Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (2024)

01 hour 25 minutes

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4.94 from 63 votes

by Lisa Longley

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posted: 09/18/21

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Jump to Recipe

by Lisa Longley

|

posted: 09/18/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Jump to Recipe

Turkey Tenderloin is a delicious and easy dinner idea. This perfect turkey breast tenderloin rests in the best marinade, and then bakes up for a simple, healthy, delicious dinner.

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (2)
PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER!

I have such a delicious dinner recipe for you today that requires so little hands on time. Marinating meat and baking it before dinner may take a little bit of planning, but it is so worth it. With this Turkey Tenderloin recipe we are using a really simple marinade with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

What we are left with after baking is a melt in your mouth turkey tenderloin that is full of smokey flavor with the smallest hints of sweet and spice. This is a light and healthy low carb dinner that you will come back to over and over.

Reader Review

Another delicious recipe from you! We really enjoyed this and I was apprehensive of the marinade, but it was so good. Another one of your recipes I would recommend.

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (3)

How to Cook Turkey Tenderloin

  1. Marinate the turkey tenderloin. The first step in this recipe is to whisk together a simple marinade. Let the turkey sit for 2 to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Bake the turkey. After marinating, the turkey is removed from the marinade. You then bake it in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes.
  3. Let the turkey rest. After roasting any meat, you should let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This prevents the juices from running out of the meat and leads to juicier cuts.
  4. Slice and enjoy.

Turkey Tenderloin Marinade

We tweaked and tested the marinade a few times until we were left with something we really fell in love with. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. For the full measurements, please scroll to the bottom of the post and find the printable recipe card.

  • apple cider vinegar
  • low sodium soy sauce
  • lime juice
  • garlic cloves
  • brown sugar
  • chipotle powder
  • dried onion flakes
  • chili powder
  • ground mustard
Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (4)

How Long to Marinate Turkey Tenderloin

A common misconception is that you can’t marinate meat for too long. Or that the longer you marinate the meat the better. This is actually not true. The acid that we use in a marinade, in this case the apple cider vinegar and the lime juice, are great because they break down the outside of the meat. This allows the rest of the flavors to penetrate the meat.

However, if you marinate meat for too long, the meat will break down too much. This will lead to meat that isn’t tender, but rather gummy. No one wants that. A good rule of thumb is to not marinate your meat for longer than 24 hours. Because the turkey tenderloin is already quite tender, you can get away with marinating this for 30 minutes.

How to Keep Turkey Moist

Besides a great marinade, the other key to keeping a turkey moist when cooking is to not over cook it. This recipe goes from underdone to done very quickly. In our oven, it reached 165 degrees at about 47 minutes.

I highly recommend investing in an instant read thermometer so that you can pull this out of the oven right when it hits 165 degrees. You can even it pull it out a minute or two before and it will continue cooking outside of the oven. Don’t be shy about testing the meat. At about 40 minutes take a read of it so you know how quickly it is cooking.

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (5)

FAQ

What is a turkey tenderloin?

A turkey tenderloin comes from the breast of the turkey.

What temperature is turkey done at?

A turkey is done cooking when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

What temperature should turkey tenderloin be cooked at?

This recipe should be roasted at 350 degrees for approximately 45 to 50 minutes.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

If you are allergic to soy, you could replace it with Braggs Liquid Aminos or Coconut Aminos. If you are using Braggs, I recommend cutting the amount used as it is much more salty. Start with half and taste the marinade before adding the meat.

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (6)

What to Serve with this Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

There are so many great side dishes to serve with this recipe. If you are specifically looking to keep this dinner low carb, I recommend the following sides:

  • Air Fryer Cauliflower
  • Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
  • Kale Salad

If you aren’t looking to keep things low carb, I would make these amazing Cheddar Bay Biscuits to go with this.

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (7)

4.94 from 63 votes

Turkey Tenderloin

Serves: 4 servings

(tap # to scale)

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 45 minutes minutes

Total: 1 hour hour 25 minutes minutes

Turkey Tenderloin is a delicious and easy dinner idea. This perfect turkey breast tenderloin rests in the best marinade, and then bakes up for a simple, healthy, delicious dinner.

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Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds turkey tenderloin

Turkey Tenderloin Marinade

  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons chipotle powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard

Instructions

  • Make the marinade by combinging all of the ingredients in a small bowl.

  • Put the turkey in a sealable container. Pour the marinade over the turkey tenderloin. Place the container in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Take the turkey out of the marinade and place in the baking dish, discarding the rest of the marinade.

  • Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes or until the turkey registers 165 degrees. We highly recommend checking the temperature at 40 minutes as this recipe can quickly go from undercooked to over done.

Calories: 197kcal (10%) Carbohydrates: 3g (1%) Protein: 43g (86%) Fat: 1g (2%) Cholesterol: 105mg (35%) Sodium: 420mg (18%) Potassium: 36mg (1%) Sugar: 1g (1%)

Author: Lisa Longley

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (8)

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Turkey Tenderloin

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Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (14)

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Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (15)

Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

Reader Interactions

    LEAVE A COMMENT

  1. Sue says

    Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (16)
    Made it, LOVEDIT! I did not have low sodium soy, so I cut back one TBSP. Then I had the dilemma of what to serve with it, hmmmm. Soy=Asian, chipotle=Mexican!!!??

    This was so delicious, I went Mexican, black beans, salad and cilantro rice with cojita cheese and cilantro. My husband really like the “drippings” from the marinade, I will reserve some next time!

    Thank you for this great recipe!

    One more thing, I was worried about marinating 24 hours, so i froze it after two hours and thawed 1/2 hour before cooking.

    Reply

    • Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (17)Lisa Longley says

      I’m so glad that you liked it!

