This simple recipe for turkey tenderloin, bursting with flavor from the garlic, herbs, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar, is ready to bake in the oven in less than an hour!
Oh my goodness, the marinade for these melt in your mouth turkey tenderloins is incredible. It’s a delicious combination of savory herbs, fresh garlic, apple cider vinegar, and a tiny bit of sweetness from brown sugar.
All of that flavor permeates the baked turkey tenderloins, which, after being seared before baking, somewhat crisp up and caramelize.
I like to bake it at a high temperature after pan-frying it because it keeps all of the juices inside. You won’t believe how juicy and flavorful these turkeys become once they finish resting after baking! This recipe is such an easy and simple way to prepare a delicious holiday main dish! We want our turkey to be juicy and flavorful, and this recipe delivers on both counts!
Consider slicing it into medallions and serving it with gravy (such as this Turkey Gravy without Drippings), veggies, and cranberry sauce (or this easy homemade Cranberry Relish). The combination makes a quick and easy Thanksgiving dinner that’s so delicious!.
Olive oil, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, ground black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, fine sea salt, and fresh garlic make the best marinade for turkey tenderloin!
Its incredible herby flavor is enhanced by subtle notes of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. The combination of flavors in this marinade almost makes it taste glazed.
If you love garlic as much as I do, feel free to double up on the amount. Because I think you can never have too much garlic, I usually add extra to dishes like this one.
Turkey: We’re using turkey tenderloins in this recipe. I used up to 1 pound of turkey tenderloins, but you could also use about 1/2 pound of turkey loins.
Oil: I used olive oil to sear the turkey in the skillet. Feel free to use your favorite neutral tasting cooking oil.
This simple recipe for turkey tenderloin, bursting with flavor from the garlic, herbs, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar, is ready to bake in the oven in less than an hour!
*I baked my 1/2 pound turkey tenderloins for 17 minutes. If your tenderloins are larger you will need extra baking time. I would recommend baking a one-pound turkey tenderloin for 25 to 30 minutes at 400 degrees, and then checking the internal temperature of the thickest part with an instant read meat thermometer. The temperature should be 160F because it will continue to cook to 165F while it is resting beneath the tented foil. When the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, return it to the oven and bake it for an additional four minutes. Pay close attention to the temperature at this point. It can overbake quickly, which causes dry turkey. Remove the turkey from the oven, tent it with foil, and let it rest for ten minutes, or until the instant read meat thermometer reads 160 degrees.
** If you dont have an oven safe skillet, use a Dutch oven. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, sear the tenderloins in a nonstick skillet and then move them to an oven-bakable dish.
The humble turkey tenderloin often gets overshadowed by its bigger brother, the whole turkey. But this lean and flavorful cut of meat deserves a place on your dinner table! It’s surprisingly easy to cook and incredibly versatile, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
In this guide, we’ll explore two fantastic turkey tenderloin recipes:
- Oven-Roasted Turkey Tenderloin: This classic recipe from Easy Family Recipes is a foolproof way to achieve juicy, tender turkey with a crispy, caramelized exterior.
- Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin: This recipe from Key to My Lime boasts an irresistible herb and garlic marinade that infuses the turkey with incredible flavor.
Let’s dive into the details!
Oven-Roasted Turkey Tenderloin: A Simple and Savory Delight
This straightforward recipe from Easy Family Recipes is perfect for busy weeknights. It requires minimal prep time and delivers juicy, flavorful turkey in just 35 minutes.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5-pound turkey tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Turkey seasoning (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, black pepper, salt)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Mix all the spices and rub them onto the turkey tenderloin.
- Place the tenderloin on a baking sheet and top with pats of butter.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, try a different seasoning mix like Fajita Seasoning, Greek Seasoning, or Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning.
- If you’re short on time, prepare the dry rub in advance and apply it before roasting.
- Leftovers can be used in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or pasta dishes.
Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin: A Burst of Flavor
This recipe from Key to My Lime takes your turkey tenderloin to a whole new level with a vibrant herb and garlic marinade. The result is a juicy flavorful dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a special meal.
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the turkey:
- 2 (1/2-pound) turkey tenderloins
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk to blend.
- Add the turkey tenderloins to the bowl and coat them thoroughly in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom.
- Transfer the marinated turkey to the skillet and sear until browned on both sides.
- Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 17 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- If your tenderloins are larger than 1/2 pound, adjust the baking time accordingly.
- For a crispy finish, broil the turkey for the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or cranberry sauce.
FAQs:
What is the difference between turkey tenderloin and turkey breast?
Turkey tenderloin is a boneless and skinless cut of meat located underneath the turkey breast. It’s a much smaller and leaner cut than the breast, making it ideal for smaller meals.
Are turkey tenderloins tender?
Yes! Because turkey tenderloins are a muscle that doesn’t get much use, they’re naturally tender and juicy.
How long do I cook turkey tenderloin?
Cooking time depends on the size of the tenderloin and the temperature you cook it at. For 1/2-pound tenderloins at 400°F, it takes about 17 minutes. Larger tenderloins or lower cooking temperatures will require longer cooking times.
Whether you choose the classic oven-roasted or the flavorful garlic herb recipe, you’re guaranteed a delicious and satisfying meal with juicy, tender turkey tenderloin. So grab your ingredients and get cooking!
Is Turkey Tenderloin The Same As Turkey Breast?
No. The turkey tenderloin is the cut of meat underneath the turkey breast. It’s a boneless and skinless cut of meat, while the turkey breast is often sold bone-in and skin-on.
Are Turkey Tenderloins Tender?
Yes, but because they don’t bear as much weight and don’t receive as much exercise as the other muscles in the turkey, turkey tenderloins aren’t as tough as other turkey cuts. That means that it’s the part of the turkey that’s the most tender.
