Citrus Trio Turkey Tenderloin

A zesty trio of lemons, limes, and oranges partner with pepitas, cilantro, chipotle, and cumin to create a tangy and smoky flavor for this turkey tenderloin. Stir in a little cornstarch to some reserved marinade for a perfect finish to this grilled meat. 

This is a fun party dish because you can grill a lot of these butterflied turkey tenderloins on the barbecue at one time! If you do make it for a party, be sure to make extra marinade so you can have plenty of sauce to pass! 

Treks rsw 1280 2021 08 10T220219.357
The fresh citrusy smell of this marinade makes it sniffable all day long!

Citrus Trio Turkey Tenderloin

Servings 4 as a main course

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. turkey tenderloin

Marinade:

  • 3/4 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
  • 6 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lime juice
  • 6 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons minced cilantro leaves
  • 1/3 cup toasted pepitas green pumpkin seeds, pureed in the food processor
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Spanish paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon New Mexico chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch blended into 2 tablespoons cold water for final sauce

Instructions

  • Mix all marinade ingredients except the cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Stir with a whisk to combine well. Set aside 1/2 cup of the marinade for the glaze.
  • Cut tenderloin in half lengthwise (i.e. butterfly the tenderloin). Place in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Pour marinade over tenderloin and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • When ready to grill, preheat grill to hot. Place meat directly on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until a meat thermometer reads 165 F when inserted into the turkey tenderloin.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining marinade in a small sauce pan. Slowly whisk in cornstarch and cook, stirring all the while, until sauce thickens slightly to coat the back of a spoon. This makes a perfect glaze for the tenderloin.
  • Remove meat from grill and drizzle glaze over meat.
Treks rsw 1280 2021 08 10T220509.437
The citrus trio marinade has all the earthiness of cumin and chipotle, but with the freshness of fresh-squeezed juices and a hint of cilantro.

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