Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
I’ll never forget the Thanksgiving a few years back when I decided to try roasting a full turkey for the first time. It was a 15-pound bird, and I was overly confident and had no idea what I was doing. I spent hours basting, rotating, checking temperatures—and still ended up with dry white meat and a kitchen that looked like a war zone, all these for just Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe.
The silver lining? My aunt then brought the side dish that saved dinner: a Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe. Moist, perfectly seasoned, and cooked in under an hour, it was the unexpected hit of the evening. That single dish changed my entire approach to holiday cooking.
Now, I make this Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe year-round. It’s lean, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. This Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe has become a family staple, whether it’s for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or smaller holiday gatherings where a full bird feels like overkill.
Today, I’m sharing the exact recipe that turned me into a turkey tenderloin convert. Let’s dive into what makes it special.
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Ingredients
For the Turkey:
- 2 turkey tenderloins (1.5–2 lbs total)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Herb Marinade:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
How to Prepare Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice + zest
- Chopped herbs
- Onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes
- Salt & black pepper to taste
The result should be a thick, aromatic herb paste.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
- Pat turkey tenderloins dry with paper towels.
- Rub them all over with 1–2 tbsp olive oil.
- Generously coat the tenderloins with the garlic herb marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
The longer the marination, the more intense the flavor.
Step 3: Roast the Tenderloin
Option A: Oven Roasting (Best for Even Browning)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat an oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat.
- Add a bit of olive oil and sear the tenderloins for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned.
- Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160–165°F (71–74°C).
- Remove from oven, tent with foil, and rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Option B: Grill
- Preheat grill to medium heat (around 400°F).
- Sear tenderloins for 2–3 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat.
- Grill covered for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
- Rest before slicing.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to slice the tenderloin into medallions. Serve warm with your choice of sides and drizzle with any juices from the pan.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin
This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for pairing and plating:
Side Dish Ideas:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic cauliflower mash
- Roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes)
- Steamed green beans or asparagus
- Herbed quinoa or wild rice pilaf
- Buttery dinner rolls
Light Options:
- Garden salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Arugula salad with parmesan and balsamic glaze
- Cucumber and tomato salad with dill
Leftover Ideas:
- Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce
- Turkey & veggie grain bowls
- Turkey quesadillas or wraps
Pro Tips for the Juiciest Tenderloin
- Don’t overcook it.
Use a meat thermometer to hit the sweet spot (160–165°F). Overcooked turkey gets dry fast. - Let it rest.
Resting helps redistribute juices and makes slicing easier. - Use fresh herbs if possible.
Dried herbs work in a pinch, but fresh herbs add vibrancy and color. - Marinate longer for more flavor.
Even a 2-hour marinade makes a noticeable difference. - Sear before roasting.
This locks in flavor and gives a golden crust.
Variations
1. Spicy Herb Turkey
Add 1 tsp cayenne or extra red pepper flakes to the marinade.
2. Lemon-Pepper Turkey
Skip smoked paprika and double the lemon zest + black pepper.
3. Garlic Herb Butter Glaze
Melt 2 tbsp butter with herbs and brush on turkey during final 5 minutes of roasting.
4. Mediterranean Style
Add oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomato to the marinade. Serve with couscous.
5. Honey-Garlic Herb Tenderloin
Add 1 tbsp honey to marinade for a sweet-savory finish.
FAQs
Q1: What is turkey tenderloin?
It’s the boneless, skinless, lean cut from beneath the turkey breast. Super tender, it cooks quickly and is perfect for roasting or grilling.
Q2: Can I use turkey breast instead?
Yes, but turkey breast is larger and will need more time to cook. Adjust seasoning and monitor internal temperature closely.
Q3: Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely. Marinate the day before and roast just before serving. Or roast ahead and gently reheat in a 325°F oven with a splash of broth.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q5: Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze cooked tenderloin whole or sliced for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q6: How do I reheat without drying it out?
Wrap in foil with a splash of broth and reheat in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving—based on 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 2g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 280mg |
Note: Nutrition will vary based on oil quantity, side dishes, and serving size.
Final Thoughts
There’s beauty in simplicity—especially when simplicity tastes this good. This Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen or a long list of ingredients to serve up a dish that’s flavorful, juicy, and memorable.
It’s healthy, fast, and flexible enough to serve on a holiday table or for a Wednesday night dinner. Best of all, it turns lean turkey into something downright crave-worthy. Whether you’re a turkey skeptic or simply looking for new ways to make the most of this protein-rich meat, this Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation.