Enjoy a delicious turkey dinner with this easy roasted turkey tenderloin recipe. No need to fuss with a whole turkey or even a full turkey breast. Turkey tenderloin is a wonderful option for a turkey dinner any night of the week.
In under an hour, you can be slicing and serving this delicious turkey tenderloin for dinner. With only 5 total ingredients, you can make the most flavorful and tender turkey that everyone will love.
Cooking a delicious turkey tenderloin may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be with the right techniques! In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make tender, juicy turkey tenderloins at home
What Is Turkey Tenderloin?
Turkey tenderloin, also known as turkey medallions or turkey fillets, refers to the tender, boneless, skinless cut of meat from the breast area of the turkey. Compared to the whole turkey breast, tenderloin is smaller in size but more tender in texture Many regard it as the most tender part of the turkey!
When buying, look for packages of 1-2 tenderloins that are around 4 ounces each The tenderloins may be labeled as “turkey cutlets” or “turkey scaloppini” – these are just other names for turkey tenderloin
Why Cook Turkey Tenderloin?
Turkey tenderloin offers a quick, lean, and easy to cook cut of meat. Here are some of the benefits of cooking tenderloin:
- Extremely tender and juicy when cooked properly
- Mild turkey flavor that pairs well with spices
- Cooks faster than a whole turkey breast
- Versatile for grilling, baking, sautéing etc.
- Lower fat than ground turkey or parts with skin
- Provides a good source of lean protein
Choosing The Right Cooking Method
There are several ways to cook tender, juicy turkey tenderloins:
Oven Baking: The oven produces evenly cooked, juicy tenderloins. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
Stovetop Searing: Searing locks in moisture and flavor. Cook tenderloins in an oiled pan over medium-high heat.
Grilling: Imparts a delicious smoky flavor. Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side.
Air Frying: Yields crispy, golden exterior with tender interior. Air fry at 370°F for 10-12 minutes.
Sautéing: Quick stovetop method to cook tenderloins in a pan with a sauce.
Slow Cooking: Allows you to infuse flavor into the meat. Low and slow cooking keeps tenderloins fall-apart tender.
Any of these methods can yield delicious results. Oven baking may be the easiest route for most home cooks.
Step-By-Step Guide To Oven Baked Turkey Tenderloin
Follow this simple process for foolproof oven-baked turkey tenderloins:
Ingredients:
- 2 turkey tenderloins (4 oz. each)
- Olive oil
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, herbs)
Directions:
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Heat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
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Pat the tenderloins dry and coat all over with olive oil. Generously season both sides.
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Sear tenderloins in a hot pan for 1 minute per side to brown.
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Transfer to the baking sheet and bake 12-15 minutes until 155°F internally.
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Let rest 5-10 minutes until 165°F before slicing to serve.
Tips For Best Results:
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Make sure tenderloins are patted very dry before searing
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Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked doneness
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Letting it rest after baking allows juices to redistribute
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Adjust bake times slightly for larger or smaller tenderloins
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Infuse flavor with a marinade or spice rub
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Slice against the grain of the meat for tenderness
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Store leftovers for up to 4 days refrigerated
Cooking Times For Turkey Tenderloin
The cooking time can vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your tenderloins. Here are general guidelines:
Oven Baked
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4 oz. tenderloins: 12-15 minutes at 350°F
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8 oz. tenderloins: 15-18 minutes at 350°F
Grilled
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4 oz. tenderloins: 6-8 minutes per side over medium heat
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8 oz. tenderloins: 8-10 minutes per side over medium heat
Air Fried
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4 oz. tenderloins: 8-10 minutes at 370°F
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8 oz. tenderloins: 10-12 minutes at 370°F
Use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge doneness. Cook to 155°F, then let rest until 165°F.
How To Tell If Turkey Tenderloin Is Done
It can be tricky to visually determine if lean turkey tenderloin is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature. Here are some ways to test for doneness:
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Use a meat thermometer – insert into thickest part, cook to 165°F
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Check internal color – slice into thickest area to see white meat, clear juices
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Cut into center – meat should not be pink when sliced through
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Touch test – tenderloins should feel firm when pressed, not squishy
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Listen for sizzling – tenderloin is done when searing/grilling sounds stop
A reliable instant read meat thermometer is the best way to prevent undercooked poultry. Cook turkey tenderloin to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
Flavorful Seasonings For Turkey Tenderloin
Since turkey tenderloin is a lean cut, it benefits from extra seasoning. Here are some tasty options:
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Herbs – thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, marjoram
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Spices – garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder
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Blends – poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, jerk seasoning
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Citrus – lemon juice, lime zest, orange slices
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Savory – soy sauce, Worcestershire, mustard, balsamic
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Salty – olives, capers, prosciutto, bacon
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Sweet – maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, apples
Get creative with spice rubs, herb crusts, flavored butters, and marinades to make your baked or grilled turkey tenderloin pop with flavor.
Perfect Pairings For Turkey Tenderloin
Turkey tenderloin is versatile enough to be served at any meal. Here are some tasty ways to use it:
Breakfast
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Turkey tenderloin hash
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Turkey, egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches
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Turkey sausage patties
Lunch
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Turkey wraps with veggies and hummus
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Chef salad with turkey over greens
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Open faced turkey sandwiches
Dinner
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Turkey skewers with peppers and pineapple
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Turkey fajitas with sautéed peppers and onions
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Pasta in turkey bolognese sauce
Sides
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Roasted vegetables – Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, zucchini
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Whole grains – brown rice, quinoa, farro
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Fresh greens – spinach, kale, arugula
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Starchy vegetables – potatoes, butternut squash
With endless options for preparation, turkey tenderloin can be worked into any type of cuisine. Get creative with healthy spices, marinades and global flavors.
So try this versatile lean cut of meat in your meal planning. Just follow the tips above for irresistibly tender, juicy results. With the right techniques, cooking delicious turkey tenderloin is totally foolproof!
What is Turkey Tenderloin?
Turkey tenderloin is a very lean and tender section of white meat located under the turkey breast. They are generally about ¾lb each and packaged two to a package. You’ll find them in the meat section on the supermarket. The packaging is similar to pork tenderloin – vacuum sealed in long and slender package. Turkey tenderloin is skinless and all white meat.
I’m always drawn to recipes which have a low number of ingredients. I mean, that makes them easy, right? In this case, absolutely! Aside from our turkey tenderloins, we’ll use some butter or margarine, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder and parsley flakes. Really, that’s it. The lemon pepper seasoning provides a brightness that is perfect for skinless, lean poultry. Combined with the garlic powder, it creates a very savory and delicious seasoning for our turkey.
After removing the packaging, give the turkey tenderloins a rinse with cool water. Then, we want to pat them dry with paper towels. Line an 8″ x 8″ glass baking dish with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup much easier. In a small dish, combine the lemon pepper, garlic powder and parsley. In another small dish, melt the butter or margarine in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Now brush the bottom foil to prevent sticking, then brush the turkey tenderloins until well coated. Now simply sprinkle on the seasoning. You’ll have enough to liberally seasoning all sides of the turkey tenderloins.
Bake at 350°(F) for About 45 Minutes
Our turkey tenderloins are now ready for the oven. Place the dish on the middle rack, uncovered, in a preheated oven at 350°(F) for 40-50 minutes. You’ll want the internal temperature of the turkey to be between 160°(F) and 165°(F) when measured with an instant read food thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. The internal temperature is very important. You’ll find that most often 45 minutes is perfect. Keep in mind that the turkey will continue to cook for a few minutes when removed from the oven to taking it out at 160°(F) is ideal for best results and to get to the ideal temperature for poultry – 165°(F).
The Best Way To Make A Juicy Turkey Tenderloin
FAQ
Is turkey breast the same as turkey tenderloin?
Are turkey tenderloins the same as turkey breast? No, the turkey tenderloin is the boneless part of the turkey breast. It is the skinless piece that sits between the turkey breast and the breast bone. It is a smaller cut than using the entire breast.
How to cook Jennie O turkey breast tenderloins?
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place tenderloins in a shallow baking pan. Bake until meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of the meat reaches 165°F, approximately 60-70 minutes. Remove from oven, cover and let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.
What is the best way to keep a turkey moist while cooking?
Add about 1/2 inch of liquid (water or stock) to the roasting pan. This will keep the oven moist and the turkey juicy.Jun 30, 2024
What temperature should turkey fillet be cooked at?
When is turkey tenderloin done? According to the FDA, turkey is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F. The best way to tell when it’s done is to insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the poultry.
How to cook a Turkey Tenderloin in the oven?
Sprinkle the turkey tenderloins with the dry rub. Massage the dry rub into the turkey tenderloin, being sure that the whole tenderloin is covered in dry rub. Drizzle the top of the turkey tenderloin with olive oil and place the baking sheet in the oven.
How long does it take to cook a Turkey Tenderloin?
Bake the pan-seared turkey tenderloin: Place the skillet in the oven. Roast until the internal temperature of turkey tenderloin registers 155 degrees F. (about 15 minutes). Be sure to insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat.
What temp should Turkey Tenderloin be cooked at?
According to the USDA, turkey tenderloin needs to have an internal temp of 165ºF. Try it! We swear by using a meat thermometer when cooking any cut of meat. The Thermapen is our go-to meat thermometer that works every time. What temp should I cook Turkey tenderloin? The best oven temperature to cook your baked turkey tenderloin recipe at is 400ºF.
How to cook a Turkey Tenderloin in a frying pan?
In a small bowl combine the salt, paprika, oregano, and pepper. Sprinkled it evenly over both sides of the tenderloins. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl it around to coat bottom of the pan. When shimmering, add the turkey tenderloins. Cook until well-browned underneath, 3-5 minutes.
How do you cook a roasted turkey breast Tenderloin?
When the internal temperature reaches 163°F., the baked turkey breast tenderloins are ready to come out of the oven. Rest the meat for 10 minutes before slicing. Lightly cover the roasted turkey with a sheet of aluminum foil so it stays warm. During the 10 minutes of rest time, the meat will continue to cook.
How to cook Turkey Tenderloin without drying out?
My 2-part method—part stovetop and part oven—is the best way to cook turkey tenderloin without drying out the meat. Prepare the turkey tenderloin rub: In a small bowl, mix the sage, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set the seasoning aside.