This grilled turkey tenderloin recipe isn’t the only irresistible turkey dish in my cookbook. For weeknight dinners or holidays, my seven-ingredient roasted turkey legs make a visually stunning dish, and my ground turkey meatloaf adds a lean, rich twist to the traditional beef meatloaf. With these easy meal ideas, you’ll never wonder what to do with turkey again.
Are you looking for a flavorful and easy way to cook turkey tenderloin? Look no further than this recipe for Grilled Turkey Tenderloin with Brown Sugar and Whole Grain Mustard! This recipe is perfect for both Thanksgiving and summer grilling, and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
What You’ll Need:
- 3 lbs. turkey tenderloins
- 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
- 1/2 c. whole grain mustard
- 1 T. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the marinade/finishing sauce: Whisk together the brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and spices/seasonings. Set aside 1/3 cup to use later as the finishing sauce.
- Marinate: Pour the rest of the brown sugar & mustard mixture over the tenderloins to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Sear the tenderloin: Allow the tenderloin to sit on the counter while you prepare the grill. Make sure the grill grates are scrubbed clean and oiled. Place the tenderloin on the hot grill grates and sear for 4 minutes on one side, or until there are beautiful char marks.
- Continue grilling: Flip each tenderloin, reduce the heat to medium, and grill for 8 minutes. Rotate on the same side then continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160° F.
- Allow to rest: Transfer the tenderloins to a platter. Let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Top with the reserved brown sugar-mustard mixture.
Tips for Success:
- Do not overcook the meat: It’s very important to remove the turkey from the grill when it reaches 160° F. Since tenderloin is so lean, you really do not want to overcook it, as it will have a drier texture.
- Allow to rest before slicing: Another secret to juicy turkey tenderloin? Allow it to rest before slicing to let the juices settle into the meat.
- Do not flip the turkey after searing: Once one side is nicely seared and you flip it, do not continue flipping back and forth. You want those beautiful grill lines!
- Definitely use the finishing sauce! Once you’ve sliced the tenderloins, drizzle that delicious brown sugar & mustard finishing sauce over the top. It adds a wealth of flavor!
Serving Suggestions:
After a short rest off the grill, slice the grilled turkey tenderloin and drizzle with reserved brown sugar & whole grain mustard finishing sauce, for that final punch of flavor.
When serving this for the holidays, we often stick to classic sides. Mashed potatoes and roasted garlic and mushroom dressing and cinnamon honey carrots and fresh cranberry sauce never had such a beautiful (and EASY!) bird sitting next to them on their Thanksgiving plate!
If you’re serving this up as a casual dinner, any other time of year, almost any side will do! A few suggestions – broccoli salad or creamy coleslaw would be great in the summer or fall. And new potatoes with roasted garlic vinaigrette or roasted asparagus would be perfect when you want to cozy in during colder weather.
How Long Does It Take To Grill Turkey Tenderloin?
The amount of time you need to grill your tenderloin will depend on the size of the tenderloins and the cooking temperature.
In this case, these tenderloins were about 3/4 pound each and the grill time was 40 minutes total. If your tenderloins are closer to 1/2 pound, reduce that time, or add a few minutes for tenderloins that are larger.
The best way to check is to use an instant-read thermometer. The turkey tenderloins are ready when it reads 160° F.
Additional Resources:
- Grilled Turkey Tenderloin Recipe: https://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/grilled-brown-sugar-and-whole-grain-mustard-turkey-tenderloin-recipe/
- Grilled Barbecue Turkey Breast: https://www.katiescucina.com/grilled-barbecue-turkey-breast/
This Grilled Turkey Tenderloin with Brown Sugar and Whole Grain Mustard recipe is a delicious and easy way to cook turkey. It’s perfect for any occasion, and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So fire up the grill and give this recipe a try!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Grilling Turkey Loins
To grill the ideal turkey breast fillets, you only need two basic sets of ingredients: the meat and my simple marinade for turkey tenderloin.
Marinade ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Coconut sugar (also known as brown sugar): Using natural sweetness, adding coconut sugar to your turkey loin marinade is a simple method to give your meat a delicious caramelized flavor. But, if brown sugar is what you have in your pantry, you can also use that.
- Onion powder
- Paprika: Smoked paprika can be used for a stronger smoky flavor, but regular paprika works just as well in imparting this recipe’s delectably complex, peppery flavor.
