This Baked Turkey Tenderloin comes out tender and juicy every time with a delicious maple and mustard marinade. Easy to make and packed with flavor.
This Baked Turkey Breast Tenderloin recipe is perfect for those looking for a different way to cook turkey this season, or if you are cooking a smaller holiday meal!
Normally I make turkey tenderloin in the slow cooker, but last week I wanted to try something different. I made one of my favorite pork tenderloin marinades and added the turkey. The end result was so good!.
Super juicy turkey in the most delicious maple and mustard marinade. Yum. If I could find turkey tenderloins at the grocery store, I would gladly eat this on Thanksgiving and make it frequently.
A Comprehensive Guide to Cooking Juicy and Delicious Turkey Tenderloin
Turkey tenderloin is a lean flavorful cut of meat that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s also a great alternative to a whole turkey for smaller gatherings or those who prefer white meat. But how long do you actually need to bake turkey tenderloin at 375°F to achieve perfect results?
The answer depends on several factors, including:
- The size of the tenderloin: Smaller tenderloins will cook faster than larger ones.
- Whether the tenderloin is marinated: Marinades can help to tenderize the meat and add flavor, but they can also add moisture, which can affect the cooking time.
- The desired level of doneness: Some people prefer their turkey tenderloin to be cooked through to 165°F, while others prefer it to be slightly pink in the center.
Here’s a general guideline for how long to bake turkey tenderloin at 375°F:
- For a 1-pound tenderloin: 25-30 minutes
- For a 1.5-pound tenderloin: 30-35 minutes
- For a 2-pound tenderloin: 35-40 minutes
Tips for Baking the Perfect Turkey Tenderloin:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F before you start cooking.
- Pat the turkey tenderloin dry with paper towels before seasoning it. This will help the seasoning to adhere to the meat and create a crispy crust.
- Season the turkey tenderloin generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
- Place the turkey tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. This will help to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey tenderloin. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the turkey tenderloin rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that the meat is tender and juicy.
Here are some additional tips for baking turkey tenderloin:
- If you’re using a marinade, be sure to remove the turkey tenderloin from the marinade before cooking. Marinades can contain sugars that can burn at high temperatures.
- You can also sear the turkey tenderloin in a skillet over medium-high heat before baking it. This will give the turkey a nice brown crust.
- If you’re baking multiple turkey tenderloins, be sure to space them evenly on the baking sheet. This will ensure that they cook evenly.
- Baste the turkey tenderloin with the pan juices during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
With these tips and the general guideline above, you’ll be able to bake a delicious and juicy turkey tenderloin every time.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Baked Turkey Tenderloin Recipe from Slender Kitchen: https://www.slenderkitchen.com/recipe/baked-turkey-tenderloin
- Easy Turkey Tenderloin with Herbs Recipe from Sarah’s Cucina Bella: https://sarahscucinabella.com/2019/11/23/easy-turkey-tenderloin-with-herbs/
What is a turkey tenderloin?
The turkey tenderloin is the part of the larger turkey breast that is closest to the bone. It is lean, boneless, skinless white meat.
If you think of a chicken breast tenderloin, it is basically the same thing but on a turkey.
You can cook turkey breast tenderloins in the same manner that you would skinless, boneless chicken breasts. It also cooks similarly to pork tenderloins and works in most pork tenderloin recipes.
More Tasty Turkey Recipes
Looking for more ways to enjoy turkey. Try these next.
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- ▢ 2 lbs turkey breast tenderloin (2 ~1 lb tenderloins)
- ▢ 2 tbsp olive oil
- ▢ 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ▢ 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ▢ 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- ▢ 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ▢ 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- ▢ 1 tsp kosher salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp black pepper (more to taste)
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Combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Marinade the turkey tenderloins in this mixture for at least 30-45 minutes, ideally overnight. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Heat an oven-safe heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add a touch of olive oil.
Sear the turkey tenderloins on all sides, about 1-2 minutes on each side until nicely browned.
Place the skillet in the oven, uncovered. Cook for 25-35 minutes until the turkey is 160 degrees. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the turkey. The USDA doesn’t recommend cooking turkey breasts at 155 degrees, but if you like yours extra juicy, you might want to remove it a little earlier. Remember it will continue to cook as it rests.
Let the turkey tenderloin rest for 10 minutes. While the turkey rests, it will come up to the 165 degrees temperature recommended by the USDA.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.
Internal temperature: To ensure that the turkey breast stays nice and moist, we advise taking it out at 155–160 degrees, even though the USDA suggests cooking it to 165 degrees. Tent it in foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. It will come up to the 165 degree recommended temperature during that time. When cooked to 165 degrees in the oven, it will be closer to 175 degrees (perhaps overdone) after resting.
Size of the turkey tenderloin: The size of turkeys, and hence turkey tenderloins can vary greatly. They can be as small as 4-8 ounces and as large as 16-24 ounces. The smaller the tenderloin the faster it will cook. For best results, use a thermometer to check the turkey as it cooks.
How to Bake Turkey Tenderloins : Turkey Time
FAQ
What temperature is a turkey tenderloin done?
What temperature is Butterball turkey tenderloin done?
What is the difference between turkey breast and turkey tenderloin?
How to cook a Jennie O turkey tenderloin?
How long do you cook a Turkey Tenderloin in the oven?
Sear: Sear turkey tenderloins for 1 minute on each side until lightly browned. Bake: Place the skillet in the oven and roast tenderloins until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin registers 155 degrees for 15 minutes. Rest: Take it out of the oven and cover it with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes.
How do you cook a Turkey Tenderloin in a pan?
Sear the turkey breast fillet: Place turkey tenderloins in the heated skillet and cook for 1 minute on each side until the meat lightly browns. Bake the pan-seared turkey tenderloin: Place the skillet in the oven. Roast until the internal temperature of turkey tenderloin registers 155 degrees F. (about 15 minutes).
How long do you cook Tenderloins in the oven?
Bake the tenderloins in the oven at 375 °F for about 25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 °F. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing. Tip: Use an oven-safe pan or cast iron skillet to sear the meat so you can transfer it to the oven and finish cooking!
What temperature should Turkey Tenderloin be cooked at?
For the juiciest results, cook turkey tenderloin at a slightly lower temperature than you might be used to. Cooking at 325°F, as in this recipe, ensures a gentle, even cook without the turkey drying out. Some great sides for turkey tenderloin are as follows: