Oven Baked Turkey Tenderloin
Baked turkey tenderloin is juicy, tender, and full of flavour. It is perfect for a small turkey dinner, Sunday lunch, or holiday meal without cooking a whole bird.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Fat
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 281kcal
- 14 oz turkey tenderloins (400 grams, about 100 g / 3½ oz 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
Mix the olive oil, milk, salt, paprika, dried thyme or oregano, and black pepper in a bowl.
Add the turkey tenderloins and coat them well in the marinade.
Cover and marinate in the fridge. Leave it for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you have time. Do not marinate for longer than 24 hours.
Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F.
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil.
Shake off excess marinade from the turkey tenderloins. Sear the turkey on both sides until lightly golden.
Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
Check the thickest part with a meat thermometer. The turkey is cooked when it reaches 75°C / 165°F.
Remove from the oven and rest for 10 minutes.
Slice against the grain and serve.
- This recipe uses small turkey tenderloins. Larger tenderloins need more oven time.
- The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of the meat. Use a thermometer for the best result.
- Do not add the leftover marinade to the hot skillet. It can burn and turn bitter.
- Shake off excess marinade before searing. The turkey browns better when the surface is not too wet.
- Let the skillet heat properly before adding the turkey. The meat should sizzle as it touches the pan.
- Use a small baking dish if your skillet is not oven-safe. Move the seared turkey straight into the dish and bake as directed.
- Rest the turkey before slicing. This helps keep the slices juicy.
- Slice against the grain for a softer texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze cooked turkey tenderloin for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently with a splash of stock or water. Turkey tenderloin is lean and can dry out with harsh reheating.
Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 717mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 62IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.4mg