Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

This turkey tenderloin recipe is loaded with flavor and wonderfully easy to make. The juicy turkey tenderloin is coated in a simple yet incredibly delicious marinade, and then it's roasted to perfection making for one of the best turkey recipes of all time. And, to make it even better, only 3 simple steps and a handful of simple ingredients are all you need to make this easy turkey recipe!

The Best Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

If you love turkey, just wait until you try this easy turkey tenderloin recipe.

I mean, it's got all the same flavor as a perfectly roasted turkey breast, except it's even juicier and more tender. Plus, the combination of apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, dijon mustard, and savory herbs that make the marinade creates an elevated mouthwatering flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

While it's marinating and baking, you'll have plenty of time to make some equally delicious sides to go with it. Sides like these cheesy mashed potatoes, these honey glazed carrots, or this corn souffle. Making these will give you all of the elements of a delicious Thanksgiving dinner!

Ingredients

• Turkey breast tenderloins
• Apple cider vinegar- white balsamic vinegar works too.
• Brown sugar- for a hint of sweetness.
• Dijon mustard- you can also use brown mustard depending on your flavor preference.
• Garlic cloves- minced to add savoriness.
• Fresh chopped thyme and rosemary- for a fresh herb flavor.
• Sea salt and pepper- for more flavor.
• Extra-virgin olive oil

How To Make Roasted Turkey Tenderloin

Step 1: Marinade The Turkey Tenderloin

First things first, you're going to make the marinade for your turkey breast tenderloins. To do this, you'll want to take out a large bowl and add the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, garlic thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, go ahead and give all of the marinade ingredients a good whisk until they fully combine. 

Next, place the turkey tenderloins in the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat it. Then you can cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes or overnight if you want to let the flavors infuse even more.

Step 2: Bake The Turkey Tenderloin

Now, once your turkey tenderloins have marinated for long enough, you can preheat your oven to 350°F (180ºC). Then, place the turkey tenderloin in a baking dish so it can hold the extra marinade, and bake it for 30-40 minutes.

Step 3: Serve

Finally, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Letting it rest is key to getting it to retain its juices and stay nice and tender.

Then, after 10 minutes up, you can slice the baked turkey tenderloins and serve with some sides like this Amish potato stuffing, these redskin mashed potatoes, and brown gravy. Enjoy!

My Expert Tips For Making Amazing Turkey Tenderloin

These are the tricks I’ve learned through trial and error, and I hope they help you create a turkey tenderloin that’s juicy, flavorful, and unforgettable!

1. Brine for Unbeatable Juiciness: I know brining takes a bit of extra time, but trust me on this one—it’s totally worth it! Even a quick 2-hour soak in a simple brine of water, salt, and sugar makes the turkey tenderloin so much juicier and more flavorful. It’s a little secret I use whenever I want to impress without a ton of effort.
2. Invest in a Meat Thermometer: I used to guess when my turkey was done, and, well, let’s just say I had a few dry dinners! Now, I rely on a meat thermometer to hit that magic 160°F (71°C) before taking it out of the oven. The meat rests up to the perfect 165°F (74°C) as it sits, staying juicy every time.
3. Give It Time to Rest: I know it’s hard to wait when your kitchen smells amazing, but letting the turkey rest for about 5-10 minutes is a game-changer. The juices get a chance to settle back into the meat, so when you slice into it, each piece is moist and tender. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference!
4. Sear It for That Extra Flavor Punch: If you’re like me and love a little extra flavor, try searing the tenderloin before baking. Just a quick minute or two in a hot skillet creates a gorgeous golden crust that adds so much depth. It’s one of those little tricks that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen.
5. Finish with a Glaze for Extra Wow: I’ve found that brushing the turkey with a bit of honey-mustard glaze or melted butter during the last few minutes in the oven takes it to the next level. It keeps the meat super tender and adds a delicious hint of sweetness that my family can’t get enough of.

How To Store Roasted Turkey Tenderloin

This recipe for turkey tenderloin will make about 6 large servings. So it makes for the perfect big family dinner or main course if you're hosting. Honestly, it's so delicious that it can take the place of a whole turkey on Thanksgiving - you might just want to make a whole mess of 'em if that's the route you choose to take.

Anyway, if you happen to have some turkey left over, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Alternatively, if you want your turkey breast tenderloin to last even longer, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container - or freezer-safe bag - and freeze them for 4-6 months.

How To Reheat Turkey Tenderloin

Now, to reheat your leftover turkey tenderloin, I recommend using the oven. So, to reheat them there, just place your turkey tenderloins in a baking dish - with a little broth or any leftover marinade you have - and put it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes - or until the turkey tenderloins are fully warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature is turkey tenderloin done at?

You'll want to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when checking the thickest part of the meat with a meat thermometer.

Is turkey tenderloin the same as turkey breast?

No, they are not. The difference between a whole turkey breast and a turkey breast tenderloin is that tenderloins are a different part of the turkey - they're located from between the breasts - and they're usually easier to eat - and much more tender - than turkey breasts. Also, usually, turkey tenderloins come without the skin on them, and they are boneless. Turkey breasts, on the other hand, usually have the bone still in them and the skin still on them. Turkey breasts are also a much more muscular piece of meat - so they're tougher to eat.

More Dinner Recipes

If you loved this turkey tenderloin recipe and you're looking for more easy dinner recipes just like it, we have a bunch on the blog you can try next! 

Here are some of our favorites: 

• Baked turkey wings
• Chicken pot pie casserole
• Ground turkey casserole
  
• Italian chicken cutlets
• Chicken and shrimp alfredo

Also, for even more deliciousness, don't forget to follow us along on Tiktok, Youtube, and Instagram. We post new ones on them every single day.