Best Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

If you’re looking for a juicy, flavorful dish that’s easy to make but feels a little fancy, then you’re going to want to try this Best Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out with its perfect balance of zesty garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. The result? A tender, savory turkey tenderloin that’s wonderfully moist and packed with savory goodness. Trust me, once you get this in your rotation, you’ll keep coming back because it’s just that good.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing fresh herbs and good quality turkey tenderloins really makes a difference in this Best Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe. The combination of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar in the marinade helps tenderize and add a subtle sweetness, which balances the robust garlic and herbs.

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps blend the marinade flavors while aiding in searing.
• Apple cider vinegar: Tenderizes the turkey and gives just a gentle tang.
• Light brown sugar: Brings a touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when seared.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic offers that punchy aroma and depth you can’t get with powders.
• Dried thyme and oregano: Earthy, fragrant herbs that pair perfectly with poultry.
• Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky undertone and vibrant color.
• Fine sea salt & ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to highlight all those flavors.
• Turkey tenderloins: Choose ones about 1/2 pound each for even cooking and best texture.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Best Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the occasion. Feel free to tweak the herbs or even the marinade base—you’ll find it adapts beautifully.

• Increased herb freshness: Whenever possible, swap dried thyme and oregano for fresh ones—it really amps up the flavor.
• Lemon zest twist: Adding lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before cooking gives it a bright, fresh note my family adores.
• Spicy variation: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little kick that wakes up your taste buds.
• Gluten-free and paleo friendly: This recipe naturally fits many special diets, and the marinade uses simple, whole ingredients.

How to Make Best Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Step 1: Whisk together the marinade and marinate your turkey

Start by mixing olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This combination is magic—it tenderizes the turkey while infusing it with layers of flavor. Coat your turkey tenderloins thoroughly and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. I usually like to marinate mine for at least an hour, but if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will do the trick. For the most flavor, you can marinate it overnight. This little step is key in turning ordinary turkey into something worthy of a Sunday dinner.

Step 2: Sear your tenderloins to seal in flavor

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Heat a cast iron or heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then add a tablespoon of olive oil and swirl it around. Using tongs, transfer each turkey tenderloin to the hot skillet and sear it without moving for 2 to 3 minutes per side. This step locks in moisture and creates a beautiful golden crust that’s impossible to beat. Watching the turkey develop a crust is always exciting because it promises juicy, caramelized bites ahead.

Step 3: Bake until perfectly cooked and let it rest

Once both sides are seared, pop the whole skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for about 17 minutes for 1/2 pound tenderloins—if yours are bigger, plan for closer to 25-30 minutes and keep a meat thermometer handy. The goal is 160°F internally when you take it out (it will gently rise to 165°F while resting). Be very careful removing the skillet from the oven—it’ll be sizzling hot! Tent the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest 10 minutes before slicing. This rest is what keeps the juices locked in, so don’t skip it.

How to Serve Best Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top just before serving—you get that fresh pop of color and herbaceous flavor that complements the garlic and spices perfectly. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end never hurts either if you want a little brightness to cut through the richness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this garlic herb turkey tenderloin are roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots, creamy mashed potatoes, and a light mixed greens salad. Sometimes I’ll do a wild rice pilaf to soak up any leftover juices, which feels extra cozy and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this sliced turkey tenderloin on a wooden board with a variety of colorful sides and herb sprigs scattered around—it looks rustic yet elegant and is a real crowd-pleaser. You could also slice thin and layer it over crostini with a swipe of herbed cream cheese for a fancy appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, I let the turkey cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then wrap it tightly in foil and place it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. I recommend slicing before storing to make reheating easier and more even.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked turkey tenderloin leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored inside freezer bags. It keeps nicely for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for moist, flavorful turkey any day.

Reheating

To reheat without drying out, I pop the turkey slices in a covered baking dish at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or gently warm in a skillet with a splash of broth. Microwaving works too if you cover the plate and heat in short bursts, but the oven method keeps it juicy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Best Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe has become one of my go-to meals because it’s effortlessly impressive and consistently delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it delivers juicy turkey with bright herbaceous flavors every time. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and your plate with incredible taste!

Best Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 130 reviews

• Author: Jessica
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 26 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 1 minute
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Best Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin recipe features juicy, marinated turkey tenderloins infused with a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, and spices. Marinated in olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of brown sugar, then seared in a skillet and oven-baked, this easy yet elegant dish delivers tender, perfectly cooked turkey packed with savory goodness. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.

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Ingredients

Turkey Tenderloin Marinade:

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
• 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Turkey:

• 2 (1/2 pound each) turkey tenderloins
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
2. Marinate the turkey: Place the turkey tenderloins in the bowl and thoroughly coat them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to permeate the meat.
3. Preheat the oven: Once marinated, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
4. Sear the turkey: Heat a medium cast iron or oven-safe heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Using tongs, transfer the marinated turkey tenderloins to the skillet. Sear without moving for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
5. Bake the turkey: Move the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the tenderloins for 17 minutes for 1/2 pound pieces, adjusting time for larger tenderloins as needed. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
6. Rest and finish: Carefully remove skillet using oven mitts. Tent the tenderloins with aluminum foil and let rest for 10 minutes; the temperature will rise to 165°F during resting.
7. Serve: Slice the rested turkey tenderloins and serve with your choice of sides.

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Notes

• For larger turkey tenderloins (1 pound), extend baking time to 25-30 minutes and use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature hits 160°F before resting.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, use a Dutch oven or sear in a nonstick skillet then transfer to an oven-safe dish before baking.
• Be careful not to overcook as turkey can dry out quickly; always rely on a meat thermometer to check doneness.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 turkey tenderloin (1/2 pound)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg