Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

User Reviews

5

52 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Resting Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    35 mins

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    156 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

This turkey tenderloin recipe uses a rubbed sage, thyme, smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder spice mix to enhance the mild flavor of the turkey. The tenderloins are first seared briefly in hot olive oil to develop a golden exterior and then roasted in the oven to reach a safe internal temperature. Resting after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat moist and tender. This method suits smaller tenderloins, about 4 ounces each, but cooking times will adjust based on size.

Description

The Turkey Tenderloin Recipe combines dried herbs and spices like sage, thyme, and smoked paprika to create a layered flavor profile. After patting the meat dry and rubbing it with olive oil and seasoning, the tenderloins are quickly seared on high heat in a heavy skillet to form a golden crust that helps seal in juices. The subsequent roasting at 325 degrees Fahrenheit gently finishes cooking the turkey evenly. Resting the meat tented with foil allows the temperature to rise to the optimal 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally, achieving safe doneness without drying.

The resulting tenderloins have a flavorful crust balanced by juicy, tender meat inside, suitable as a main protein for meals. They can be sliced for sandwiches or served alongside vegetables or grains. The rub’s blend is mild but aromatic, enhancing the natural turkey taste without overwhelming it.

Notes suggest that the size of the tenderloins affects cooking time, so monitoring with a meat thermometer is recommended. Letting the meat rest before cutting preserves moisture, and after cooling, leftovers store well refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for three months. Reheating can be done in the microwave or in the oven with covered foil to maintain tenderness.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 turkey tenderloins - 4 oz or ~113 grams each

For the Tenderloin Rub:

  • ¼ teaspoon rubbed sage or dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon thyme dried
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika would also work
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325 degrees F.
  2. Make the rub: Mix together sage, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set it aside.
  3. Dry the tenderloins: Pat dry turkey tenderloins with paper towels on both sides.
  4. Coat with oil: Drizzle them with a tablespoon of olive oil and coat them on both sides.
  5. Add the rub: Sprinkle them with the prepared turkey tenderloin rub on both sides.
  6. Heat the oil: Heat the remaining oil in a large stainless steel skillet (or a cast iron skillet) until shimmering hot.
  7. Sear: Sear turkey tenderloins for 1 minute on each side until lightly browned.
  8. 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.
  9. Rest: Take it out of the oven and cover it with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. As it sits, it should come to 165 degrees (the safe temperature for turkey) without drying.
  10. Serve: Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Dry turkey tenderloins thoroughly before seasoning to ensure proper searing.
  • Adjust roasting time depending on tenderloin size; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
  • Sear on high heat for about one minute per side to develop a golden crust and lock in juices.
  • Let roasted tenderloins rest covered for 10 minutes to reach safe internal temperature and retain moisture.
  • Store cooked turkey in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently in microwave or in a 350°F oven covered with foil to avoid drying out.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 156kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 20g (40%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 38mg (13%) Sodium 348mg (15%) Potassium 14mg (0%) Fiber 0.2g (1%) Sugar 0.04g (0%) Vitamin A 129IU (3%) Vitamin C 0.1mg (0%) Calcium 5mg (1%) Iron 0.3mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 156 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 156kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 20g 40%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 38mg 13%
Sodium 348mg 15%
Potassium 14mg 0%
Fiber 0.2g 1%
Sugar 0.04g 0%
Vitamin A 129IU 3%
Vitamin C 0.1mg 0%
Calcium 5mg 1%
Iron 0.3mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

52 reviews
Excellent

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