What is Turkey Tenderloin?

Turkey tenderloin is a boneless, skinless, and white meat strip of meat found beneath the turkey breast. It’s often praised for its tenderness, making it a popular choice for various recipes.

Is turkey tenderloin white meat? Yes turkey tenderloin is considered white meat. This is because it comes from the breast muscle which is a white meat muscle in poultry. White meat is generally leaner and contains less fat than dark meat.

What is the difference between turkey tenderloin and turkey breast? Turkey tenderloin is a specific muscle within the turkey breast. The breast itself contains other muscles, including the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor. Turkey tenderloin is typically more tender and flavorful than other parts of the breast.

Nutritional Value of Turkey Tenderloin

A 33-gram serving of turkey tenderloin contains:

• Calories: 34
• Fat: 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Protein: 6 grams

Due to its low fat and calorie content turkey tenderloin is a good choice for dieters. It’s also a good source of protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.

Best Methods of Cooking Turkey Tenderloin

Since turkey tenderloin is low in fat, it can dry out quickly if not cooked properly. Here are some of the best methods for cooking turkey tenderloin:

• Grilling: This is a great way to cook turkey tenderloin quickly and evenly. Simply season the tenderloin with your favorite spices and grill over medium-high heat for 5 minutes per side.
• Roasting: Roasting is another good option for cooking turkey tenderloin. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and roast the tenderloin for 30 minutes.
• Brining: Brining helps to keep turkey tenderloin moist and flavorful. Simply soak the tenderloin in a brine solution for at least 2 hours before cooking.

Grilled Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Here’s a delicious recipe for grilled turkey tenderloin:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon sage
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 turkey tenderloin
• Vegetable or canola oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Rub the spice mixture onto the turkey tenderloin and wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed bag. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. Rub your grill with vegetable or canola oil and preheat it to medium-high heat.
4. Place the seasoned turkey on the grill and roast for 5 minutes each side.
5. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure the temperature is up to 165 degrees F.
6. Pull the turkey off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to let the juices rest back into the meat.

Roast Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Here’s a recipe for roast turkey tenderloin:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ground sage
• 1 tablespoon ground thyme
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon pepper
• 1 turkey tenderloin
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Rub the turkey tenderloin with the ground sage, ground thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Grease a cookie sheet or roasting pan with olive oil.
4. Place the turkey tenderloin on the roasting pan and place it in the middle of the oven.
5. Close the door and roast the turkey for 30 minutes.
6. Check the temperature to make sure it reaches 165 degrees F for safety reasons.

Brined Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Here’s a recipe for brined turkey tenderloin:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground garlic
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 turkey tenderloin

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the water, salt, brown sugar, pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika.
2. Place the turkey tenderloin in the brine mixture and let it brine for at least 2 hours.
3. This brine can be used for up to 6 hours before cooking. Brines help retain the moisture of lean meats as well as flavor meats that are low in fat.
4. Remove the turkey tenderloin from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
5. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
6. Place the turkey tenderloin in a roasting pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
7. Let the turkey tenderloin rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Curried Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Here’s a recipe for curried turkey tenderloin:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander
• 1 tablespoon yellow curry powder
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• 1 turkey tenderloin

Instructions:

1. Mix the turmeric, garlic powder, coriander, yellow curry powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Rub the spice mixture onto the turkey tenderloin.
3. Grill the turkey tenderloin over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on each side.
4. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure the meat reaches 165 degrees F.
5. Let the turkey tenderloin rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Turkey tenderloin is a versatile and delicious cut of meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It’s a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner. With its low fat and calorie content, turkey tenderloin is also a healthy choice for those watching their weight. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and healthy meal, give turkey tenderloin a try.