- Dried herbs: I suggest incorporating a small amount of dried oregano, if desired, along with dried thyme and dried sage into your marinade mixture. You can also use fresh versions of these ingredients if you want your turkey tips to taste especially earthy. Just make sure that before adding them to the marinade, they are finely chopped.
- Black pepper
- Although we love fresh garlic, you can substitute two teaspoons of garlic powder if you’d rather.
Turkey tenderloins:
- Turkey loins: Although this meat often comes in a wide variety of sizes, I created this recipe to fit two 9-ounce turkey tenderloins. You can double the recipe to account for the larger cuts if you have them.
- My preferred method for creating a sauce for turkey tenderloin is to set aside three tablespoons of the marinade prior to the meat being marinated. After grilling the turkey tenderloins, all you need to do is brush them with the marinade that was set aside to give them a deliciously saucy and savory finish.
- Rub: Dry your turkey with paper towels, brush it with olive oil, and season it with a turkey tenderloin rub before grilling if you would rather not marinate it. I suggest making my Turkey Rub Recipe, which takes only five minutes to prepare and is herbaceous and bold.
- Salt and pepper: Although soy sauce provides the recipe’s saltiness, you are welcome to add a dash of kosher salt and black pepper to taste before serving.
How to Grill Turkey Tenderloin
Using my easy cooking technique makes cooking turkey tenderloin on a gas grill a breeze. These step-by-step instructions will have even beginner chefs cooking this rich, juicy turkey recipe in no time.
- Mix the marinade: In a measuring cup, combine the sugar, onion powder, paprika, sage, black pepper, garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Reserve three tablespoons of the mixture and set it aside.
- To marinate the tenderloin, place it in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag large enough for it to fully submerge in the marinade.
- Marinate the turkey tenderloin by covering the breast fillets with the whisked marinade. Next, eliminate as much air as you can by sealing the bag or covering the bowl with plastic wrap. Move the covered container into the fridge to allow the meat to marinate for a minimum of one hour and a maximum of eight hours.
- Transfer the tenderloins: Half an hour before grilling, take the marinated turkey tenderloin out of the refrigerator.
- Heat grill: Preheat the gas grill to 400 degrees F. Heat on medium-high, then scrape the grates to get rid of any last bits of food residue. Next, thoroughly coat the grill grates with olive oil using a pair of tongs after dipping a wad of paper towels into it. When the tenderloins are done marinating, remove them and shake off any extra liquid.
- Prepare the turkey breast tenderloin by putting it on the grill and cooking it for eight minutes while covered. When the fillets’ internal temperature reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit, turn them over and continue cooking them for a further 6 to 7 minutes while covered. in the thickest part of the meat. Move the turkey to the cooler side of the grill, cover it, and continue cooking it until it is done if it starts to burn.
- Allow the meat to rest by moving the grilled turkey breast fillets to a platter and covering them with a tent made of loose aluminum foil. Let them rest for 10 minutes.
- Serve: After letting it rest, cut the turkey tenderloin into the desired thickness, then coat it with the marinade that was set aside.
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FAQ
How long does it take to grill a 2 lb turkey breast?
What is the difference between turkey breast and turkey tenderloin?
How many minutes per pound to grill turkey?
Do you flip a turkey when grilling?
How do you cook a Turkey Tenderloin on a grill?
Fold a large piece of foil in half, large enough to hold the turkey sealed. When ready, liberally oil the hot side of the grill and place the two tenderloins on, then brush the exposed part of the tenderloin with more oil. Grill for a few minutes to get char marks, turn 90 degrees and grill for two more minutes to get cross hatch marks.
How do you marinate Turkey Tenderloins on a grill?
Scrape the grates of any possible food residue, then generously coat the grates with a wad of paper towel that has been dipped in olive oil. Remove the tenderloins from the marinade and make sure to shake off any excess marinade. Place the turkey tenderloins on the grate and grill, covered, for 8 minutes.
How do you cook Tenderloin on a grill?
To start grilling, preheat the grill to 400 degrees (or medium-high heat.) Scrape the grates of any possible food residue, then generously coat the grates with a wad of paper towel that has been dipped in olive oil. Remove the tenderloins from the marinade and make sure to shake off any excess marinade.
Are grilled Turkey Tenderloins tender?
Grilled Turkey Tenderloins are super moist, tender, and flavorful thanks to an easy overnight marinade. Fire up the grill – then make these easy and delicious Grilled Turkey Tenderloins! A super flavorful, sweet and spicy marinade complements the turkey flavor so well.