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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the oven: Once marinated, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve: Slice the rested turkey tenderloins and serve with your choice of sides.
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.
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
