This Turkey Tenderloin recipe is delicious and so much quicker than cooking a whole turkey! It’s perfect for a smaller turkey dinner.
Turkey tenderloins are a great option for a small Thanksgiving dinner, or just any weeknight that you’re craving tasty turkey because they don’t take ages to cook.
For this juicy turkey tenderloin recipe, I add some good seasoning on the outside, sear them well in a hot pan, and then cook them at a low temperature just until they’re just done. The sear helps them develop that flavorful crust and color, while the low oven lets them finish off low and slow to be more tender and juicy.
Scroll down to read more about how it all comes together or click here to jump straight down to the recipe.
Turkey tenderloins are a lean, tasty cut of meat that can be prepared quickly for a delicious dinner. With just a few simple preparation steps, you can have tender and juicy turkey tenderloins on the table in under an hour. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook turkey tenderloins perfectly every time.
What Are Turkey Tenderloins?
Turkey tenderloins also called turkey fillets or turkey breast tenderloins are cuts of meat that come from the breast of the turkey. They are long, thin, and cylindrical in shape. Turkey tenderloins are very lean and don’t have any bones or skin on them.
Some key features of turkey tenderloins
- Boneless and skinless
- Very lean and low in fat
- Mild in flavor
- Quick-cooking
- Versatile – can be prepared many different ways
Turkey tenderloins are smaller in size than a whole turkey breast or other larger turkey cuts. A single tenderloin is usually around 1/2 to 1 pound in weight. Their small size makes them perfect for quick weeknight meals, since they cook faster than larger turkey cuts.
How Long To Cook Turkey Tenderloins
Cooking times for turkey tenderloins can vary based on a few factors
Oven Temperature
Higher oven temperatures will cook the tenderloins faster. Most recipes call for baking turkey tenderloins at temperatures between 350°F and 425°F.
- 350°F oven – 50-60 minutes
- 375°F oven – 45-55 minutes
- 400°F oven – 35-45 minutes
- 425°F oven – 30-40 minutes
Thickness
Thicker tenderloins will take longer to cook through to the proper internal temperature. Thinner tenderloins around 1/2 inch thick may only need 30 minutes in the oven.
Bone-In vs Boneless
Boneless tenderloins will cook faster since the bone acts as an insulator that slows down cooking. Bone-in tenderloins can take 10-15 minutes longer than boneless.
Brined vs Unbrined
Brining keeps turkey tenderloins extra juicy, but it can extend cooking time slightly since the brine adds moisture. Brined tenderloins may need 5-10 extra minutes in the oven.
How to Tell When Turkey Tenderloins Are Done
The best way to test doneness for turkey tenderloins is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin, avoiding any bones if using bone-in tenderloins.
Turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat. Once the tenderloins reach 165°F in the center, they are fully cooked.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check for visual cues:
- The turkey will become firm and opaque throughout
- Clear juices will run from the turkey (not pink or red)
Turkey tenderloins should not be pink or have any redness once they are fully cooked.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Turkey Tenderloins
Follow these simple tips for tender, juicy turkey tenderloins every time:
- Pat the tenderloins dry before cooking to help them brown nicely
- Lightly coat the tenderloins in oil before seasoning to help flavors stick
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor temperature and avoid overcooking
- Let turkey rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute
Recipes and Cooking Methods
There are many great options for preparing turkey tenderloins. Here are a few recipes and techniques to try:
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Oven Roasted – Season tenderloins and roast uncovered in the oven at 400°F for 35-45 minutes.
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Maple Glazed – Brush tenderloins with maple syrup and bake until glazed and cooked through.
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Herb Crusted – Coat tenderloins with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, oil, and seasonings before baking.
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Stuffed – Butterfly tenderloins open and stuff with your favorite ingredients like spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes. Roll up and secure before baking.
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Grilled – Oil tenderloins, season, and grill over direct medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side.
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Sautéed – Cook seasoned turkey tenderloins in an oiled skillet over medium-high heat until browned and 165°F.
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Baked in Sauce – Nestle tenderloins in a baking dish, cover with your favorite sauce, and bake until cooked through.
With so many easy preparation methods, turkey tenderloins are a weekday dinner hero. Just be sure to use a meat thermometer and cook to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. In 35-60 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked, juicy turkey on the table.
More Roast Turkey Recipes
You can browse my collection of Thanksgiving recipes or check out some of the following.
And of course, you can complete your delicious turkey dinner with some homemade gravy and cranberry relish.
Should You Marinate Turkey Breast Tenderloins?
As noted above, this cut of turkey often comes packaged in a solution, in which case I don’t recommend either a marinade or a brine. There’s already some flavor getting into the meat from the solution, so just some seasonings on the outside are what’s needed.
However, if yours come packaged dry (which they sometimes do in the fall), then I recommend that you brine them with my standard brine recipe for 45 minutes. The brine will be better than a marinade because marinades don’t tenderize as much, nor do they actually add moisture. A brine will do both.
If you want a big punch of flavor, try my extra-flavorful turkey brine recipe, where you essentially use the pulpy juice of onion, garlic, and herbs as part of the liquid for the brine, which then gets soaked up into the meat.
Any seasoning or seasoning blend will work. I went with a combination that adds a bit of herbiness and also some sweetness and smokiness with smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. You could also use some thyme or rosemary or even this homemade poultry seasoning mix.
How to Cook Turkey Tenderloins
FAQ
What temperature is turkey tenderloin done at?
How do you know when turkey tenderloin is done?
Do you cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
How to cook Jennie O’ turkey tenderloin in the oven?
How do you cook a Turkey Tenderloin in the oven?
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey tenderloins on each side for a minute or two. This helps lock in the moisture. Bake the tenderloins in the oven at 375 °F for about 25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 °F. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing.
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.
How long do you cook a roasted turkey loin?
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. Let the turkey rest: Remove the roasted turkey loin from the oven, cover it with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
How to cook Turkey Tenderloins in a frying pan?
In a small bowl, stir together the garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and sugar until blended. Lay the turkey tenderloins on a clean work surface and pat them dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle the spice rub on the exterior of the tenderloins until nicely coated. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan.