Description
This turkey tenderloin recipe offers succulent, juicy poultry seasoned with a fragrant blend of herbs and spices, seared to develop a flavorful crust, and then perfectly roasted in the oven. Ideal for a quick yet elegant meal, this recipe yields tender meat with rich smoky notes and balanced seasoning, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Turkey Tenderloins
- 2 turkey tenderloins (about 4 oz or ~113 grams each)
Spice Rub
- ¼ teaspoon rubbed sage (or dried oregano)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325 degrees F to prepare for roasting the turkey tenderloins.
- Make the Rub: In a small bowl, combine sage, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Dry the Tenderloins: Use paper towels to pat the turkey tenderloins dry on all sides to ensure a good sear later.
- Coat with Oil: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the tenderloins and rub it evenly on both sides to help the seasoning stick and to promote browning.
- Add the Rub: Sprinkle the prepared spice mix evenly over both sides of the tenderloins, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Heat the Oil: Place a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Heat until the oil is shimmering hot.
- Sear: Place the seasoned turkey tenderloins in the hot skillet and sear them for 1 minute on each side until they are lightly browned, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the turkey tenderloins until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees F, about 15 minutes. This ensures the meat stays juicy and tender.
- Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven, cover the tenderloins loosely with aluminum foil, and let them rest for 10 minutes. During this time, the temperature will rise to the safe minimum of 165 degrees F, completing the cooking process without drying out the meat.
- Serve: Slice the turkey tenderloins and serve immediately, enjoying a flavorful, tender main dish.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is safely cooked without overcooking.
- Substitutions for sage include dried oregano if you prefer.
- Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor; sweet paprika can be used for a milder taste.
- Resting the meat is crucial to keep it juicy and tender by redistributing the juices.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on serving needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American