Defrost frozen turkey tips fully in the refrigerator before marinating.
- Marinate turkey in the fridge up to 24 hours maximum.
- Discard used marinade instead of basting raw meat.
- Wash hands, utensils, cutting boards before and after use.
- Use a food thermometer to guarantee safe 165°F internal temp.
Following these best practices keeps your meal delicious and safe to enjoy.
Mastering Perfect Marinated Turkey Tips
With the right techniques, cooking moist and flavorful marinated turkey tips is easy for any weeknight meal. Grilling, baking, sautéing and air frying all yield stellar results when using high-quality meat, marinating correctly and monitoring temperature.
Experiment with different marinades and cooking methods until you find your favorites. These pro tips will help you master the art of cooking turkey tips to succulent, mouthwatering perfection every time. Say goodbye to dry turkey tips and enjoy the juiciest, most flavorful meat you’ve ever tasted!
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.
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!
The Only Turkey Recipe You Need
FAQ
How long to cook marinated turkey tips in the oven?
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Preheat your oven:Always preheat your oven to the desired temperature before adding the turkey tips.
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Check internal temperature:Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey tips reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
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Resting time:After cooking, let the turkey tips rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
How to cook marinated steak tips in the oven?
Remove steak tips from the marinade and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Put steak tips into a baking dish and fill the bottom of the dish with beef broth. Bake in the preheated oven until steak tips are hot, slightly pink in the center, and beginning to firm, about 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
What are turkey tips used for?
TURKEY TIPS- One of our favorite cuts for all around versatility and taste! Boneless, skinless meaty chunks of turkey breast meat perfect to season and cook as is or marinate and make turkey shish ka-bobs. These are a go-to when life calls for a healthy, quick dinner.
How to cook marinated meat in the oven?
- Preheat the oven to 425°F
- Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry to remove any excess sauce.
- Place it on a baking sheet or roast pan.
- A medium-rare steak should cook for 12-15 minutes and reach an internal temperature of 135°F.