Marinated Turkey Tips Recipe
This marinated turkey tips recipe is everything you love about simple, flavorful cooking — tender, juicy turkey that tastes like you ordered it at an upscale restaurant, made right in your own kitchen. The best part? It couldn’t be easier to make.
For more delicious ways to marinate turkey, try my easy ginger scallion sauce, tangy mustard dressing, vegan Italian vinaigrette, or simple dill dressing, which all make great marinades.
Let’s talk about this recipe
This dish brings everything you love about a holiday meal into an easy weeknight recipe. It’s perfect for smaller gatherings or anyone (like me) who cooks for just one or two people. These marinated turkey tips come out incredibly tender and juicy, with a deep, herby flavor that’s balanced by just the right touch of tang.
It’s one of those simple recipes that feels like you’re splurging when you taste it, but doesn’t cause any stress in the kitchen. Pair it with my grandma’s coleslaw or homemade caramel applesauce, they complement it perfectly. And they can be prepared ahead of time — giving you more time to enjoy with your friends and family around the table.
What makes this recipe so good
- Foolproof for any cook because it comes together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time.
- Marinating overnight is the secret to the big flavor that this easy marinated turkey tips recipe delivers — time allows the turkey to absorb every bit of seasoning.
- Versatile marinade that works beautifully not only on turkey but also on chicken and pork.
- Cast iron searing locks in moisture before baking, giving you a juicy center every time.
- Great for entertaining since it can be prepped in advance and cooked fresh in under 30 minutes when guests arrive.
Ingredients you’ll need
A short list of simple ingredients gives this recipe big, restaurant-quality flavor. The secret lies in using fresh turkey and good-quality olive oil for a silky marinade that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Turkey tips: These are the tenderloin portion of the turkey — the most delicate and flavorful cut. They can be tricky to find in some stores — but turkey breast works perfectly as a substitute, so no worries there. Trim the meat into thick bite-sized chunks for quick, even cooking.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a rich depth of flavor and helps the marinade cling to the turkey while also keeping it moist as it cooks. Choose a good-quality olive oil here — it makes all the difference in the final dish.
See recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Make it your own
- Swap the protein with chicken, beef, or pork for a new twist.
- Change the vinegar to experiment with flavor — apple cider or white wine vinegar add a little tangy bite, while balsamic vinegar gives it an herby sweetness.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey to add a hint of it’s unmistakable earthy caramel flavor.
- Try fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, in the marinade for a fragrant seasonal touch.
- Add a little heat, with crushed red pepper flakes, for a bolder flavor profile.
How To make marinated turkey tips
This recipe is as simple as it gets — a quick marinade, an overnight rest, and a fast sear-and-bake finish that delivers restaurant-worthy results.
Step 1: Whisk all marinade ingredients together until well blended.
Step 2: Roll tips in the marinade until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
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Step 3: Sear marinated tips in a hot cast iron skillet until lightly browned on all sides.
Step 4: Bake until cooked through and tender.
You’ll find measurements, and more detailed step-by-step instructions, in the recipe card below, which you can also print for your convenience if you’d like.
Recipe FAQs
Turkey tips are small cuts from the tenderloin — the leanest, most tender part of the bird. If you can’t find them, turkey breast trimmed into bite-sized chunks work beautifully too.
You can marinate the turkey up to 24 hours for an even deeper flavor. Beyond that, the vinegar in the marinade may cause the meat to begin breaking down.
No, you don’t have to sear the tips before baking. But — searing locks in the moisture and makes a significant difference in how juicy they are when they come out of the oven.
Absolutely! They grill up beautifully over medium heat in about 8–10 minutes total, turning once halfway through.
Turkey tips are ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let them rest a few minutes before serving.
Serving Ideas
These tender marinated turkey tips are incredibly versatile. Serve them over rice or noodles, or pair them with classic sides like homestyle turkey stuffing, buttery cheesy mashed potato casserole, and sweet and tangy balsamic carrots for a complete meal. And don’t forget a little bowl of tangy cranberry mustard sauce for dipping — it’s the perfect finishing touch.
They’re great for a buffet, a small dinner gathering, or even a cozy meal for one. Whether you cook a batch for guests, or enjoy them with a glass of wine after work, these turkey tips always feel like an indulgence.
Diane Gail’s tips for success
- Marinate overnight (at least 8 hours): The longer rest time allows the turkey to fully absorb all that rich flavor.
- Coat thoroughly before chilling: Rolling each piece in the marinade ensures every bite is drenched in flavor.
- Sear before baking: This step locks in the natural juices and deepens the flavor, giving the turkey a beautifully rich finish.
- Preheat your skillet well: A hot pan ensures a quick sear that locks in moisture without overcooking the outside.
- Bake carefully: Don’t overbake the tips or they will be dry when they come out of the oven.
- Let the turkey rest before serving: Just a few minutes of rest keeps the juices evenly distributed for tender, flavorful bites.
Final thoughts
These herb marinated turkey tips prove that a recipe doesn’t need to be complicated to deliver great flavor. The simple marinade infuses every bite with savory, herby goodness, and the quick sear-and-bake method keeps the turkey tender and juicy. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests — the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
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Marinated Turkey Tips Recipes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds turkey tips
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil separated
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 large garlic cloves pressed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk the marinade: Combine all marinade ingredients in a medium bowl until well blended and smooth.
- Coat the turkey tips: Pour over the turkey tips and roll them in it to ensure each piece is fully covered in marinade.
- Refrigerate overnight: Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours, for maximum flavor.
- Sear in a skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey tips for a few minutes on each side to lock in moisture.
- Bake to finish: Bake directly in the cast iron skillet, or transfer to a baking dish if you prefer, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until fully cooked and tender.
- Rest before serving: Let the turkey sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute for the best texture.
Notes
- Marinate overnight (at least 8 hours): The longer rest time allows the turkey to fully absorb all that rich flavor from the marinade.
- Coat thoroughly before chilling: Rolling each piece in the marinade ensures every bite is drenched in flavor.
- Sear before baking: This step locks in the natural juices and deepens the flavor, giving the turkey a beautifully rich finish.
- Preheat your skillet well: A hot pan ensures a quick sear that locks in moisture without overcooking the outside.
- Bake carefully: Don’t overbake the tips or they’ll dry out in the oven — keep a close eye on them near the end of the bake time.
- Let the turkey rest before serving: Just a few minutes of rest keeps the juices evenly distributed for tender, flavorful bites.
I really enjoy serving this recipe to guests — it’s such a simple, flavorful way to make turkey that wows them every time. If you make it, come back and tell me how it turned out for you. I always love hearing what little twists you add in your own kitchen!
~ Diane Gail