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Turkey dinner doesn’t always mean cooking a whole bird. I learned this after years of making holiday meals for my small family, where a full turkey would leave us eating leftovers for weeks. These days, I’ve found that turkey tenderloin is my go-to when I want that classic turkey flavor without the fuss.
What I love about roasting turkey tenderloin is how straightforward it is. No wrestling with a massive bird or trying to figure out where to store it in the fridge. Plus, it cooks in about an hour – perfect for those Sunday dinners when you want something special but don’t have all day to spend in the kitchen. I usually prep mine while I’m getting my side dishes ready, and the timing works out just right.
Whether you’re cooking for a smaller holiday gathering or just want a nice weekend dinner, this recipe might become your new favorite way to enjoy turkey. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t discover it sooner.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Tenderloin
- Quick cooking time – Ready in just 30-45 minutes, this turkey tenderloin is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- Lean and healthy – Turkey tenderloin is one of the leanest cuts of meat you can choose, making this a protein-rich, low-fat dinner option that still tastes great.
- Simple ingredients – You’ll only need basic pantry seasonings and butter to make this flavorful dish – no fancy or hard-to-find ingredients required.
- Weeknight-friendly – With minimal prep work and easy cooking steps, this recipe is perfect for regular rotation in your dinner menu, while being nice enough for company too.
What Kind of Turkey Tenderloin Should I Use?
Turkey tenderloin is actually the inside strip of the turkey breast, and you’ll usually find it sold in individual packages in the poultry section. Fresh turkey tenderloin is ideal for this recipe, but if you can only find frozen, that’s perfectly fine – just make sure it’s completely thawed in the refrigerator before cooking. Look for tenderloins that are pale pink in color with little to no visible fat or tendons, and try to choose pieces that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. If your store offers both plain and pre-seasoned varieties, grab the plain version since we’ll be adding our own seasonings to this recipe.
Options for Substitutions
This simple turkey recipe can be adapted with several easy swaps if needed:
- Turkey tenderloin: If you can’t find turkey tenderloin, chicken breast or pork tenderloin make great alternatives. Just adjust cooking time – chicken might need 5-10 minutes less, while pork usually takes about the same time.
- Butter: You can swap butter with olive oil or avocado oil. If using oil instead of butter, use about 1.5 tablespoons since oil is more liquid than butter.
- Garlic and onion seasoning: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove) and onion powder work just fine. Or use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon regular onion powder if that’s what you have.
- Dried herbs: Fresh herbs can replace dried ones – just double the amount (1 teaspoon each of fresh thyme and oregano). You can also use Italian seasoning blend (1 teaspoon total) to replace both herbs.
- Paprika: Regular, smoked, or sweet paprika all work well here. If you don’t have any paprika, you can leave it out or add a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Roasting
The biggest mistake when cooking turkey tenderloin is overcooking it, which can turn this lean cut into a dry, disappointing meal – use a meat thermometer and remove the tenderloin from the oven when it reaches 160°F, as it will continue cooking to the safe temperature of 165°F while resting. Another common error is not letting the meat come to room temperature before cooking, which can lead to uneven cooking – take your tenderloin out of the fridge 30 minutes before roasting. To get the most flavor from your herbs and seasonings, gently pat the turkey dry with paper towels before applying the butter and spice mixture, as excess moisture can prevent the seasonings from sticking properly. For the juiciest results, let the cooked tenderloin rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing, and always cut against the grain to ensure tender, easy-to-eat portions.
What to Serve With Turkey Tenderloin?
Turkey tenderloin is like a blank canvas that pairs well with all your favorite holiday-style sides, but without the fuss of cooking a whole bird! For a quick weeknight dinner, I love serving it with roasted baby potatoes and green beans – they can cook in the oven right alongside the turkey. A simple rice pilaf also works great to soak up any pan juices, and you can never go wrong with a classic mashers-and-gravy combo. If you’re keeping things light, try a fresh arugula salad with lemon dressing or some roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with a bit of olive oil and garlic.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Got leftover turkey tenderloin? Place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge – it’ll stay good for up to 4 days. The herbs and seasonings actually help the meat stay flavorful, making it perfect for sandwiches or salads throughout the week.
Freeze: If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled turkey tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag with the air squeezed out. It’ll keep nicely in the freezer for up to 3 months. Pro tip: slice it before freezing for easier portioning!
Reheat: To keep your turkey tenderloin juicy when reheating, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave it with a damp paper towel on top to prevent it from drying out. Just heat in 30-second intervals until it’s warm enough for you.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 150-160 g
- Fat: 40-50 g
- Carbohydrates: 0-5 g
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds turkey tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon onion seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F.
This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the turkey tenderloin.
Step 2: Season the Turkey Tenderloin
Mix together your selection of spices in a small bowl.
Generously rub the spice mixture on all sides of the turkey tenderloin to ensure it’s evenly coated with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Place the seasoned turkey tenderloin on a baking sheet.
Cut the butter into small pats and strategically place them on top of the turkey.
The butter will help keep the turkey moist and add an extra layer of flavor as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake the Turkey Tenderloin
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven.
Cook the turkey for 20-30 minutes.
Keep in mind that cooking time will vary based on the size and thickness of the turkey tenderloin.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F, ensuring it is properly cooked.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the turkey tenderloin is fully cooked, remove it from the oven.
Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve the turkey tenderloin hot, sliced, and enjoy your flavorful entrée!
