Juicy Oven-Roasted Turkey Tenderloin with Herb Rub Recipe
This flavorful turkey tenderloin recipe combines a fragrant spice rub with a quick sear followed by oven roasting to achieve juicy, tender meat. Perfectly seasoned with sage, thyme, smoked paprika, and garlic, this easy dish is ready in just 35 minutes and serves four people.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Turkey Tenderloin
- 2 turkey tenderloins (approximately 4 oz or ~113 grams each)
Spice Rub
- ¼ teaspoon rubbed sage (or dried oregano)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika as an alternative)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the turkey tenderloins.
- Make the rub: In a small bowl, combine the sage, thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Dry the tenderloins: Use paper towels to pat the turkey tenderloins dry on both sides to ensure a good sear.
- Coat with oil: Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over the tenderloins and rub it evenly on both sides to help seasonings stick.
- Add the rub: Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture generously over both sides of the tenderloins, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Heat the oil: Pour the remaining tablespoon of olive oil into a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering hot.
- Sear: Place the seasoned tenderloins in the hot skillet and sear each side for 1 minute until lightly browned to lock in the juices.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit, measured at the thickest part of the tenderloin.
- Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and cover the tenderloins with aluminum foil. Let them rest for 10 minutes so the temperature rises to the safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring juicy, fully cooked meat.
- Serve: Slice the tenderloins into medallions and serve immediately for a tender and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Using a meat thermometer is key to achieving perfectly cooked turkey tenderloin without drying it out.
- Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, making the turkey tender and moist.
- Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor, but sweet paprika can be substituted if preferred.
- This recipe works well with either fresh or dried herbs.
- For best results, use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron to sear the meat evenly.
