If you love the sweet flavors of barbecue sauce you’ll love this easy grilled turkey tenderloin recipe. This gluten free/ dairy free turkey recipe is made in just 30 times and perfect to feed a family of four.
We love turkey in my home. It’s not just reserved for the holidays. Throughout the year I rotate between my Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin with mushroom gravy and this Grilled Turkey Tenderloin on my meal plan rotation. If I’m craving barbecue food this turkey recipe is the one I lean on. I like to pair it with my Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole, southern green beans and Jiffy Corn Casserole recipes. I love that it’s a lean protein, easy to put together, and done in a half hours time!
Whether you plan to have a small holiday dinner or simply want an easy weeknight meal I hope you’ll give my turkey tenderloin recipe a try!
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Why this Recipe Works
Love turkey but don’t like how long it takes to cook? Turkey tenderloin cooks quickly.
You can grill this recipe either outdoors or indoors during the colder months.
A flavorful rub, elevates the turkey making it full of flavor.
Ingredients
- Turkey – I like to use turkey tenderloin as it’s lean and is already off the bone. One pound of turkey tenderloin will feed 4 adults.
- Spices – I make a rub using smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I love this flavor combo!
- Barbecue Sauce – I love Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, but you can use whatever sauce you like.
- Oil – I like to use a neutral high smoke point oil like Grapeseed oil.
How to Cook Turkey Tenderloin
Preheat the grill to high heat, with all four gas burners going.
While the grill preheats, mix together the rub in a bowl. Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Pour 1 teaspoon of grapeseed oil over both turkey tenderloins. Sprinkle and massage the seasoning rub on both sides of the turkey tenderloins.
Spray the grill with non-stick grill spray. Lower 2 of the 4 burners down to low. Place the turkey tenderloins on top of the grill grates on the low setting. *The burner furthest from the turkey breast should be on high. Place a lid on top and cook for 10 minutes. Then, flip and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove the turkey breast from the grill. Let rest for 5 minutes, then brush with barbecue sauce and cut into slices. Enjoy immediately and serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side.
Recipe FAQs
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions when grilling turkey tenderloins.
Turkey tenderloins typically take around 20 minutes to cook through until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the turkey tenderloins.
Turkey tenderloin is a boneless and skinless part of the turkey breast. Turkey breast, usually has a bone-in the meat and skin-on.
Yes, turkey tenderloins are white meat that comes from the breast of the turkey.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks when grilling turkey tenderloins.
- Paprika – If you don’t have smoked paprika you can use traditional paprika.
- Barbecue Sauce – Because barbecue sauce has a high sugar content I highly suggest you don’t brush the sauce on until after cooking. This will ensure the meat will not burn.
- Resting Time – You always want meat to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Let the turkey sit for at least 5 minutes to allow it to lock in the juices before slicing.
What to Serve with Turkey Tenderloin
Here are a few of my favorite side dishes to serve with turkey tenderloin.
If you make this grilled turkey tenderloin recipe, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a ⭐ star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!
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Grilled Turkey Tenderloin
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Grill
- 1 Silicone Brush
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Grapeseed Oil
- 1 pound turkey tenderloins
- Non-stick Grill Spray
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce divided
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to high heat, with all four gas burners going.
- While the grill preheats, mix together the rub in a bowl. Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika, ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder, ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt, ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Pour 1 teaspoon of grapeseed oil over both turkey tenderloins. Sprinkle and massage the seasoning rub on both sides of the turkey tenderloins.1 teaspoon Grapeseed Oil, 1 pound turkey tenderloins
- Spray the grill with non-stick grill spray. Lower 2 of the 4 burners down to low. Place the turkey tenderloins on top of the grill grates on the low setting. *The burner furthest from the turkey breast should be on high. Place a lid on top and cook for 10 minutes. Then, flip and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.Non-stick Grill Spray
- Remove the turkey breast from the grill. Let rest for 5 minutes, then brush with barbecue sauce and cut into slices. Enjoy immediately and serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side.¼ cup barbecue sauce
Notes
- Paprika – If you don’t have smoked paprika you can use traditional paprika.
- Barbecue Sauce – Because barbecue sauce has a high sugar content I highly suggest you don’t brush the sauce on until after cooking. This will ensure the meat will not burn.
- Resting Time – You always want meat to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Let the turkey sit for at least 5 minutes to allow it to lock in the juices before slicing.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!