The best way to break away from a routine is to enjoy a lean, protein-rich meal, and this oven-roasted turkey tenderloin recipe is tasty and easy to prepare. Each turkey breast tenderloin is cooked to perfection, offering a flavorful blend of seasonings and juicy, tender meat. Because of how easily this recipe can be modified, it’s perfect for a family meal, especially on busy weeknights when you need to quickly prepare a delicious, healthful, and low-fat meal!
Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you looking for a simple yet flavorful way to cook a turkey breast tenderloin? Well, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect guide! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will have you whipping up a juicy, tender, and oh-so-delicious turkey masterpiece in no time
What is a Turkey Breast Tenderloin?
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s get acquainted with the star of the show: the turkey breast tenderloin. This lean cut of meat is often overlooked, but it’s a real gem when it comes to flavor and versatility. It’s smaller than a whole turkey breast making it ideal for smaller gatherings or weeknight meals.
The Secret to a Perfect Roast: Time and Temperature
Let’s now discuss the two key components of the ideal turkey cooking process: temperature and time. Your tenderloin’s weight will determine how long it takes to cook, so use this helpful table as a guide:
| Tenderloin Weight | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 1 pound | 20-25 minutes |
| 1.5 pounds | 30-35 minutes |
| 2 pounds | 40-45 minutes |
Pro Tip: These are just estimates, and it’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the golden rule for safe and delicious poultry.
Roasting Techniques: Choose Your Adventure
There are a few different ways to roast your turkey breast tenderloin:
Classic Roasting: This method involves placing your seasoned tenderloin in a roasting pan and letting it bask in the oven’s warmth. It’s a simple yet effective way to achieve a golden-brown, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat
Brining: For extra flavor and moisture, consider brining your tenderloin before cooking. Submerge it in a salt-water solution for several hours, and you’ll be rewarded with a succulent bird that’s bursting with taste.
Slow Cooking: If you’re looking for a hands-off approach, slow cooking is your friend. Place your tenderloin in a slow cooker, add some broth or vegetables, and let it simmer for several hours. The result? Fall-off-the-bone tender meat that’s perfect for shredding and using in sandwiches or salads.
Air Frying: This cutting-edge technique provides a juicy interior and crispy skin in a fraction of the time. Just season your tenderloin, put it in the basket of your air fryer, and cook it as directed by the manufacturer.
Bonus Tips for Turkey Breast Tenderloin Perfection
Now that you are aware of the fundamentals, let’s add a few more pointers to make your turkey breast experience truly remarkable:
- Baste it up: Basting your turkey breast with melted butter or pan drippings during cooking will keep it moist and add a beautiful golden hue.
- Rest is key: Allow your turkey breast to rest for at least 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
- Get creative with seasonings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and flavor combinations. From classic rosemary and thyme to a zesty lemon-garlic rub, the possibilities are endless.
- Save those drippings: The pan drippings are liquid gold! Use them to make a delicious gravy or add them to your favorite soup or stew for an extra burst of flavor.
You’re almost there if you follow these rules and get these pointers on how to cook a turkey breast tenderloin. Recall that the secret to success is a combination of culinary creativity, patience, and a trustworthy meat thermometer. So go ahead, cook with self-assurance, and savor the delectable fruits of your culinary efforts!
What to Serve with Oven Roasted Turkey Tenderloin
With its traditional holiday flavors, this dish goes well with a lot of your favorite cozy side dishes. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
- Boursin Mashed Potatoes: This is a quick recipe that goes well with any traditional main dish you like!
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: 25 minutes is all it takes to whip these up for a festive dinner or a busy weeknight.
- Roasted Green Beans: A classic side dish that everyone enjoys and is very simple to prepare
- This recipe for Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower, which was sparked by a side dish at a restaurant, is a family favorite.
- Oven Roasted Vegetables: This classic vegetable side dish goes very well with turkey tenderloin.
Holiday Side Dish options
If you want to serve this turkey tenderloin for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another special occasion, here are some of my favorite holiday sides to serve it with:
You can choose one or add a few sides to make a wholesome, well rounded dinner.
Roasted Turkey Tenderloin is a simple recipe that takes only 25 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a family meal.
In this section, I’ll go over some tips and tricks I use to ensure the best and most delicious results when making this recipe.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
- Turkey Tenderloins: You can find these in the poultry or turkey section of the meat department. Only two brands, Jenni-O and Butterball, are consistently available for these. Larger than a chicken breast, the package typically contains two tenderloins. 2 turkey tenderloins will be about 1. 5-2 pounds.
- Butter — Just cut it up into 3-4 slices. You can use salted or unsalted. Whatever you keep on hand is fine!.
- Turkey Seasonings: To get the unique flavor of holiday turkey, all of these spices are required. If you want to change the flavor, use a different seasoning mix, like Greek, Fajita, or Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning.
- Turkey Tenderloin: To prevent overcooking, you want to make sure to retain all of the juices and moisture in this extremely lean cut. Roast your turkey at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes. The length of time will vary depending on the thickness of the turkey, your oven, and even your local climate. It is done when the meat thermometer reads 165 degrees. at the thickest part of the turkey. This will insure that you don’t overcook your turkey. When fully cooked, you can remove and slice or shred it.
- Butter — Put a pat of butter onto each tenderloin. As the butter melts and flavors the tenderloin while it cooks, the turkey roast has amazing flavors!
- Seasonings: You may be wondering why I’m not letting this marinade. Because the dry rub is so flavorful and comes together quickly, I believe it works better for this recipe than a marinade.
If you have to make this recipe but are really tight for time, here are some suggestions to help you get it done faster!
- Dry Rub: Prepare the dry rub and rub it on before roasting.
- Prepare in Advance: Apply the dry rub to the chicken the night before or the morning of the event. Make sure to store it in the refrigerator. This prevents the chicken from spoiling and ensures food safety. Allow it to come to room temperature for about thirty minutes before cooking.
- Check out my Turkey Tenderloin recipe made in the slow cooker; it’s a very simple dinner with a slightly different flavor profile.
If you love this recipe as much as we do and are looking for some simple ways to mix things up for some variation, these little suggestions will work wonders!
- Citrus-Glazed Turkey Tenderloin: To make a tart glaze, combine Dijon mustard, honey, and orange or lemon juice. Brush the turkey tenderloin with glaze as it roasts for a burst of vibrant citrus flavor.
- Make a pocket in the turkey tenderloin, then stuff it with sun-dried tomatoes, basil pesto, and mozzarella cheese before roasting.
- Chili-Lime Turkey Tenderloin: Combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon each of garlic and chili powder, and a small amount of brown sugar to make a mildly spicy glaze for the turkey.
You can easily freeze this Roasted Turkey Breast Tenderloin recipe by following the steps listed below, which will keep it fresh for up to six months!
- Make your turkey tenderloin as directed.
- Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Portion the tenderloins into meal-sized portions and place them in a freezer bag or other freezer-safe container.
- Freeze.
- Before using, let the turkey thaw in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours.
Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
FAQ
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