Turkey Tips are tender and juicy bite-sized pieces of fresh turkey breast marinated in a mouthwatering blend of homemade honey BBQ sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Get ready to elevate your turkey game with this delicious Honey BBQ Turkey Tips recipe!
This recipe is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or outdoor barbecues. Whether you grill, bake, or sauté, you’ll love how easy it is to create a savory meal to impress family and friends.
Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to retain moisture.
Yes, turkey thighs can be used instead of turkey breast if you prefer dark meat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may need a bit longer to reach the required internal temperature.
It’s recommended to marinate the turkey for at least 4 hours, but for the best flavor, marinate it overnight.
Absolutely! You can make the Honey BBQ sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Yes, you can bake the marinated turkey pieces in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Yes, you can freeze the marinated turkey before cooking. Seal it in a freezer-safe bag and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes, although the flavor will vary slightly.
Turkey Tips are tender and juicy bite-sized pieces of fresh turkey breast marinated in a mouthwatering blend of homemade honey BBQ sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
Turkey tips have become an increasingly popular item on restaurant menus and in home kitchens over the last few years But despite their growing popularity, many people are still unsure exactly what turkey tips are and what they’re made of In this article, we’ll uncover the mystery behind this tasty and versatile turkey cut.
A Look at Turkey Anatomy
To understand what turkey tips are made of it helps to start with a quick turkey anatomy lesson. Turkeys have white breast meat and dark leg and thigh meat. The breast contains large pectoral muscles while the legs and thighs have more connective tissue and fat.
Turkey tips come specifically from the breast meat. They are cut from the tapered, cone-shaped ends of the pectoral muscle where it attaches closer to the wing joints and sternum.
Some key things to know about turkey tips:
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They consist of 100% lean white breast meat.
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They contain very little connective tissue so the texture is tender.
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The small, tapered shape gives them the name “tips”.
So while turkey tips may sound obscure, they simply come from a very desirable part of the turkey: the mild, lean breast meat.
The Best Uses for Turkey Tips
The composition of turkey tips makes them perfect for certain cooking methods. Here are some of the best uses for turkey tips:
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Grilling or broiling: The tapered shape allows the tips to cook evenly under high, direct heat. They can develop a nice char while staying moist inside.
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Skewering: Their uniform size makes turkey tips ideal for threading onto skewers along with veggies.
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Sautéing or stir-frying: The tender meat suits quick cooking in a pan. Turkey tips can be a great addition to stir fries.
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Marinating: The many grooves in turkey tips absorb marinades well, taking on lots of extra flavor.
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Bread coating: Turkey tips are excellent for breading or battering and then frying for a crispy nugget texture.
The leanness and tenderness of the meat makes turkey tips suitable for many cooking methods, bringing out their best qualities.
Nutrition Profile of Turkey Tips
One of the biggest benefits of turkey tips is their stellar nutrition profile. A 3 oz serving of turkey tips contains:
- 110 calories
- 24g protein
- 0g fat
- 0g saturated fat
- 65mg sodium
Turkey breast meat is one of the leanest sources of protein available. The high protein and low fat content provides a nutritious base for healthy meals. Turkey tips can be a welcome addition to any diet focused on eating clean, lean proteins.
Finding and Preparing Turkey Tips
Fresh turkey tips may require a visit to a specialty butcher or meat market. Some regular grocery stores may carry turkey tips, but the selection is often limited. The best availability tends to be at higher-end grocers or warehouses like Costco.
Pre-marinated turkey tips can provide a shortcut for weeknight dinners. Many markets now sell pre-seasoned turkey tips ready for quick cooking. You can also prepare your own by marinating raw turkey tips in a blend of oil, spices, herbs, and acidic ingredients like vinegar, lemon, or yogurt.
For the Honey BBQ Sauce/Marinade
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 pounds fresh turkey breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add 1/4 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, then remove from heat and cool completely.
- Add the turkey chunks to a large resealable bag or a shallow container. Pour 3/4 of the cooled BBQ sauce over the turkey, reserving the remaining 1/4 for grilling and finishing. Seal the bag or cover the dish and ensure the turkey is fully coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pan to prevent the turkey from sticking.
- Remove the turkey from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
- Place the turkey pieces on the hot grill pan, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until you see grill marks and the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- During the last minute of grilling, brush some of the reserved BBQ sauce over the turkey to create a sticky glaze.
- Transfer the turkey to a large bowl and toss with the remaining reserved BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve hot with additional sauce on the side for dipping. Pair with rice-roasted vegetables, coleslaw, cornbread, or a biscuit. Enjoy!
- Preheat a charcoal or propane grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). For charcoal, wait until the coals are ashy and evenly hot. For propane, ensure the grates are clean and oiled.
- Place the marinated turkey pieces directly on the preheated, oiled grates. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until the turkey has nice grill marks and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can baste with the reserved sauce at the last minute for added flavor.
- Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
The Only Turkey Recipe You Need
FAQ
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?
5 oz of turkey tips (with Tomato Basil Sauce – Giant) contains 249 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 26% carbs, 33% fat, and 41% protein. This is a good source of protein (45% of your Daily Value).
How long does it take to cook turkey tips?
For cooking times, a good rule of thumb is to cook for 15 minutes per pound. For the last hour of cook time, remove tinfoil. When the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees, it is fully cooked. We hope these tips enrich your holiday celebration!
Are turkey tips white meat?
Turkey tips are chunks of white-meat turkey (turkey breast meat) that are marinated much in the same way that steak tips are, then grilled, often to the point of charring on the outside. As with steak tips, turkey tips can typically be found in bars, lounges, and pubs.
What are Turkey tips?
Turkey tips are the part of a turkey that is cooked and removed before serving. They are often served in sandwiches or salads, but can also be eaten on their own. The turkey tips marinade is the part of the turkey that has been cooked. It is usually served with mashed potatoes and gravy.
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 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.
How much should you tip in Turkey?
Tipping in Turkey is customarily between 5% and 10%, depending on the level of service. If you get poor service, do not tip. Tips must be provided in cash, preferably in Turkish Lira, and should be handed to the waiter immediately. If you are dining in style, you should tip between 10% and 15%. When it comes to turkey, how well should it be cooked?
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.)