      Reply

  2. Savanna says

    Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (18)
    Our favorite easy go-to weeknight dinner recipe!! I make it just as you have it. Tender and juicy! I make with red roasted potatoes and a salad. Even my red meat-loving husband enjoys it!! YUM!!

    Reply

    • Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (19)Lisa Longley says

      I’m so glad you liked it!

      Reply

  3. Kym says

    Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (20)
    Wow! I bought the Turkey Tenderloin because we had a very small gathering for Thanksgiving. I didn’t considering how I was going to cook it so turned to Pinterest and found your recipe. I’m so happy with the results. I had all the ingredients in my pantry and set it up early Thanksgiving morning. Your suggestions for limiting the marinade and cooking time was incredibly helpful. I learned so much from reading your blog. I am enjoying leftovers today and can’t get over the incredible flavor and tenderness. We won’t want until the holiday to try it again. Thank you. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (21)Lisa Longley says

      Kym, you absolutely made my day with this comment. Thank you! And I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

older comments

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between turkey breast and turkey tenderloin? ›

Not quite! The turkey tenderloin is a portion of the turkey breast and it is boneless and skinless. A turkey breast, on the other hand, is usually bone-in, skin-on. We have a great roasted turkey breast recipe if you're looking for one!

What temperature is a turkey tenderloin done? ›

According to USDA Food Safety Guidelines, the internal temp. of turkey tenderloin should reach 165 degrees F. before consuming it. However, I recommend removing your tenderloin from the oven when it reaches 155 degrees F.

What cut of meat is a turkey tenderloin? ›

The tenderloin, a boneless, skinless portion of the turkey breast, is one of the most tender parts of a turkey. It's favored by turkey connoisseurs because it can be cooked in so many different ways. The tenderloin is a staple in a variety of cuisines, which is a testament to its versatility.

Is turkey tenderloin dark or white meat? ›

Turkey tenderloin is a part of the turkey breast and is boneless and skinless. A turkey breast usually has a bone inside and skin on. Is turkey tenderloin white or dark meat? Turkey tenderloins are considered white meat and are extremely tender.

Are turkey tenderloins healthy? ›

99% Fat Free Turkey Breast Tenderloins

With 28g of protein and 1g of fat per serving, it's a feel-good way to feed your family. Simply season and make a sheet pan dinner or throw them on the grill for an easy meal.

Are turkey breast tenderloins good? ›

tender juicy and delicious

I put these into the crockpot on low for 3 hours. they turned out so tender and juicy. they didn't dry out like a lot if turkey products can. they are seasoned beautifully.

What is the best temperature to cook a tenderloin? ›

For roasts that are 2 to 3 pounds, roast at 425°F for 35 to 40 minutes for medium rare (135°F) and 45 to 50 minutes for medium (150°F) doneness. For roasts weighing 4 to 5 pounds, roast at 425°F for 50 to 60 minutes for medium rare (135°F) and 60 to 70 minutes for medium (150°F).

How do you know when turkey tenderloin is done without a thermometer? ›

To find out if your turkey is done without a thermometer, pierce the mid-thigh muscle with a fork, explains Johnson. "When the juices run clear, and no longer reddish or pink in color, it's a good indication that your turkey is done." In most cases, the deep thigh is the last part of the turkey to be done.

How to tell if turkey tenderloin is cooked without a thermometer? ›

If you don't have a thermometer, how can you tell if a turkey is fully cooked without drying it out? Twist the leg bone and prick the breast with a fork. If the leg bone rotates easily and if juices from the breast run clear, the bird is almost certainly done.

Is turkey tenderloin lean? ›

JENNIE-O® Boneless Turkey Breast Tenderloin is the perfect meat for smoking, grilling, or baking. This turkey breast tenderloin is a 99% fat free ingredient to spice up your lunch or dinner. Use it for a lean source of protein in gyros, salads, or whatever you're craving!

How do you remove turkey tenderloin? ›

The tenderloin is a long cylindrically shaped muscle that is easily removed from the rest of the breast meat. The tendon in the middle of the tenderloin should be removed before cooking. Pull on the end of the tendon while making swiping cuts along the meat attached to the length of the tendon.

Is turkey tenderloin real turkey? ›

Sourced from the boneless, skinless part of the turkey breast, the tenderloin is a thick strip of meat cut from between the turkey's breasts."

What is the healthiest turkey to eat? ›

You might dig into the plentiful pile of turkey breast, which is typically considered the "healthier" choice. You can probably eat more turkey that way, right? Or maybe you gravitate toward the thigh meat or enter into the who-gets-one-of-the-drumsticks lottery. Both parts are widely regarded as the moister choices.

Which part of the turkey is healthiest? ›

Bottom Line: Breast meat is the leaner choice, but only by a narrow margin.

What is the healthiest cut of turkey? ›

You might dig into the plentiful pile of turkey breast, which is typically considered the "healthier" choice.

What turkey is the most tender? ›

Size is key — smaller birds tend to be more tender; if you have a lot of guests coming, think about cooking two small turkeys instead of one large one. Gender plays a role too — female birds, known as hens, tend to be slaughtered younger (i.e., smaller); larger turkeys are typically males, known as toms or stags.

Which turkey meat is better? ›

It also tends to be more tender and moist due to the higher fat content. Some people prefer the taste and texture of dark meat because of these qualities. On the other hand, white meat is leaner and has a milder flavor. It is generally considered healthier because it contains less fat and fewer calories than dark meat.

Is a turkey breast as good as a whole turkey? ›

If you're not desperately attached to the idea of serving an entire turkey at your feast, skip the dark meat altogether and cook a breast instead. You'll only have one target temperature to deal with, no carving to worry about and more space for side dishes, not to mention a more manageable, fast-cooking piece of meat.

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