Smoky Barbecue Grilled Turkey Tenderloin: The Ultimate Summer BBQ Recipe
Indulge in this delicious barbecue grilled turkey tenderloin, perfectly seasoned with a smoky homemade rub and grilled to tender perfection. Finish with your favorite barbecue sauce for an unforgettable summer meal that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor.
This post is proudly sponsored by the National Turkey Federation. All thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% my own.
Turkey is a remarkably versatile protein, extending far beyond the traditional holiday table. Its lean profile and rich protein content make it an excellent choice for meals throughout the entire year, especially when you’re looking for a healthy yet satisfying option. Recipes like my Lemon Turkey Cutlets demonstrate just how flavorful and guilt-free turkey can be. It’s a fantastic canvas for various seasonings and cooking methods, ensuring deliciousness every time.
With June being Turkey Lovers’ Month, there’s no better time to fire up the grill and celebrate with this incredible barbecue turkey tenderloin recipe. This dish is designed for summer entertaining, making it ideal for backyard get-togethers, family dinners, and especially your Fourth of July celebrations. It’s quick, easy, and delivers big on flavor, promising to be a crowd-pleaser.
Essential Tips for Safe Turkey Handling
Ensuring food safety is paramount when cooking any poultry, and turkey is no exception. Proper handling from preparation to serving is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Here are some key guidelines to follow:
- Do Not Wash Raw Turkey: This is one of the most important rules. Washing raw turkey, whether it’s a whole bird or just tenderloins, can spread bacteria like Salmonella around your kitchen sink, countertops, and other surfaces through splashing water. Cooking the turkey to the correct internal temperature will kill any harmful bacteria, making washing unnecessary and potentially dangerous.
- Cook to 165 Degrees Fahrenheit: Always use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure your turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This applies to all turkey cuts, from whole birds to smaller tenderloins or breasts. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any bones. This step is non-negotiable for food safety and guarantees perfectly cooked, juicy turkey.
- Prevent Cross-Contamination: Maintaining a clean kitchen environment and avoiding cross-contamination is critical. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after touching raw turkey. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other ingredients like vegetables. Ensure all utensils, plates, and surfaces that come into contact with raw turkey are washed with hot, soapy water or sanitized before being used for cooked food or other ingredients. Using fresh, clean plates for serving the final dish is a must.
This turkey tenderloin recipe is incredibly simple to execute, and your entire family will absolutely adore it. Turkey has an amazing ability to absorb the flavors it’s seasoned with, making it perfect for our smoky barbecue rub. This carefully crafted blend of spices infuses the meat with an irresistible depth of flavor. Plus, topping it off with your favorite barbecue sauce adds a sweet and tangy glaze, creating the ultimate summer dinner experience that’s both vibrant and satisfying.
Understanding Turkey Tenderloin: A Cut Above
Many people often ask, “Is turkey tenderloin the same as turkey breast?” While they are both white meat cuts from the breast area, they are distinct. Turkey tenderloin is a specific, lean cut of meat located beneath the turkey breast. It is naturally boneless and skinless, known for its exceptional tenderness, hence the name “tenderloin.” Unlike the larger turkey breast, which can sometimes be drier if overcooked, the tenderloin is incredibly succulent and cooks relatively quickly, making it an excellent choice for grilling. You’ll typically find them packaged and labeled specifically as “turkey tenderloins” in the grocery store, often sold in packs of two.
Its naturally mild flavor profile makes it highly versatile, easily adapting to a wide range of marinades and rubs, allowing the added seasonings to truly shine. This delicate cut makes for a fantastic alternative to chicken breast or pork tenderloin, offering a lean and healthy protein option that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.
Grilling Time: How Long to Cook Turkey Tenderloin
The cooking time for turkey tenderloin can vary depending on several factors, primarily the thickness of your specific cut and the heat of your grill. The most reliable method to determine doneness is always by using a meat thermometer. For grilled turkey tenderloin, you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
On a preheated high-temperature grill, turkey tenderloins typically take about 9-10 minutes per side. However, if your tenderloins are particularly thick, they might require a few extra minutes. For very thick pieces, you might consider searing them on high heat first and then moving them to a cooler part of the grill for indirect cooking to ensure they cook through evenly without burning the exterior. Always remember, the thermometer is your best friend for achieving perfectly cooked and safe turkey every time.
