Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (Quick & Easy) - The Big Man's World ® (2024)

Seasoned with bold flavors, this easy turkey tenderloin recipe is extra tender and succulent. Oven baked to perfection, it makes a healthy and quick dinner with three other cooking methods (air fryer, slow cooker, and grill).

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (Quick & Easy) - The Big Man's World ® (1)

Think turkey breasts were reserved for Thanksgiving and the holidays? Think again! This juicy turkey tenderloin recipe proves it can and should be part of your dinnertime rotation.

Like air fryer turkey breast and roasted boneless turkey breast, the tenderloin is known for being extra tender. We often have them in our regular weeknight meal rotation as a fun alternative to chicken breasts or pork steak.

Table of Contents
  1. Recipe highlights
  2. Ingredients Needed
  3. How to cook turkey tenderloin
  4. Alternative cooking methods
  5. Recipe tips and variations
  6. How to store leftovers
  7. Frequently asked questions
  8. More delicious ways to enjoy turkey
  9. Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (Recipe Card)

Recipe highlights

  • Perfect texture and flavor. Like spatchco*ck turkey, the meat is perfectly juicy and moist in the middle. It’s subtly spicy, a tiny bit sweet, and oh-so flavorful!
  • Four cooking options. I like to bake the turkey, but I’ve also tested it in the air fryer, the slow cooker, and a simple charcoal grill.
  • Quick and easy. From prep to plate, this dish cooks in under 30 minutes!
  • Easy to customize. Similar to sous vide turkey breast, I like to keep things simple with just a handful of seasonings, but you can dress it up with a fancy sauce, a juicy marinade, or even a flavorful spice rub.

If you have any leftovers, turn them into a delicious turkey sandwich or shred the meat and add it to turkey noodle soup.

Ingredients Needed

This turkey breast tenderloin is so easy, and besides the meat itself and some seasonings, there isn’t much else that is needed. Here is what you’ll need:

  • Turkey tenderloins. Buy fresh, light pink turkey loins for this recipe. Note that they are significantly larger than chicken tenderloins.
  • Salt and black pepper. For seasoning.

Turkey tenderloin marinade

  • Garlic and onion powder. It gives a nutty fragrance and flavor to the tenderloin without needing the fresh kind.
  • Paprika and chili flakes. I have used a blend of two peppers to get a lovely heat. Add a teaspoon of cayenne to the mix to amp it up!
  • Oregano. I didn’t want an overpowering Italian herby flavor, so I restricted myself to only dried oregano. You can use fresh herbs, too, like rosemary and thyme.
  • Cumin and coriander powder. Adds some savory and umami forward flavors.
  • Brown sugar. It adds sweetness and helps get a perfect caramelization.
  • Olive oil. To coat the pan. Butter also works.

How to cook turkey tenderloin

I’ve includedstep-by-step photosbelow to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to therecipe cardat the bottom of this post.

Step 1- Prep the spice mix marinade: Mix spices in a small bowl.

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (Quick & Easy) - The Big Man's World ® (2)

Step 2- Season the turkey: Dry the turkey, coat them with spice, and press them into the meat. Marinate them in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (Quick & Easy) - The Big Man's World ® (3)

Step 3- Cook in the skillet: Place the turkey in a smoking hot cast iron skillet with oil. Cook on medium-high on all sides.

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (Quick & Easy) - The Big Man's World ® (4)

Step 4- Finish in the oven: Once golden, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the internal temp reaches 155°F.

Step 5- Rest, slice, and serve: Rest the turkey for 15 minutes, carve the turkey, and serve.

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (Quick & Easy) - The Big Man's World ® (5)

Alternative cooking methods

As mentioned earlier, while I prefer roasting the tenderloin, I’ve tested this recipe in the air fryer, on the grill, and also in the slow cooker.

Air fryer method: Prep the turkey as instructed then place it in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 200C/400F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Grill method: Skip the searing step and add the tenderloins directly onto a hot grill. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165F.

