Oven Baked Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Introduction

Oven Baked Turkey Tenderloin is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Marinated in a blend of herbs, garlic, and a touch of sweetness, the tenderloin is seared and then baked to juicy perfection.

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons (45mL) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tablespoons (45mL) apple cider vinegar
• 1 and ½ Tablespoons (19g) firmly packed light brown sugar or maple syrup
• 3 medium cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 24 ounces (680g) turkey tenderloin

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar or maple syrup, garlic, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Step 2: Place the turkey tenderloins in the bowl or a large zip-top bag and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours for best flavor.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC).
4. Step 4: Heat a 10-inch cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to coat the pan.
5. Step 5: Using tongs, transfer the marinated turkey to the skillet. Sear each side without moving for about 2-3 minutes until browned.
6. Step 6: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a digital instant-read thermometer; it should read at least 160ºF (71ºC). If not, return to the oven for 2 more minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove the skillet from the oven and tent with foil. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes to reach the safe temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) and retain its juices.
8. Step 8: Slice and serve. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze according to instructions below.

Tips & Variations

• For smaller tenderloins, adjust baking time: 8oz portions bake for 16-18 minutes, while larger 16oz portions may need 26-28 minutes.
• You can substitute brown sugar with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
• If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, sear the meat in a regular pan and transfer it to an oven-safe dish for baking.
• Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the turkey.

Storage

Store leftover turkey tenderloin covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It freezes well for up to 3 months; freezing after searing is recommended, but fully baked tenderloins can be frozen too. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and bake starting from step 6, adding a few extra minutes as needed, or warm gently on the stovetop.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs; use about three times the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried.

How do I know when the turkey is done?

The safest way is to check the internal temperature with a digital instant-read thermometer. It should reach 165ºF (74ºC) after resting to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Oven Baked Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 104 reviews

This Oven Baked Turkey Tenderloin recipe features tender, flavorful turkey marinated in a blend of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and herbs, then seared in a skillet and finished in the oven for juicy, perfectly cooked meat. Ideal for a healthy, easy weeknight dinner, this method locks in moisture and infuses the turkey with bright, savory flavors.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including minimum 1 hour marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade and Turkey

• 3 Tablespoons (45mL) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tablespoons (45mL) apple cider vinegar
• 1 and ½ Tablespoons (19g) firmly packed light brown sugar or maple syrup
• 3 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 24 ounces (680g) turkey tenderloin

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (or maple syrup), minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until well blended to create the marinade.
2. Marinate the Turkey: Place the turkey tenderloins into the bowl or a large zip-top bag. Coat the meat evenly with the marinade by turning or pouring the marinade over it. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, then refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour up to 24 hours for optimal flavor absorption.
3. Preheat the Oven: After marinating, preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) for baking the turkey tenderloins.
4. Sear the Tenderloins: Heat a 10-inch cast iron or heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to coat the pan. Using tongs, transfer the marinated turkey to the skillet and sear each side without moving for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned.
5. Bake the Tenderloins: Place the skillet with seared turkey directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-22 minutes. Check the internal temperature in the thickest part with a digital instant-read thermometer; it should reach at least 160ºF (71ºC). If not, bake for an additional 2 minutes and recheck.
6. Rest the Meat: Once the turkey reaches the safe temperature, remove the skillet from the oven. Tent it loosely with foil and let the turkey rest for 10 minutes to allow residual heat to finish cooking the meat to a safe 165ºF (74ºC). Slice and serve immediately.
7. Storage and Freezing: Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can freeze tenderloins after searing or fully baked for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and either bake or warm as needed.

Notes

• Turkey tenderloin packs (24oz) generally contain two tenderloins weighing around 12oz each. For larger pieces, cut into manageable 8-12oz portions for even cooking.
• Adjust ingredient amounts accordingly for 1 pound of tenderloin: use 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 Tablespoon brown sugar/maple syrup, 2 garlic cloves, 1½ teaspoons dried thyme, 1½ teaspoons dried oregano, ¾ teaspoon paprika, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
• Baking times vary: 8oz tenderloins require 16-18 minutes, 16oz require 26-28 minutes. Always rely on an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
• If you lack a cast iron or oven-safe skillet, use a Dutch oven or sear in a traditional skillet then transfer to an oven-safe baking dish for baking.

Keywords: oven baked turkey tenderloin, healthy turkey recipe, turkey tenderloin marinade, easy turkey dinner