Description
Delicious baked turkey tenderloin infused with aromatic butter, fresh herbs, garlic, and orange zest. This tender and juicy dish is perfect for a flavorful and healthy meal that is easy to prepare and bake in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey Tenderloin
- 1 turkey tenderloin
Herb Butter Mixture
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 clove garlic (pressed)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or Gas Mark 4. If using a convection oven, reduce the temperature by about 20°F or follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid overcooking.
- Prepare Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix the softened butter with the chopped fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, grated orange zest, and pressed garlic clove. Season the mixture to taste with salt and pepper, blending all the flavors well.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Select a baking dish slightly larger than the turkey tenderloin. This ensures the butter won’t burn but instead melts into a sauce you can drizzle over the cooked meat.
- Season the Turkey: Drizzle the lemon juice all over the turkey tenderloin, then season it generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Spread the herb butter mixture evenly around the turkey; it may not stick perfectly due to the lemon juice, but spread as much as possible over all sides.
- Marinate (Optional): For enhanced flavor, you can marinate the turkey in the refrigerator for 1 hour or longer, even overnight. Remove the turkey from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Bake the Turkey: Place the turkey tenderloin in the prepared baking dish and bake for 37-42 minutes depending on its weight: approximately 37 minutes for 12 oz (350g) and 42 minutes for 15 oz (425g). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; the internal temperature should be 158°F (70°C) when taken out of the oven, which will rise to a safe 165°F (74°C) after resting.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Pour the melted aromatic butter sauce from the baking dish over the sliced turkey to enhance flavor and juiciness. Serve and enjoy your tender, flavorful turkey tenderloin!
Notes
- This turkey tenderloin is slowly baked with aromatic butter and fresh herbs, resulting in tender and juicy meat bursting with flavor.
- Using fresh herbs and orange zest adds a bright, fragrant dimension that elevates the dish.
- Allowing the turkey to rest after baking helps retain its juices and ensures moist slices.
- Marinating the turkey beforehand enhances the depth of flavor but is optional if short on time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 323 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
