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To make the garlic butter turkey tenderloin, gather these items: - 2 turkey tenderloins (about 1.5 lbs total) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - Fresh parsley for garnish If you lack any ingredients, here are some swaps: - Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option. - Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can replace dried ones if you have them. - Lemon juice can be swapped with vinegar for a different tang. You will need some basic tools: - An oven-safe skillet to cook and bake the turkey. - A meat thermometer to check the doneness. - A cutting board and knife for slicing the tenderloins. - Paper towels for drying the turkey before seasoning. These tools will help you create a delicious and juicy meal. Enjoy the cooking process and feel free to experiment! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need two turkey tenderloins, butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures even cooking. Next, pat the turkey tenderloins dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Then, season both sides with salt and pepper. Use enough to enhance the flavor. In an oven-safe skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about one minute until it smells great. This is key for rich flavor. Carefully place the turkey tenderloins in the skillet. Sear them for two to three minutes on each side until golden brown. This forms a lovely crust. After searing, sprinkle dried thyme and rosemary over the turkey. These herbs add depth and aroma. Drizzle the lemon juice over the tenderloins, then add the remaining butter. The butter will melt and create a sauce. Next, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The turkey needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This step ensures your meal is safe to eat. Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the tenderloins rest for about five minutes. Resting helps the juices settle. Slice the tenderloins into thick pieces for serving. Drizzle the pan juices over the sliced turkey. This adds flavor and keeps it moist. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness. Your garlic butter turkey tenderloin is now ready to impress! To keep your turkey tenderloin juicy, start by patting it dry. This helps the seasoning stick better. Use salt and pepper to season each side well. When searing, keep an eye on the time. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This locks in moisture and flavor. After searing, bake in the oven at 375°F. This gentle heat cooks the turkey through without drying it out. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safe eating. You can enhance the flavor of your turkey with simple herbs. I love using dried thyme and rosemary for a classic taste. These herbs pair well with the garlic and lemon. The lemon zest adds a bright touch, making each bite refreshing. Don't forget to drizzle lemon juice over the turkey before baking. It adds moisture and tang. Feel free to experiment with other herbs too. Try sage or oregano for a different twist! Searing is key for great flavor. Use an oven-safe skillet for easy transfer to the oven. Melt butter over medium heat to get it hot but not smoking. Add minced garlic right after the butter melts. This will create a fragrant base. Once your garlic is fragrant, add the turkey tenderloins. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; this helps them brown evenly. Use tongs to flip them carefully. This way, you won’t lose any juices. If they stick to the pan, give them a bit more time. They’ll release once seared well. Pro Tips Resting Time: Let the turkey tenderloins rest for at least 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your turkey is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Adding a pinch of paprika or swapping thyme for oregano can give your turkey a unique twist. Pan Sauce: Don't forget to make use of the pan juices! After removing the turkey, you can add a splash of white wine or broth to the skillet and scrape up the browned bits for an easy, delicious sauce. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of garlic butter turkey tenderloin easily. Here are some ideas: - Herb Mix: Try different herbs like oregano or basil. They add a nice twist. - Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. It gives a bold flavor. - Citrus Twist: Use orange zest instead of lemon. It adds a sweet and tangy touch. - Sweet and Savory: Mix in a tablespoon of honey. It balances the garlic well. These options let you create a dish that matches your taste. Experimenting with flavors makes cooking fun. Choosing the right side dishes enhances your meal. Here are some great pairings: - Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers work well. Roast them with olive oil and salt. - Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes add comfort. They pair perfectly with turkey. - Quinoa Salad: A fresh salad with quinoa, cucumbers, and tomatoes keeps it light and healthy. - Steamed Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the tasty pan juices. It makes every bite better. These sides complement the garlic butter flavor of the turkey. You can adjust this turkey recipe for special diets. Here are some tips: - Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check your butter and seasoning for any hidden gluten. - Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or olive oil instead of butter. It keeps the dish flavorful without dairy. - Low-Carb: Serve the turkey with leafy greens or cauliflower rice. This keeps the meal low in carbs. - Paleo-Friendly: Stick to the turkey, herbs, and healthy fats. Avoid grains and legumes for a clean meal. These adjustments allow everyone to enjoy this dish. Cooking for different needs can be easy and tasty. To keep your garlic butter turkey tenderloin fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let the turkey cool to room temperature before sealing it. This step helps reduce moisture and keeps it safe. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When it’s time to reheat your turkey, keep it moist. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey in a baking dish and add a splash of chicken broth or water. Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s hot throughout. You can also use a microwave; just cover the turkey with a damp paper towel to keep it juicy. If you want to freeze your garlic butter turkey tenderloin, slice it first. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge the night before you plan to eat it. Always make sure it’s fully cooked when you reheat it. It takes about 20 to 25 minutes to cook turkey tenderloin in the oven. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). After searing the tenderloin for 2-3 minutes on each side, place it in the oven. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. This way, your turkey will be juicy and full of flavor. Yes, you can use frozen turkey tenderloin. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thawing in the fridge overnight works best. You can also use the microwave for a quick thaw. However, avoid cooking it straight from frozen, as it will cook unevenly. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it is fully cooked. Garlic butter turkey tenderloin pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed green beans - Roasted potatoes - Garlic mashed potatoes - A fresh garden salad - Quinoa or rice These sides will complement the rich flavors of the tenderloin. They also add color and texture to your meal. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! In this post, we covered turkey tenderloin from start to finish. We detailed each ingredient, with substitutions and tools needed. The step-by-step guide helped with preparation and cooking methods. You learned tips for juicy results, seasoning combinations, and cooking techniques. We explored flavor variations, side dish pairings, and storage tips. Use these insights to create a delicious meal. With the right approach, your turkey tenderloin will impress everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin

A delicious and savory turkey tenderloin dish cooked with garlic and herbs, perfect for a family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces turkey tenderloins (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 piece zest of lemon
  • 1 tablespoon juice of lemon
  • for garnish Fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Pat the turkey tenderloins dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • In an oven-safe skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  • Carefully add the turkey tenderloins to the skillet and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Once seared, sprinkle the dried thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and drizzle the lemon juice over the turkey.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Remove the skillet from the oven and let the tenderloins rest for about 5 minutes.
  • Slice the tenderloins and drizzle the pan juices over the top.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Let the turkey rest before slicing for juicier meat.
Keyword butter, garlic, herbs, turkey