Slow cooker method: To make crockpot turkey tenderloin, sear the turkey and add it to a slow cooker, along with any vegetables. Cook on low for 5-6 hours then serve

Recipe tips and variations

  • Prep it the night before: Get a headstart on your cook by marinating the turkey tenderloin a day in advance.
  • Let the turkey rest: Do you know the secret to a juicy turkey? It is the resting time! The juices redistribue during this time and make the turkey super succulent!
  • Avoid overcooking the turkey: You must monitor the cooking time because it is a lean meat cut. Depending on the thickness of the cut, adjust the baking times so that the turkey is cooked to perfection. The best way to check is to use an instant-read thermometer. Like chicken, fully cooked turkey is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
  • Save the turkey drippings: Don’t throw away the brown bits from the skillet. Deglaze the pan and make gravy with it!
  • Serving ideas! I typically make the turkey the star of the dinner and add side dishes around it. Salads, potatoes, and some cranberry sauce for a delicious turkey dinner.

How to store leftovers

To store. Keep the leftover turkey tenderloin in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To freeze. Allow the turkey to cook thoroughly, then freeze it in a ziplock bag for up to three months.

To reheat. Reheat in the microwave or a preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. Remember to cover the tenderloin with foil before reheating in the oven.

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (Quick & Easy) - The Big Man's World ® (6)

Frequently asked questions

Should I cover my turkey when it bakes?

Covering the turkey as it bakes is unnecessary, as it has been seared beforehand and will cook more evenly and quickly without it. Also, check its internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Cooked turkey tenderloin should have an internal temperature of 165F.

More delicious ways to enjoy turkey

  • Turkey wings
  • Turkey drumsticks
  • Air fryer turkey meatballs
  • Air fryer turkey burgers
  • Turkey sausage

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (Quick & Easy) - The Big Man's World ® (7)

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

4.85 from 20 votes

Seasoned with bold flavors, spices, and aromatics, this easy turkey tenderloin recipe is extra tender and succulent. Oven baked to perfection, it makes a healthy and quick dinner option. Watch the video belowto see how I make this in my kitchen.

Servings: 8 servings

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 30 minutes mins

Total: 40 minutes mins

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Video

Ingredients

  • 2 one-pound turkey tenderloins 2 lbs total
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.

  • Combine the spices in a small bowl. Pat dry the turkey with a paper towel.

  • Sprinkle the spices on the turkey breasts and press them well into the meat, ensuring all sides are covered. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

  • Heat the olive oil in an iron skillet on medium-high heat until smoking hot. Cook the turkey, turning occasionally until golden crust forms on all sides.

  • Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for 25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 155F.

  • Leave the turkey tenderloin to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

TO STORE. Keep the leftover turkey tenderloin in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

TO FREEZE. Allow the turkey to cook thoroughly, then freeze it in a ziplock bag for up to three months.

TO REHEAT. Reheat in the microwave or a preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. Remember to cover the tenderloin with foil before reheating in the oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 20gFat: 5gSodium: 938mgPotassium: 32mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 196IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.4mgNET CARBS: 2g

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Author: Arman Liew

Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsem*nt, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (Quick & Easy) - The Big Man's World ® (2024)

FAQs

How to cook a Jennie O' turkey tenderloin in the oven? ›

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place tenderloins in a shallow baking pan. Bake until meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of the meat reaches 165°F, approximately 60-70 minutes. Remove from oven, cover and let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.

What temperature is turkey tenderloin done at? ›

Ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer. When the turkey is done, it should have a golden brown surface.

What part of the turkey does the tenderloin come from? ›

Sourced from the boneless, skinless part of the turkey breast, the tenderloin is a thick strip of meat cut from between the turkey's breasts.

Is turkey tenderloin white meat? ›

It's boneless, skinless white meat that is prized for being one of the most tender parts of the bird. The relatively small size of the tenderloin means it cooks in minutes rather than the hours that a whole turkey demands.

