Quick Look at the Best Turkey Tenderloin
- Ready In: 1 hour + 15 minutes
- Serves: 8 people
- Main Ingredients: turkey tenderloins, olive oil, butter, citrus herb marinade, homemade turkey seasoning
- Dietary Info: dairy-free friendly, gluten-free friendly
- Best For: small Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, or special occasion
- Origin: There have been years when we have a large crowd on Thanksgiving Day and make a traditional herb butter turkey. But sometimes it is a much smaller crowd, so decided to try out a turkey tenderloin one year. I paired it with the best turkey marinade, plus our turkey seasoning rub and the result was one of the best turkey dinners I have ever tasted!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Marinade + Dry Rub: Combining a marinade plus a seasoning is a great way to achieve the most flavor. Plus, the citrus ingredients in the marinade bring the best light & bright flavors to the turkey (like in our orange turkey).
- Sear: Just a quick sear on the stove top gives the outside of the tenderloins a golden brown color and a bit of crispness to help hold in all the juices.
- Roasting + Resting: finish cooking in the oven so the inside stays juicy and don’t skip the resting period, it is essential for the juices to redistribute!
Key Ingredients + Substitutions
Be sure to see the recipe card below for a full listing of ingredients, instructions, and estimated nutritional information.
- Turkey Tenderloins – these can be found at the grocery store and are sometimes labeled turkey breast tenderloins. Be sure to fully thaw before cooking.
- Olive Oil + Butter – both can be substituted for ghee, if needed or preferred.
- Turkey Marinade + Seasoning – highly recommend using our turkey marinade recipe and Thanksgiving turkey seasoning for the most amazing flavor combination!
How To Make Oven Roasted Turkey Tenderloin
Step 1 – Mix up the turkey marinade.
Step 2 – Pour the marinade over the turkey breasts in a baking dish.
Step 3 – While the turkey marinates, mix up the seasoning rub.
Step 4 – After 30-60 minutes remove the tenderloins from the marinade and cover with the seasoning.
Step 5 – Sear the tenderloins on all sides and then move to the oven.
Step 6 – Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (use a meat thermometer). Baste with melted butter.
Step 7 – Let rest for 10 minutes, slice, and serve!
What Sides To Serve With Turkey Tenderloin
Those classic turkey flavors always give us Thanksgiving Day vibes, so we love to serve this juicy tenderloin alongside our ultimate yukon gold mashed potatoes, green bean almondine, stovetop stuffing, gluten-free cornbread muffins, and an easy pumpkin pie for dessert! It is also a great option if you are hosting a small crowd at your holiday table.
Turkey Tenderloin FAQs
Simply continue baking them in the oven until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the meat reaches 165 degrees F.
Yes, this simple turkey tenderloin recipe can easily be doubled if you have a few more people coming to dinner. Simply click the 2x square in the recipe card below.
Technically, yes, you can skip the sear and just bake turkey tenderloin. However, the sear looks really nice and helps hold in the juices for a more tender meat.
Yes, this perfectly seasoned turkey tenderloin could be cooked on the grill, smoker, or even in the air fryer.
Once fully cooked it should rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Other Unique Turkey Recipes You Might Like
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Ingredients
Turkey Marinade:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, (sub coconut aminos)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Turkey Tenderloin Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Turkey Tenderloins:
- 2 pounds turkey tenderloins , thawed (or turkey breast tenderloins)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, (sub ghee)
- 2-3 tablespoons butter, melted (sub ghee)
Instructions
- Prep Turkey + Oven: Ensure the tenderloin is fully thawed, if previously frozen. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Marinade: Combine the Turkey Marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Place turkey tenderloins in a deep baking dish or silicone bag. Pour marinade over top and ensure turkey is fully coated. Place in refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. Remove from marinade (don't shake off extra) and place on a plate.
- Turkey Seasoning: Put the Turkey Seasoning ingredients in a separate bowl; mix to combine. Rub the seasoning on all sides of the turkey tenderloins.
- Sear: Bring a large cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (or ghee) and swirl to coat the pan. Add turkey tenderloin and sear on all sides (about 1-2 minutes per side).
- Bake: Move skillet to oven, middle rack and leave uncovered. Let cook 20-30 minutes or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ at the thickest part (use a meat thermometer). Baste once or twice while baking with 2-3 tablespoons butter, melted, or ghee. Continuing basting with the pan juices after the butter is fully added.
- Rest + Serve: Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes. Slice and serve!
Notes
- Dairy Free: simply use a plant-based butter.
- Gluten Free: substitute the soy sauce in the marinade with coconut aminos.
- Leftovers: store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use some to make leftover turkey salad!
Laura says
Love a quick and flavorful marinade for when short on time. It was delicious and flavorful!
Erin says
Thanks, Laura! Thank you for coming back to leave a review!
Barb says
This is THE BEST recipe. Followed it exactly as is and nope….don’t need to change one thing! Made it for a low key Thanksgiving dinner today. My husband and I LOVED it! Spices are spot on!
Erin says
So happy to hear that, Barb! And thank you for coming back to leave a review and rating – I so appreciate it!
Ruth W. Thomas says
This recipe is truly amazing. I tried it and it turned out very nice.
Brenda J Wasson says
The turkey tenderloin recipe using seasoning and marinade is the best I’ve ever had. So juicy and tender no drying out of meat. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing such a great meal
Erin says
So glad you enjoyed it, Brenda! Thanks for coming back to leave a review – I really appreciate it!