Our Turkey Tenderloin recipe is juicy, delicious and deserves a spot on your Thanksgiving menu! We have a marinade + seasoning for you that come together to create the most amazingly flavorful turkey tenderloin! This is a great recipe for a special occasion when you don’t feel like making a whole turkey but still want a delicious turkey dinner!
Easy Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
We have gone all out creating this juicy, tender and flavorful recipe and we just know you are going to LOVE IT! Don’t skip that marinade or seasoning … they belong together! There is something special about a tenderloin (this grilled pork tenderloin is insane too) and this might be our favorite of all-time! Serve with some of our favorite side dishes like Garlic Green Beans and Ultimate Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes – perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving meal!
Have You Ever Made Turkey Wings?
If you love turkey as much as we do, you definitely need to try our Smoked Turkey Wings!
Why This Recipe Works
- Marinade + Dry Rub: this combo just takes things to the next level!
- Searing: I love the idea of searing this on all sides to make the outside a little charred!
- Roasting + Resting: then we roast it for a while to finish cooking so they inside stays juicy – don’t skip the resting period, it is essential for the juices to redistribute!
What You Will Need
- 1 batch turkey marinade: it is full of citrus and so many other amazing flavors and spices! Sage, thyme, kosher salt, ground black pepper, rosemary, garlic powder and onion powder come together to make a classic turkey rub.
- 1 batch turkey seasoning: some of your classic turkey flavors like sage!
- turkey tenderloins (or turkey breast tenderloins): this lean cut of meat usually they come 2 in a package at the grocery store, but use whatever you can find.
- olive oil: we use this to coat the pan before searing the tenderloin.
- butter or ghee: this is used to baste the tenderloin while it is roasting in the oven.
How To Cook Turkey Tenderloin
The first step to this easy recipe is to make sure your turkey tenderloin or turkey breast tenderloin are fully thawed, if previously frozen. Pat dry with clean paper towels.
Turkey Tenderloin Marinade
Tenderloins are the perfect piece of turkey to marinate (this Roasted Turkey Breast would be great too) because of their smaller size. Our Turkey Marinade is full of flavor, you are going to LOVE it!
Combine the marinade ingredients in a large bowl and pour over tenderloin; let marinate about 30-60 minutes. Remove from marinade, let excess liquid drip off, and set on a plate. Discard leftover marinade.
Turkey Tenderloin Seasoning
We really wanted to take this turkey tenderloin to the next level, so we added a turkey seasoning as well! Made with classic flavors that pair perfectly with the marinade. A great way to achieve double deliciousness!
Bring a large cast iron skillet to a medium-high heat and add oil and butter (or ghee). Place tenderloins in the hot skillet to sear on all sides. Then move the entire skillet to the oven to bake for 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes of cook time. Use an internal meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Use a basting brush to baste the turkey 1-2 times during the cooking process with the melted butter in the pan.
Let meat rest on a large platter or cutting board for 5-10 minutes, cut, and serve.
Best Ways To Serve 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 only have a small crowd for Thanksgiving dinner.
Storage
Any leftover turkey tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Made this recipe and loved it?! We would love it if you would take a minute and leave a star rating and review – it is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that as well. THANK YOU!
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Other Recipes You Might Like
Smoked Turkey
Smoked Turkey Breast
How to Deep Fry a Turkey
Spatchcock Turkey
Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner/Entree
- Method: Stove Top + Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
Our insanely juicy and flavorful Turkey Tenderloin recipe (or turkey breast tenderloin) is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 batch turkey marinade
- 1 batch turkey seasoning
- (2) 1lb turkey tenderloins (or turkey breast tenderloins)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (or ghee)
- 2–3 tablespoons butter, melted (or 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: Add seasoning ingredients to a separate bowl. Rub the seasoning mixture all over ensuring it covers every part of the turkey.
- Sear: Bring a large cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Add 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 uncovered. Let cook 20-30 minutes or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. at the thickest part using an internal meat thermometer. Baste once or twice while baking with melted butter or ghee. Once you use up the melted butter, you can baste with the pan juices (there won’t be a ton, but there should be enough to baste with a brush).
- Rest + Serve: Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes. Slice and serve!
Notes
- Dairy Free: simply use a plant-based butter.
- Leftovers: store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use some to make leftover turkey salad!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4oz
- Calories: 172
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 129.4 mg
- Fat: 6.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
- Protein: 27.1 g
- Cholesterol: 72.6 mg
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!