Baking Turkey Tenderloin in the oven is a simple way to make a delicious dish that the whole family will love! It is the perfect dish for a family weeknight meal or a small Thanksgiving celebration.
They are full of Mediterranean flavors from a basic marinade and cooks up in just 30 minutes.
Pair these turkey tenderloins with Pomme Puree - Creamy Mashed Potatoes, steamed veggies, and Mushroom Sauce for the ultimate enjoyment!
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Turkey tenderloin is a succulent and lean cut of meat that is versatile and perfect for making simple, healthy, and delicious dishes. I prefer searing it on high heat before baking it in the oven to help lock in its juices for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Ingredients You'll Need
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.
- Turkey tenderloins - The tenderloins I use for this recipe weigh 100 grams each. However, since they come in varying sizes, the cooking time must be adjusted accordingly.
- Seasoning - I use a simple seasoning made with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
- Olive oil - I use good quality cooking olive oil for the marinade to add flavor to the tenderloin and keep it moist.
- Milk - I use semi-skimmed or full-fat milk. Milk helps the turkey meat get tender and melt in the mouth.
How to Make Turkey Tenderloin in an Oven?
In a bowl, mix olive oil, milk, salt, paprika, dried thyme or oregano, and freshly ground black pepper to create a marinade.
Place the turkey tenderloins in the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight. You can skip this step if you don't have time.
Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C). Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
Sear the marinated turkey tenderloins in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake the turkey tenderloins for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked, with the internal temperature reaching 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the turkey tenderloins from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Top Tips From the Chef
- Marinate the turkey tenderloins for at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight, but no longer than 24 hours before cooking.
- Preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking the turkey tenderloin.
- Sear the turkey tenderloins in a skillet before baking to lock in juices and add a flavorful golden crust.
- To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices for tender and more flavorful meat.
- When slicing the cooked turkey tenderloin, cut against the grain.
Why This Recipe Works?
- The blend of olive oil, milk, herbs, and spices in the marinade brings out a balanced flavor in the turkey tenderloin while tenderizing it.
- Searing the tenderloin before baking locks in its juices, keeping it moist and tender as it cooks.
- You can easily customize the seasoning and marinade to match your taste preferences.
- This recipe is perfect for busy evenings or special occasions since it requires minimal prep and cooking time.
What to Serve with Baked Turkey Tenderloins?
Pomme Puree - Creamy Mashed Potatoes make a classic and comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with tender turkey tenderloin.
Other side dishes to serve with baked turkey tenderloins are:
Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice
Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans
Briam - Greek Roasted Vegetables
Mango Salad with Avocado and Cucumber
Authentic Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Allow the cooked turkey tenderloin to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, place the tenderloin on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Reheat in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through. For a quick reheating option, place turkey tenderloin on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel.
Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can brine turkey tenderloin to enhance its flavor and juiciness. Brining involves soaking the meat in a solution of salt, sugar, and water, along with additional flavorings if desired, for a certain period before cooking.
Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the tenderloins. I cook small tenderloins, each weighing 100 grams, for 18-20 minutes.
You can use leftover turkey tenderloin in many dishes, such as Leftover Turkey Pot Pie with Homemade Shortcrust, just like you would with leftover chicken.
It's great for sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, and pasta dishes, adding both protein and flavor.
Related Recipes
For more delicious thanksgiving recipe ideas why not try:
Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.
I hope you enjoy the process of making this tender and juicy oven-baked Turkey Tenderloin as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂
Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!
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Turkey Tenderloin in Oven
Equipment
- 1 kitchen scale
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 skillet
Ingredients
- 400 g turkey tenderloins (100 grams each)
- 1 tablespoon good quality olive oil
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, milk, salt, paprika, dried thyme or oregano, and freshly ground black pepper to create a marinade.
- Place the turkey tenderloins in the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight. You can skip this step if you don't have time.
- Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C).
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Sear the marinated turkey tenderloins in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake the turkey tenderloins for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked, with the internal temperature reaching 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the turkey tenderloins from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the turkey tenderloins for at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight, but no longer than 24 hours before cooking.
- Preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking the turkey tenderloin.
- Sear the turkey tenderloins in a skillet before baking to lock in juices and add a flavorful golden crust.
- To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices for tender and more flavorful meat.
- When slicing the cooked turkey tenderloin, cut against the grain.
Jenny says
This turkey tenderloin turned out juicy and full of flavor. Easy to make and great for a simple dinner.