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Oven Baked Turkey Tenderloin 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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