Mastering the Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Turkey Tenderloin
Achieving perfectly grilled, juicy, and flavorful turkey tenderloin is easier than you think. Follow these steps for a sensational meal:
- Prepare the Turkey Rub: Begin by generously coating your turkey tenderloin with the seasoning. You can use the homemade rub detailed in the recipe below, or opt for your favorite store-bought barbecue rub. Don’t be shy – really massage the rub into all sides of the meat. This comprehensive coating is essential for building that incredible, smoky flavor profile.
- Preheat Your Grill: Set your grill to high heat and allow it to preheat thoroughly. You want a hot cooking surface to get a good sear on the turkey. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your grill. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Turkey: Once the grill is scorching hot, carefully place the seasoned turkey tenderloins directly on the grates. Close the lid to help maintain consistent heat.
- Monitor Cooking Time and Temperature: Cook the turkey for approximately 9-10 minutes per side. As mentioned, this time can vary based on the thickness of your tenderloins. The key is to use a reliable meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat; when it registers 165°F (74°C), your turkey is done. Avoid overcooking, as turkey tenderloin can dry out quickly.
- Apply Barbecue Sauce: During the final 2-3 minutes of grilling, generously brush both sides of the turkey with your preferred barbecue sauce. This timing is crucial – applying the sauce too early can cause it to burn due to the sugars in the sauce. Brushing it on at the end allows the sauce to caramelize beautifully, creating a sticky, delicious glaze without charring.
- Rest and Serve: Once the turkey reaches 165°F, remove it from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is incredibly tender and moist. Slice against the grain and serve immediately with additional barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
The Ideal Internal Temperature for Turkey Tenderloin
For safe consumption and optimal tenderness, turkey tenderloin should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature ensures that any potential harmful bacteria are eliminated while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Always insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin to get an accurate reading, making sure it doesn’t touch any bone (though tenderloins are boneless, it’s a good general practice). Once it reaches 165°F, remove it from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
One of the many wonderful qualities of turkey is its incredible versatility, making it a star ingredient in almost any recipe. It seamlessly substitutes other proteins, offering a leaner and often healthier alternative without compromising on taste. For instance, my popular Italian Turkey Cutlets, originally developed with chicken, are absolutely divine when prepared with turkey cutlets. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to incorporating turkey into your weekly meal plan!
It’s time to refresh your perspective on turkey! It’s far more than just ground meat or the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey shines in a vast array of recipes throughout the entire year, from quick weeknight meals to impressive weekend BBQs. Discover even more cooking tips, innovative recipe ideas, and the endless benefits of including turkey in your diet by visiting ServeTurkey.org.
This Barbecue Grilled Turkey Tenderloin is not only a fantastic way to enjoy a lean protein, but it also perfectly encapsulates the spirit of summer grilling. Its smoky flavors and sweet, tangy glaze make it an instant classic that will have everyone asking for seconds. Serve it alongside your favorite summer sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad for a complete and utterly delightful meal.
Discover More Delicious Grilling Recipes
If you’re looking to expand your grilling repertoire, here are some other fantastic recipes that are perfect for outdoor cooking:
- Margarita Grilled Chicken: Zesty and flavorful chicken for a tropical twist.
- Classic Grilled Hamburgers: A timeless favorite, perfected for the grill.
- Grilled Pork Chops: Juicy and tender, packed with savory flavors.
- Chili Lime Grilled Chicken Drumsticks: A spicy and tangy kick for your chicken.
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin: Another lean and delicious tenderloin option.
- Grilled Chicken Thighs: Rich and juicy, enhanced with a vibrant sauce.
Barbecue Grilled Turkey Tenderloin
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Equipment
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Measuring Spoons
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Meat Thermometer
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Grill
Ingredients
- 1 – 1 1/2 pounds turkey tenderloin
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Smoky BBQ Rub
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black peppercorns
- 1/4 tsp chipotle powder, optional, for an extra smoky kick
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the smoky barbecue rub until well mixed.
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Generously sprinkle the prepared rub all over the turkey tenderloin. Use your hands to thoroughly coat and massage the seasoning into the meat, ensuring an even layer on all sides.
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Preheat your grill to high heat. Allow it to get nice and hot for about 10-15 minutes to ensure a good sear.
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Place the seasoned turkey tenderloin onto the hot grill grates. Cook for approximately 9-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat.
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During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, brush both sides of the turkey tenderloin generously with your favorite barbecue sauce. This allows the sauce to caramelize slightly without burning.
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Remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes on a cutting board before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist result. Slice against the grain and serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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