
Turkey tenderloin is a boneless, skinless cut of meat from the turkey breast. It is a great alternative to chicken breast and can be cooked much faster than a whole turkey. The best way to cook turkey tenderloin is to sear it in a pan and then finish it off in the oven at a low temperature. The ideal internal temperature for turkey tenderloin is 165°F. Depending on the oven temperature and the size of the tenderloin, cooking times can vary from 20 to 55 minutes.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Oven temperature | 400°F, 325°F, 350°F, 375°F, 400°F |
Roasting time | 20-30 minutes at 400°F, 35-40 minutes at 400°F, 50-55 minutes at 350°F, 30-35 minutes at 400°F, 40-45 minutes at 375°F |
Meat temperature | 165°F |
What You'll Learn
How long to cook a turkey tenderloin at 350°F
Turkey tenderloin is a boneless and skinless cut of meat from the turkey breast. It is a very lean cut of meat, which means it can dry out quickly if cooked for too long.
To cook turkey tenderloin in the oven, you will first need to prepare a brine and a dry rub. For the brine, add water and kosher salt to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the salt dissolves. Then, add black peppercorns, whole cloves, rosemary, and thyme to the saucepan and mix. Set aside and let it cool for 10 minutes. Place the turkey tenderloins in a deep bowl or casserole dish and pour the brine over them, ensuring they are fully covered. Cover the dish and place in the fridge for one hour.
For the dry rub, mix dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, brown sugar, and garlic. Remove the turkey from the brine and pat dry. Then, generously season the whole tenderloin with the dry rub.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the seasoned turkey on a parchment or tin foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove from the oven and let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the tenderloin and the oven temperature. It is important to ensure that the turkey tenderloin is cooked thoroughly to avoid food safety risks.
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How long to cook a turkey tenderloin at 400°F
Turkey tenderloin is a boneless and skinless cut of meat from the turkey breast. It is a tender cut of meat as it is not weight-bearing and does not get much of a workout.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for turkey tenderloin depends on the size of the tenderloin and the temperature at which it is cooked.
At 400°F, a 1/2-pound tenderloin will take around 17 minutes to cook in the oven. A 1-pound tenderloin will take 25-30 minutes.
It is important to note that turkey tenderloin is a lean cut of meat and can dry out quickly if cooked for too long. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Using a meat thermometer will help ensure the turkey is cooked properly without overcooking it.
Two-Part Cooking Method
A two-part cooking method is recommended for turkey tenderloin: searing the meat in a skillet for one minute on each side before baking it in the oven. This helps create a golden exterior and locks in juices, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
Marinades and Rubs
Turkey tenderloin can be marinated before cooking to add extra flavor and tenderness. A simple marinade can be made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, garlic, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. The tenderloin should be coated in the marinade and left to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
After removing the tenderloin from the marinade, it can be coated in a dry rub made from a mixture of dried herbs and spices such as sage, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Resting
Allowing the turkey tenderloin to rest after cooking is crucial. It should be covered with aluminum foil and left to rest for about 10 minutes. During this time, the juices will redistribute, resulting in moist and flavorful meat.
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How to cook a turkey tenderloin without drying it out
Turkey tenderloin is a boneless and skinless cut of meat from the turkey breast. It is a very tender cut of meat that can be cooked much faster than a whole turkey or other bone-in cuts.
Preventing Turkey Tenderloin from Drying Out
To prevent turkey tenderloin from drying out, it is important to cook it quickly at a higher heat so that the outside crisps up and the inside remains juicy. The ideal oven temperature is 400°F (204°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Marinating the Turkey Tenderloin
Marinating the turkey tenderloin can also help to prevent it from drying out and add extra flavour. A simple marinade can be made by combining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, fresh garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. The turkey tenderloin should be coated in the marinade and left to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Two-Part Cooking Method
A two-part cooking method can also help to ensure the turkey tenderloin remains moist and juicy. This involves searing the meat in a stainless steel or cast iron skillet for one minute on each side before transferring the skillet to the oven. This creates a golden exterior and locks in the juices.
Resting the Turkey Tenderloin
Allowing the turkey tenderloin to rest after cooking is crucial to preventing it from drying out. Remove the tenderloin from the oven when it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C) and cover it with aluminium foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes, during which time the temperature should rise to the recommended safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving the Turkey Tenderloin
Turkey tenderloin can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or cranberry sauce. It can also be used in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or pasta dishes.
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How to store and reheat turkey tenderloin
Turkey tenderloin is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as leftovers and repurposed in various recipes. Here are some tips for storing and reheating your cooked turkey tenderloin to preserve its flavour and texture.
Storing Turkey Tenderloin
- Let the cooked turkey tenderloin cool completely.
- Place the tenderloin in an airtight container or a freezer bag.
- Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Turkey Tenderloin
- Microwave: Place the tenderloin on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the tenderloin in a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with foil and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the centre is warm.
- Skillet: Reheat the tenderloin in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or oil to crisp it up.
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What to serve with turkey tenderloin
Turkey tenderloin is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, ranging from classic comfort foods to healthier options. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your juicy, flavorful turkey tenderloin:
Classic Comfort Foods
- Mashed potatoes: Whip up some creamy mashed potatoes, perhaps with Boursin cheese, to pair with the tenderloin.
- Green bean casserole: This classic side dish is a perfect complement to the turkey.
- Mac and cheese: Grandma's baked mac and cheese will add a comforting touch to your meal.
- Roasted vegetables: A medley of oven-roasted vegetables, such as cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli, makes for a tasty and nutritious side.
- Mashed sweet potatoes: Quick and easy to prepare, mashed sweet potatoes are a great option for a busy weeknight or a holiday meal.
Healthier Options
- Roasted green beans: Simple yet delicious, roasted green beans are a side dish that everyone can enjoy.
- Parmesan roasted cauliflower: This restaurant-inspired side dish is a family favorite.
- Salad: A fresh, crisp salad is a great way to round out your meal, especially if you top it with leftover turkey slices.
- Roasted red potatoes: These potatoes are a tasty and healthy option to consider.
- Maple bacon Brussels sprouts: For a touch of sweetness and crunch, try making maple bacon Brussels sprouts as a side.
Other Ideas
- Gravy: While the turkey tenderloin is juicy and flavorful on its own, some gravy on the side never hurts!
- Cranberry relish: For a festive touch, serve your tenderloin with a homemade cranberry relish.
- Stuffing: Classic Thanksgiving stuffing can be a delicious side dish to pair with the tenderloin, especially if you're craving those holiday flavors.
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Frequently asked questions
The best temperature to roast turkey tenderloin is between 300-425°F.
It takes around 50-55 minutes to roast turkey tenderloin at 350°F.
It takes around 35-40 minutes to roast turkey tenderloin at 400°F.
It takes around 40-45 minutes to roast turkey tenderloin at 375°F.
The ideal internal temperature for roasted turkey tenderloin is 165°F.