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 delicious and versatile way to enjoy tasty white turkey meat Sliced thin from the breast into long, rectangular strips, turkey tips can be prepared countless ways for amazing flavors and textures When properly cooked, they come out incredibly moist, tender and full of flavor.
However, achieving optimal texture and moisture with lean turkey breast meat does require some strategy It’s easy to end up with dry, chewy turkey if you don’t know what you’re doing. Not to worry – in this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make irresistibly juicy, delicious turkey tips every time
Selecting the Right Turkey Meat
The first key step is choosing the right turkey meat that will yield tender tips You have a couple good options
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Boneless turkey breast: The most convenient choice if you want to skip the extra prep work. Pick up a boneless, skinless turkey breast at the grocery store. Opt for whole breasts so you can slice uniform strips yourself.
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Bone-in turkey breast: More economical, though you’ll need to remove the bones and skin yourself. Make sure the breast is large enough to get plenty of meat.
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Whole turkey: If you roast a whole turkey, slice strips from the breast meat. Leftover roasted turkey works too.
No matter which you choose, trim off any excess fat or tendons. Cut the meat against the grain into long, rectangular strips about 1/2 inch thick for the most tender results.
The Importance of Seasoning
One of the best things about turkey tips is how well they absorb other flavors. Taking the time to properly season or marinate the meat is key for maximum taste. Consider rubbing or soaking the turkey strips in:
- Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage
- Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika
- Acidic marinades with lemon or lime juice, vinegar to tenderize
- Oil-based marinades with olive oil or vegetable oil
You can get creative and mix up your own signature spice blends. Letting the turkey marinate for hours, or even overnight, allows the flavors to really penetrate into the meat.
Choosing the Right Cooking Method
Cooking technique has a big impact on the final texture and moisture level of turkey tips. To prevent them from drying out, opt for a moist cooking method:
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Oven baking: The most hands-off approach. Bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined pan until lightly browned and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Brush with oil or glaze during baking.
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Grilling: Gets nice charring on the outside. Grill over medium heat for 4-6 minutes per side. Watch closely to avoid burning.
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Pan-searing: Cook in an oiled skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Deglaze the pan with wine or broth.
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Braising: Brown the tips first, then braise in sauce or broth until very tender. Keeps the turkey extra moist.
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Air frying: Spray turkey with oil and air fry at 380°F for 9-12 minutes until fully cooked. Gets it crispy on the outside.
Regardless of method, always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness. 165°F is the safe internal temp for turkey.
Complementary Side Dishes and Sauces
What are good sides and sauces to serve with your flavorful turkey tips? Consider:
- Hearty sautéed greens like kale, spinach or broccoli
- Sheet pan roasted vegetables like potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots
- Rice, quinoa or pasta to soak up any delicious pan sauces
- Fresh green salads with vinaigrette dressing
In terms of sauces, pick complementary flavors to match your turkey seasoning:
- Savory gravy or mushroom gravy
- Herby chimichurri sauce or pesto
- Zesty red wine or balsamic reduction
- Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce
- Lemony pan sauce
- Herb-infused olive oil
Get creative with globally inspired sauces to keep your turkey tips exciting.
Handy Tips for Turkey Tip Success
Follow these tips for the best results when making turkey tips:
- Always thaw turkey completely before marinating or cooking
- Pat turkey strips very dry before cooking for best browning
- Don’t crowd the pan or baking sheet to avoid steaming
- Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked turkey
- Let turkey rest 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices
- Slice against the grain for tender bites
- Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days
Inspirational Turkey Tip Recipes
Need a little recipe inspiration? Here are some delicious flavorful turkey tip meals to try:
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Balsamic Glazed Turkey Tips – Marinate in balsamic, garlic and herbs then roast until caramelized
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BBQ Turkey Tips – Toss turkey in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce then grill or broil until saucy
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Turkey Tip Stir Fry – Marinate in soy sauce, sesame oil, chili paste and honey, then stir fry with veggies
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Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Tips – Coat in panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then air fry until golden brown
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Turkey Tip Fajitas – Sauté marinated tips with bell peppers and onions, serve in tortillas
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Turkey Tip Noodle Soup – Simmer turkey in chicken broth with veggies and noodles for a hearty soup
The options are endless! With the right techniques, you can enjoy incredibly moist and delicious turkey tips any night of the week.
Making juicy, flavor-packed turkey tips is easy once you know how to select and prepare the turkey properly. Follow these tips:
- Choose boneless or bone-in breast meat and slice into even strips
- Season well with spices, herbs and marinades
- Cook using a moist method like baking, grilling or braising
- Use a thermometer and don’t overcook
- Let the turkey rest before serving
- Pair with veggies, starches and complementary sauces
In no time, you’ll be a pro at making turkey tips that are tender and bursting with flavor every time. Get creative with different seasonings and cooking techniques. Your family and friends will be begging for your turkey tips recipes.
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.
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FAQ
What part of the turkey is turkey tips?
- Season and cook as is
- Marinate and use for turkey shish kebabs
- Bake in an oven-safe pan until the internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Remove from pan, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving
How long do you cook turkey tips?
Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Turn contents out into single layer in baking dish with deep sides. Cover with aluminum foil. Roast for 15-20 minutes.
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 make turkey tender and juicy?
One of the best ways is to cook it breast down so all of the yummy juices drip inside if the bird that usually dries out. About 30 minutes before it is done, put the bird legs down, baste the top with butter several times over 30 minutes so you get a golden and crispy skin on the top.