Why go through the hassle of cooking the whole turkey when you can make this simple turkey tenderloin recipe instead? While you can make it any time of the year, this dish is especially fitting for a small Thanksgiving dinner or any special occasion where you aim to impress your guests. We’re covering everything you need to know below, so keep reading for all the details.
Reading this during the summer months? Be sure to check out our Grilled Turkey Tenderloin recipe for an easy summer meal that you can make on the grill.
Wondering how to season turkey tenderloin? Taking cues from my Turkey Rub Seasoning, I prepared my turkey medallions recipe with a mix of oregano, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cooking a perfect turkey tenderloin can seem intimidating. But have no fear! With just a few simple tricks, you’ll have moist, flavorful turkey tenderloins on the dinner table in no time.
What is a Turkey Tenderloin?
A turkey tenderloin is a small, oval-shaped cut of meat that comes from the breast of the turkey, right under the main breast fillets. It’s sometimes labeled as turkey medallions or turkey cutlets.
Turkey tenderloins are very lean and tender, with little connective tissue This makes them ideal for quick cooking methods like grilling, pan searing, or roasting They cook up faster than a whole turkey breast or other larger turkey cuts.
Benefits of Cooking with Turkey Tenderloin
There are a few reasons why turkey tenderloins make a great dinner option:
- Quick cooking time – Turkey tenderloins cook much faster than a whole turkey, making them ideal for weeknight meals. They can be prepared start to finish in about 30 minutes.
- Lean and tender – With very little fat or connective tissue, turkey tenderloins are naturally tender and juicy when cooked properly.
- Mild turkey flavor – Turkey tenderloins have a milder flavor compared to dark turkey meat. Their taste works well with all kinds of seasonings and sauces.
- Cost effective – Individual turkey tenderloins are an affordable way to enjoy turkey, versus purchasing a whole bird.
Choosing and Preparing Turkey Tenderloins
When selecting turkey tenderloins:
- Look for tenderloins that are uniform in size and shape with no bruising or tears.
- Plan on about 4-6 oz tenderloin per person.
- Pat the tenderloins dry before seasoning and cooking to help them brown properly.
- Allow tenderloins to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking for more even cooking.
Seasoning and Flavoring
Turkey tenderloins benefit from added seasoning to boost their mild flavor. Consider these easy seasoning options:
- Herb rub – A simple blend of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage works well.
- Spice rub – For bolder flavor, use spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder.
- Wet marinade – Soak tenderloins in a marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices for added moisture and flavor.
- Brine – For extra juicy meat, soak the tenderloins in a saltwater brine before cooking.
How to Cook Turkey Tenderloins
There are several foolproof methods for cooking tender, juicy turkey tenderloins:
Oven Roast
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Pat dry turkey tenderloins and coat all over with olive oil. Rub them with your choice of seasoning blend.
- Place tenderloins on a baking sheet and roast for 15-18 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing to serve.
Pan Sear
- Pat turkey tenderloins dry and season all over.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add tenderloins and cook 2-3 minutes per side, until browned.
- Transfer skillet to preheated 400°F oven and roast tenderloins for 10-12 minutes until 165°F.
Grill
- Coat tenderloins with oil and season as desired.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill tenderloins for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely marked.
- Move to cooler part of grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until 165°F internal temperature.
Air Fry
- Rub turkey tenderloins with oil and seasoning blend.
- Air fry at 400°F for 9-11 minutes, flipping halfway, until 165°F internal temperature.
Slow Cooker
- Place seasoned tenderloins in slow cooker and add 1 cup broth or water.
- Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours until very tender.
- Shred or slice tenderloins and use in tacos, sandwiches, pasta, etc.
Poach
- Bring broth, wine or water to a gentle simmer in a skillet.
- Add turkey tenderloins, cover and poach for 15-18 minutes until cooked through.
- Use poached turkey in grain bowls, salads, soups.
Cooking Turkey Tenderloin for a Crowd
To prepare turkey tenderloins for a larger group:
- Choose two larger tenderloins, about 1-1 1/2 pounds total.
- Use a roasting pan and increase oven temperature to 425°F.
- Roast for 18-22 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- For a show-stopping dish, arrange turkey medallions on a platter and top with your favorite sauce.
Serving Suggestions
There are endless options for how to serve your cooked turkey tenderloins:
- Slice and add to salads, grain bowls or bowtie pasta.
- Shred or dice for chicken salad sandwiches, tacos or casseroles.
- Pair with roasted veggies and mashed potatoes for an easy dinner.
- Make turkey roll-ups with cheese and spinach using flat tenderloins.
- Top turkey medallions with chimichurri sauce or pesto for an elegant presentation.
With just a bit of prep and a short cook time, you can enjoy incredibly moist, flavorful turkey tenderloins any night of the week. Experiment with different seasonings and serving ideas for delicious variations. Happy cooking!
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What to Serve With Turkey Tenderloin
Wondering what to do with turkey tenderloins? I served my baked turkey breast tenderloin recipe with Garlic Butter Green Beans and Garlic and Rosemary Mashed Potatoes. However, the options are endless!
How to Cook Turkey Tenderloins in the Oven
Want to know how to prepare turkey tenderloin while keeping your meat as juicy and flavorful as possible? My 2-part method—part stovetop and part oven—is the best way to cook turkey tenderloin without drying out the meat.
- Heat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- 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.
- Dry the turkey fillet: Use paper towels to pat dry both sides of the tenderloins.
- Oil the turkey loins: Drizzle the turkey tenderloins with a tablespoon of olive oil, and rub the oil over both sides of the meat.
- Coat with the spice rub: Sprinkle the entire turkey with the prepared seasoning mixture, covering both sides.
- Heat the oil: Add the remaining olive oil to a large stainless steel skillet or cast iron skillet and turn the stove on high. Heat the oil until it turns shimmering hot.
- Sear the turkey breast fillet: Place turkey tenderloins in the heated skillet and cook for 1 minute on each side until the meat lightly browns.
- 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.
- Let the turkey rest: Remove the roasted turkey loin from the oven, cover it with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes. As it rests, the turkey loin temperature should reach 165 degrees F.
- Serve: Slice the now-rested oven roasted turkey tenderloin and garnish with fresh herbs if using. Serve.
How to Cook Turkey Tenderloins
FAQ
Is turkey tenderloin the same as turkey breast?
How to cook Jennie O’ turkey tenderloin in the oven?
What temperature is a turkey tenderloin done?
Is turkey breast tenderloin good for you?
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 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 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 do you cook a Turkey Tenderloin in a cast iron skillet?
Heat the oil: Add the remaining olive oil to a large stainless steel skillet or cast iron skillet and turn the stove on high. Heat the oil until it turns shimmering hot. Sear the turkey breast fillet: Place turkey tenderloins in the heated skillet and cook for 1 minute on each side until the meat lightly browns.