Turkey Tenderloin
on May 27, 2020, Updated Nov 27, 2020
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Turkey tenderloin is a nutritious and tasty meal that can be seasoned with fresh herbs and ready to eat in less than an hour. Even better, you can enjoy this turkey dinner for about $10.00, leaving plenty of leftover change for dessert!
This is one of our favorite low-cost family meals. Read on and I’ll show you step-by-step how to make turkey tenderloin, one of our most popular roasted recipes. Dinner can be served in under an hour with this easy turkey dinner.
Table of Contents
What is Turkey Tenderloin?
Aside from being delicious, it is the part of the meat that comes from between the turkey breasts. It has a richer flavor than chicken tenderloin, and you can make it in tons of different recipes!
- Baked
- Grilled
- Stuffed
- Marinated
Because this part of the turkey is from underused muscle, it is super tender and perfect for the dinner table.
We love delicious turkey recipes, and Thanksgiving food is my favorite! But sometimes you don’t want to make a big traditional Thanksgiving turkey, and that’s where this great-tasting turkey tenderloin comes in.
Some of my other turkey recipes are things like leftover turkey pot pie, hot turkey sandwiches, and even healthy turkey wraps with hummus.
Scott always has something cooking or baking and so when he mentioned that he was making a turkey tenderloin I didn’t think much of it.
Until the aroma hit me, suddenly, I became interested. It was a special sensation.
It was a holiday; it was savory, it was warm. It was coming from our oven, and it was this turkey tenderloin roast!
This recipe for turkey tenderloin that Scott put together is a good example that better eating doesn’t have to come at the expense of good taste and satiety.
The main spices he used for this were rosemary and sage, but only because these were among the spices in our inventory. Thyme would have been a great fit, poultry seasoning would have been good, along with any variety or combination of savory flavors.
The point here, as Scott does so well time after time, is to use what you have. With a little imagination and a little hunger, it’s amazing the things that will come to mind and ultimately end up on your dinner plate.
Besides using just a few ingredients for this family meal, you can have it ready to eat in under one hour! Ahhhhmazing!
Recipe add-ons
Before placing this in the oven, consider the following flavor-enhancers for this turkey dinner:
- Spread a fine layer of honey mustard over the surface prior to baking.
- Sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the surface (with or without the honey mustard)
- Let it bake in a cup of chicken broth.
Other herbs that bake well with this include:
- Rosemary
- Tarragon
- Basil
- Thyme
Expert Recipe Tip
Let it Rest After Roasting – Once the tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, giving you tender, succulent slices instead of dry or tough meat.
What to serve with Turkey Tenderloin
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Easy mashed potato recipe, infused with fresh chopped garlic.
- Wilted Spinach
- Oven-roasted spinach that is simple to make, healthy, and delicious!
- Homemade Crusty Bread
- One of our most popular recipes, you have to try this homemade bread ASAP!
Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin
- Add a cup of chicken broth to your slow cooker.
- Place the turkey tenderloin in the crock-pot.
- Season with salt, pepper, and the suggested herbs listed above.
- Cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 3-4 hours.
- Allow tenderloin to rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Can I grill Turkey Tenderloin?
Grilled turkey is easy to make and just as delicious to eat! To make this version, you’ll want to:
- Place the seasoned turkey in a gallon-size zip lock bag.
- Add a few tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of water. Then, rotate the bag a few times until the tenderloin is coated in herb marinade.
- Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours.
- When you’re ready to grill it, drain and discard the marinade. Grill the turkey tenderloin for 8-10 minutes per side, until the internal temperature is 170° F.
Be sure and try our 5-Minute Cranberry Relish Recipe with this turkey tenderloin!
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Roasted Turkey Tenderloin
Equipment
- Roasting pan with cover
Ingredients
- 24 oz Turkey tenderloin
- 1 tbsp Dried sage
- 1 tbsp Dried rosemary
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 and then season both sides of the tenderloin with dried sage, rosemary, salt and pepper, to taste.
- Place the prepared turkey in a roasting pan and cover and then roast for approximately 40 minutes or until the juices run clear. Take out of roasting pan and place on cutting board.
- Tent with aluminum foil and all the meat to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Slice the tenderloin into 1 1/2 to 2-inch slices and serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Updated from the original post of May 10, 2014
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Is turkey tenderloin available at most meat departments or do I need to go to a butcher shop and ask for a special order? I have never noticed it in the stores.
Thanks, Lisa
I plan to make this for Thanksgiving and Christmas. And all year long. It looks, and; sounds so easy. And I’m sure will be delicious.
Turkey tenderloin is often available in the meat department of most major grocery stores, typically near the poultry section where chicken breasts and turkey products are displayed. It’s packaged as boneless and skinless, usually in vacuum-sealed packs. However, availability can vary by location and season, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and check with your local store.
If your store doesn’t carry it, you don’t necessarily need to go to a specialty butcher. Many grocery stores are happy to place a special order for you if you ask at the meat counter. Butcher shops can also be a reliable option if you’re looking for fresh or larger quantities
i am usualmy solo on thanksgiving ,but always make a turkey breast( you can’t find tenderloin or cutlets here in mexico. i use tarragon and sage and butter and oven roast. only problem is no drippings for gravy. in oaxaca turkey is typically served with a mole sauce. thanks
“With a little imagination and a little hunger, it’s amazing the things that will come to mind” – I couldn’t agree more! Scott’s tenderloin sounds so good – I feel I, too, can smell it!!! 🙂
Shashi,
Wish you could have joined us for this one! Thanks for the comments 🙂
Tell Scott he did a marvelous job with the turkey! Simple and easy recipe and love the addition of herbs!
The leftovers were pretty delcious too! Thanks for the comments!