Perfect for a smaller turkey dinner, this recipe for Turkey Tenderloin is delicious and so much faster than cooking a whole turkey!
Because they cook quickly, turkey tenderloins are a great choice for a small Thanksgiving dinner or any weeknight when you’re craving tasty turkey.
I season the outside of the turkey tenderloins well, sear them thoroughly in a hot pan, and then cook them on low heat until they are just done for this juicy recipe. While the low oven allows them to finish slowly and low to become more tender and juicy, the sear helps them acquire that flavorful crust and color.
To learn more about how it all comes together, scroll down or click this link to go directly to the recipe.
The turkey a majestic bird gracing our Thanksgiving tables, holds within its breast a hidden treasure: the turkey tenderloin. This succulent, flavorful cut of meat often goes unnoticed tucked away between the more prominent breast muscles. But fear not, fellow turkey enthusiasts, for we shall embark on a quest to uncover the secrets of the elusive turkey tenderloin!
Where Does the Turkey Tenderloin Reside?
Imagine the turkey breast as a vast landscape, with two prominent peaks representing the breast muscles Nestled between these peaks lies a hidden valley, a culinary oasis known as the turkey tenderloin. This tender strip of meat, typically weighing around 3-4 ounces, is a boneless, skinless wonder, waiting to be discovered
How to Find the Turkey Tenderloin
Unearthing the turkey tenderloin requires a bit of culinary exploration. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the turkey anatomy and locate this hidden gem:
- Start with a boneless, skinless turkey breast. This will provide you with a clear view of the turkey’s inner landscape.
- Identify the two breast muscles. These are the prominent, thick portions of meat on either side of the breast.
- Look for a seam or indentation between the breast muscles. This is where the tenderloin resides.
- Carefully separate the breast muscles. Use a sharp knife to gently separate the muscles, revealing the tenderloin nestled within.
The Versatility of the Turkey Tenderloin
Once you’ve unearthed the turkey tenderloin, the culinary possibilities are endless! This versatile cut of meat can be roasted, grilled, pan-fried, or even used in stir-fries. Its delicate flavor and tender texture make it a perfect addition to any meal.
Tips for Cooking the Turkey Tenderloin
- Season generously: The turkey tenderloin is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and marinades to create a flavor profile that suits your taste.
- Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F: This ensures that the tenderloin is cooked through while remaining juicy and tender.
- Rest before slicing: Allow the cooked tenderloin to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent piece of meat.
The turkey tenderloin, once a hidden treasure, is now revealed! With its delicate flavor, tender texture, and versatility, this culinary gem is sure to become a staple in your Thanksgiving repertoire. So, the next time you’re preparing a turkey, remember to seek out the tenderloin and unlock its delicious potential. Happy Thanksgiving!
Video: Cooking Turkey Tenderloins
Turkey tenderloins are part of the turkey breast that has been trimmed off, much like chicken tenderloins. These tenderloins are skinless, boneless, and extremely tender—as the name implies—unlike the full turkey breast, which is frequently skin-on and bone-in. They’re sometimes called turkey medallions, turkey fillets, turkey breast loins, or turkey breast tenders.
Frequently, these turkey breast tenderloins are packaged in a plastic bag that is sealed and contains a flavor-enhancing and tenderizing solution. They come two per package, and once you take them out, they look A LOT like chicken breasts. It’s lean white meat with a nice flavor that doesn’t take too long to cook.
Safe Temperature For Turkey
As with all turkey, the recommended safe internal temperature is 165°F. You should take your tenderloins out of the oven when they reach 160°F. After that, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate or chopping board. Let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing. In that time the temperature should rise the rest of the way to 165°F.
The Best Way To Make A Juicy Turkey Tenderloin
FAQ
Where is the turkey tenderloin located on a turkey?
What is the difference between turkey breast and turkey tenderloin?
What cut is a turkey tenderloin?
How to cook a Turkey Tenderloin in a frying pan?
In a small bowl combine the salt, paprika, oregano, and pepper. Sprinkled it evenly over both sides of the tenderloins. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl it around to coat bottom of the pan. When shimmering, add the turkey tenderloins. Cook until well-browned underneath, 3-5 minutes.
What temperature should a cooked turkey Tenderloin be?
Cooked turkey tenderloin should have an internal temperature of 165F. Seasoned with bold flavors, spices, and aromatics, this easy turkey tenderloin recipe is extra tender and succulent. Oven baked to perfection, it makes a healthy and quick dinner option. Watch the video below to see how I make this in my kitchen. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
How do you cook a Turkey Tenderloin in the oven?
For this juicy turkey tenderloin recipe, I add some good seasoning on the outside, sear them well in a hot pan, and then cook them at a low temperature just until they’re just done. The sear helps them develop that flavorful crust and color, while the low oven lets them finish off low and slow to be more tender and juicy.
Are turkey breast Tenderloins skinless or boneless?
While the full turkey breast is often skin-on, bone-in, these tenderloins are boneless, skinless, and, as the name suggests, super tender. They’re sometimes called turkey medallions, turkey fillets, turkey breast loins, or turkey breast tenders.