Oven-Roasted Turkey Tenderloin with Herb Garlic Butter Recipe

Introduction

This oven-baked turkey tenderloin is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender and juicy, it’s enhanced by aromatic herbs and garlic butter that create a delicious, savory crust.

Ingredients

• 24 ounces turkey tenderloin (Jennie-O brand recommended)
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup salted butter (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly snipped rosemary
• 1 tablespoon freshly snipped thyme
• 1 tablespoon freshly snipped Italian parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Allow the turkey tenderloin to come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Rub the turkey evenly with poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Mix well and refrigerate this garlic butter while preparing the turkey.
3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey tenderloin on all sides, about 5 minutes total, until golden brown.
4. Step 4: Transfer the seared turkey to a baking dish. Place a few teaspoons of the garlic butter on top of each tenderloin. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145ºF using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
5. Step 5: Remove the turkey from the oven and brush with the remaining garlic butter. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with additional freshly snipped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked turkey—overcooking can dry it out.
• Replace the fresh herbs with dried if needed, using half the quantity for a more concentrated flavor.
• For extra flavor, marinate the turkey in the garlic butter mixture for a few hours before cooking.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover turkey tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the meat. You can also slice and add leftovers to sandwiches or salads.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh turkey breast instead of tenderloin?

Yes, fresh turkey breast can be used, but adjust the cooking time as larger cuts may need longer to reach 145ºF internally.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?

Dried herbs work well as substitutes. Use about half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh to avoid overpowering the dish.

Oven-Roasted Turkey Tenderloin with Herb Garlic Butter Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 53 reviews

This oven-baked turkey tenderloin recipe features succulent turkey seasoned with poultry spices, seared to lock in flavor, and finished with a fragrant garlic herb butter for a juicy, tender result perfect for a comforting meal.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 35 minutes (including 30 minutes to bring turkey to room temperature)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (5 minutes searing + 25 minutes baking)
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Turkey Tenderloin

• 24 ounces turkey tenderloin (Jennie-O brand recommended)
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garlic Herb Butter

• 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly snipped rosemary
• 1 tablespoon freshly snipped thyme
• 1 tablespoon freshly snipped Italian parsley

Instructions

1. Bring Turkey to Room Temperature: Allow the turkey tenderloin to sit out for 30 minutes so it reaches room temperature, ensuring even cooking. Rub the turkey evenly with poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Prepare Garlic Butter: Mix the room temperature salted butter with minced garlic, salt, and freshly snipped rosemary, thyme, and Italian parsley. Refrigerate this herb butter until ready to use to keep it fresh.
3. Sear the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey tenderloin and sear on all sides for about 5 minutes total, developing a flavorful crust.
4. Bake the Turkey: Transfer the seared tenderloin to a baking dish. Place a few teaspoons of the garlic herb butter on top of each tenderloin. Bake inside a preheated 350ºF oven for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 145ºF at the thickest part, using a meat thermometer.
5. Rest and Serve: Brush the remaining garlic herb butter over the turkey right after removing it from the oven. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then garnish with extra freshly snipped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Bringing the turkey to room temperature before cooking helps ensure even cooking throughout.
• Using a meat thermometer is key to perfect doneness, aiming for 145ºF internal temperature for juicy turkey.
• Searing the turkey in a cast iron skillet locks in moisture and builds flavor.
• The garlic herb butter can be prepared ahead and refrigerated to save time.
• Allowing the turkey to rest after baking helps keep it tender and juicy.

Keywords: turkey tenderloin, oven baked turkey, garlic herb butter, poultry seasoning, baked turkey recipe, juicy turkey tenderloin