where is the turkey tenderloin located

Where is the Turkey Tenderloin Located? A Guide to Finding This Prized Cut of Meat

The turkey tenderloin is a culinary treasure. Tucked away inside the turkey breast this cut of meat contains some of the most succulent flavorful morsels a turkey has to offer. But the journey to unearthing this prize is perplexing for many home cooks. Where exactly is the elusive turkey tenderloin located and how does one extract it? Let’s embark on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding this coveted cut of turkey meat.

Anatomy of the Turkey Breast

To understand where the tenderloin resides, we must first familiarize ourselves with the landscape of the turkey breast. The breast consists of two main masses of muscle, the larger breast muscles on either side. Nestled between these mountains of meat lies a valley – the home of the turkey tenderloin. Obscured from sight, the long, thin tenderloin spans the length of the turkey breast, tucked snugly between the two larger breast muscles.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Finding the Tenderloin

Now that we understand the basic terrain of the turkey breast here is a step-by-step guide to locating and extracting the turkey tenderloin

Start with a Boneless, Skinless Breast

Removing the bone and skin provides easier access to the tenderloin within. Skin-on breasts can obstruct the view of the interior breast landscape.

Visually Inspect the Breast

Look for a visible seam or separation between the two larger breast muscles. The tenderloin lives within this crevice.

Gently Separate the Breast Muscles

Using a sharp, thin boning knife, carefully cut down the center seam, separating the two breast muscles. Take care not to completely sever the tenderloin.

Locate the Tenderloin

Once revealed, you should see the tenderloin – a long, slender piece of meat nestled between the breast muscles.

Lift Out the Tenderloin

Run your knife under the tenderloin to detach it from the breast meat. Lift it out slowly in one intact piece. It may take some patience to remove it fully.

Watch for Common Mistakes

Extracting the tenderloin does take some finesse. Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:

• Leaving breasts bone-in or skin-on makes the tenderloin harder to see. Go boneless and skinless.

• Failing to find the seam between breast muscles leads to haphazard cutting. Inspect the breast closely.

• Being too aggressive with the knife causes the tenderloin to shred. Work slowly and gently.

• Not fully detaching the tenderloin leaves some behind. Take your time removing it.

Cooking and Serving the Turkey Tenderloin

Once successfully extracted, the turkey tenderloin offers immense culinary potential. Here are some tips for preparing this prized cut:

• Pound to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

• Season generously to let the flavors shine. Get creative with herbs and spices.

• Sear over high heat to lock in juices then finish cooking over lower heat.

• Slice thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness.

• Add to salads, sandwiches, pastas, and more for versatility.

The Rewards of Finding the Tenderloin

After all the effort to unearth the tenderloin from within the turkey breast, the payoff is sublime – impossibly tender, succulent meat that surpasses that of the breast itself. Carefully slicing into a perfectly cooked turkey tenderloin reveals mouthwateringly juicy meat that makes the journey to reveal this hidden treasure well worth the effort for any intrepid turkey explorer.

Turkey Tenderloin Basics

For those new to cooking with this cut of meat, here are some turkey tenderloin basics:

What is a Turkey Tenderloin?

The tenderloin is a strip of premium white meat found within the turkey breast. It’s incredibly lean, tender, and flavorful.

Where is it Located?

It lies between the two larger breast muscles, hidden from view. Careful knife work is needed to extract it.

How Much Does it Weigh?

Tenderloins typically weigh 8 ounces to 1 pound each. They come in packs of 2 tenderloins.

Is it Boneless and Skinless?

Yes, tenderloins contain no bone or skin which provides easy access to the meat.

How Long Does it Keep?

Store fresh tenderloins for 2-3 days. They freeze for up to 9 months for longer storage.

How Do You Cook It?

Quick pan searing then roasting yields super juicy, flavorful results.

What Dishes Use Turkey Tenderloin?

Its tenderness makes it perfect for salads, sandwiches, pastas, and more!

Mastering the Hunt for the Tenderloin

Hunting for the elusive turkey tenderloin may seem daunting at first, but with proper technique and patience, extracting this culinary gem is an incredibly rewarding experience. Once discovered, this beautifully tender cut of meat offers immense possibility in the kitchen. Hopefully this guide provides new turkey explorers the map to successfully navigating the turkey breast landscape in search of the ultimate treasure – the delectable turkey tenderloin.