How do you know when turkey tenderloin is done without a thermometer? ›

Another check is to run a long-tined fork into thick muscle; the meat should feel tender and the juice should show no pink tinge.

How long do you cook a Jennie O turkey in the oven? ›

Roast turkey approximately 4 hours. During final 1 hour, check internal temperature by inserting thermometer into thickest part of breast and thigh. Remove from oven when internal temperature reaches 165°F in breast and 180°F in thigh.

What is the best temperature to cook a tenderloin? ›

Knowing how long to cook and the right beef tenderloin temperature is key to any tenderloin recipe. Timings are based on meat removed directly from the refrigerator. For roasts that are 2 to 3 pounds, roast at 425°F for 35 to 40 minutes for medium rare (135°F) and 45 to 50 minutes for medium (150°F) doneness.

How do you know when a tenderloin is done without a thermometer? ›

Although thermometers are the best way to determine if your pork is done cooking, you can gauge the doneness of pork by the color of the juices that come out of it when you poke a hole in it with a knife or fork. If the juices that come out of the pork run clear or are very faintly pink, the pork is done cooking.

Is turkey tenderloin supposed to be pink? ›

The color of cooked poultry is not always a sure sign of its safety. Only by using a food thermometer can one accurately determine that poultry has reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F throughout the product. Turkey can remain pink even after cooking to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F.

Are turkey tenderloins healthy? ›

Is turkey tenderloin healthy? According to WebMD, “Turkey is a great source of protein. The body uses protein to build and repair bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, blood, and tissue. Protein is a macronutrient, which means that your body needs a lot of it.

What is the difference between turkey breast and tenderloin? ›

Tenderloin is the long strip of meat located on the inside of the turkey breast. True to the name, this cut stays tender when cooked. It's also comparable to turkey breast meat in terms of nutrition. A 4-ounce serving has about 120 calories and 28 grams of protein.

Why is the tenderloin so expensive? ›

Limited Availability and High Demand

This cut is extracted from the tenderloin area of the animal, a relatively small muscle that produces only a small portion of meat per animal. As a result, there is a limited supply of filet mignon available compared to other cuts, which increases its overall value.

What is the white thing in tenderloin? ›

Underneath the chicken breast is a piece of meat called the tenderloin. Attached to the tenderloin is a tough, white tendon. It can be left in and cooked, however it is more pleasant to eat if removed.

What temperature is a turkey tenderloin done? ›

As with all turkey, the recommended safe internal temperature is 165°F. You should take your tenderloins out of the oven when they reach 160°F. Then take them out of the skillet they're cooking in and transfer them to a plate or cutting board. Let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

How to cook a Jennie O' turkey tenderloin? ›

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place tenderloins in a shallow baking pan. Bake until meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of the meat reaches 165°F, approximately 60-70 minutes. Remove from oven, cover and let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.

How to cook a boneless skinless Jennie O turkey breast? ›

Place turkey breast on a rack in shallow pan. Roast skin side up at 325°F., for 2 ¼ to 2 ¾ hours or until meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F. Juices should run clear.

Is Jennie O oven ready turkey breast precooked? ›

JENNIE-O® OVEN READY™ Boneless Turkey Breast. With OVEN READY™ Boneless Turkey Breast, all the hard work is already done! With no thawing required, it's the easiest way we know how to get a flavorful and nutritious meal for your family or gathering.

What temperature is medium rare tenderloin in the oven? ›

For roasts that are 2 to 3 pounds, roast at 425°F for 35 to 40 minutes for medium rare (135°F) and 45 to 50 minutes for medium (150°F) doneness. For roasts weighing 4 to 5 pounds, roast at 425°F for 50 to 60 minutes for medium rare (135°F) and 60 to 70 minutes for medium (150°F).

How to cook pork tenderloin in oven without thermometer? ›

If you don't have a thermometer, follow the recommended cooking time (15-20 minutes), then pull the pork out of the oven and touch the thickest part of it. You can get a good gauge on how done it is by following the finger test – just remember you're looking for medium-rare to medium here!

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