How Long to Cook Turkey Tenderloin in Slow Cooker: Juicy, Mouthwatering Results Every Time!

Turkey Tenderloin: A Tender And Lean Option

When it comes to cooking turkey, tenderloin is a fantastic option. It is a boneless and skinless part of the turkey that offers a tender and lean meat choice. Turkey tenderloin is known for its delicate texture and mild flavor, making it a favorite among those who prefer a lighter protein option.

Spice Blend For Flavorful Turkey Tenderloin

To enhance the natural flavors of the turkey tenderloin, we can prepare a delicious spice blend. This blend includes a combination of:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Thyme leaves
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Olive oil

These ingredients come together to create a fragrant and flavorsome rub that will elevate the taste of the turkey tenderloin to a whole new level.

The Process: Rubbing And Searing The Turkey

Before the turkey tenderloins are cooked, it is essential to rub them with the flavorful spice blend. Gently coat each tenderloin with the mixture, ensuring all sides are well-covered. This step allows the spices to permeate the meat, infusing it with its delicious flavors.

In addition to rubbing the spice blend onto the turkey tenderloins, searing them in a skillet adds an extra layer of flavor. Searing helps to lock in the juices and creates a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside of the turkey, further enhancing the overall taste and appearance.

• Rub turkey tenderloins with flavorful spice blend
• Ensure all sides are well-covered
• Sear them in a skillet for an extra layer of flavor
• Locks in juices and creates a caramelized crust on the outside

Slow Cooking: Achieving Perfect Results

Once the turkey tenderloins are appropriately seasoned and seared, it’s time to transfer them to the slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to 375 °F, allowing the turkey to cook slowly and evenly. This low and slow cooking method ensures that the meat remains tender and juicy throughout the process.

The cooking time for turkey tenderloin in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size of the tenderloins and the individual slow cooker. However, as a general guideline, cooking the turkey tenderloin in the slow cooker for approximately 2-3 hours should yield perfectly cooked and succulent results.

Monitoring Internal Temperature With A Meat Thermometer

To ensure the turkey tenderloin is cooked to perfection, it is essential to use a meat thermometer to monitor its internal temperature. The turkey is safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 165 °F.

• Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin, avoiding any bone.

By carefully monitoring the internal temperature, you can prevent overcooking and achieve perfectly cooked turkey tenderloin every time. This step guarantees that the meat is not only flavorful but also safe to consume.

Serving And Storage Tips: Resting, Leftovers, And Side Dishes

Once the turkey tenderloin is cooked to perfection, it is crucial to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

When it comes to storing leftover turkey, it is best to refrigerate it promptly. Leftover turkey tenderloin can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Proper storage ensures that the meat remains safe to consume and maintains its quality.

To complete the meal, there are several suggested side dishes that pair perfectly with turkey tenderloin. Some popular options include:

• Roasted vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Cranberry sauce
• Fresh salad

These side dishes complement the flavors of the turkey tenderloin and create a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.

“In addition to slow cooking, an alternative method for cooking turkey tenderloin is using an Instant Pot.”

The ingredients needed for this method are similar to the slow cooker recipe. However, instead of slow cooking, the turkey tenderloin is pressure-cooked in the Instant Pot on high pressure for approximately 15 minutes. This method reduces the overall cooking time while still producing tender and flavorful turkey tenderloin.

Remember to store leftover turkey tenderloin from the Instant Pot in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or the freezer for up to 2 months to maintain its quality and safety.

Cooking turkey tenderloin in a slow cooker promises juicy and mouthwatering results every time. The tender and lean nature of the turkey tenderloin, combined with a flavorful spice blend, ensures a delicious and satisfying meal. By following the steps of rubbing, searing, slow cooking, and monitoring the internal temperature, you can achieve perfectly cooked turkey tenderloin that is both safe to eat and full of flavor. Don’t forget to let the cooked turkey rest before slicing and enjoy it with suggested side dishes for a complete culinary experience.

• Rest the cooked turkey
• Refrigerate leftover turkey promptly
• Leftover turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months
• Suggested side dishes include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and fresh salad
• Consider using an Instant Pot for cooking turkey tenderloin
• Pressure-cook the turkey tenderloin in the Instant Pot on high pressure for approximately 15 minutes
• Store leftover turkey tenderloin from the Instant Pot in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or the freezer for up to 2 months

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is cooking a turkey in a slow cooker safe?

Cooking a turkey in a slow cooker can indeed be a safe option. Since many slow cookers have size limitations, it is important to follow the USDA’s suggestion of cutting up the whole turkey into smaller pieces or using store-bought turkey parts. By ensuring that the parts are properly thawed before placing them into the slow cooker, you can avoid the risk of uneven cooking and potential foodborne illnesses. It is crucial to avoid starting the cooking process from a frozen state, as this can compromise both the safety and quality of the turkey.

How long does it take to warm up turkey in slow cooker?

To warm up turkey in a slow cooker, it takes around 30 minutes on low heat, followed by keeping it on the “keep warm” setting until it’s ready to be served. First, cover the bottom and sides of the slow cooker with gravy, ensuring it reaches about 1″ up the sides. Then, place the turkey on top and let it heat up on low for the initial 30 minutes. Once heated through, you can switch the setting to “keep warm” until you’re ready to transfer the turkey onto a platter and serve it.

What temperature is a turkey tenderloin done?

To ensure a perfectly cooked turkey tenderloin, it is essential to reach an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer. This ensures that the meat is thoroughly cooked and safe to consume. Another indicator of doneness is a golden brown surface, which adds a delightful flavor and texture to the tenderloin. So, once the turkey reaches both the required temperature and has a beautifully golden brown exterior, it is ready to be enjoyed.

Is turkey tenderloin the same as turkey breast?

No, turkey tenderloin is not the same as turkey breast. While turkey breast is a specific cut of meat from the bird’s chest, turkey tenderloin is a different part altogether. Positioned between the turkey breast, it is a boneless and skinless strip of meat. This distinction also contributes to its tenderness, as this area of the bird is not heavily exercised, resulting in a more tender texture.