Savory Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
Introduction
The Savory Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin is a delicious and elegant dish that brings tender turkey to the table with a rich, garlic-infused butter sauce. Perfect for holidays or any special gathering, it offers a flavorful, juicy centerpiece that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 turkey tenderloins (about 1 lb each)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the marinade by combining melted butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, paprika, onion powder, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until well blended.
- Step 2: Place the turkey tenderloins in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the turkey, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 4: Remove the turkey from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Place the tenderloins in a roasting pan and pour the reserved marinade over them.
- Step 5: Roast the turkey tenderloins in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the turkey with pan juices halfway through cooking to keep it moist.
- Step 6: Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Step 7: Slice the turkey and serve with the pan juices. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges.
Tips & Variations
- For more intense flavor, marinate the turkey tenderloins overnight.
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried rosemary and thyme can be used at half the quantity.
- Adding sliced onions or garlic cloves to the roasting pan enhances the aroma and flavor.
- To keep the meat extra moist, baste frequently during roasting with the pan juices.
- Substitute lemon zest and juice with lime for a different citrus note.
Storage
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked turkey slices for up to three months, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. Reheat gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes or microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use turkey breast instead of tenderloin?
Yes, turkey breast can be used but it is leaner and may dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time and be careful not to overcook to maintain juiciness.
How do I know when the turkey tenderloin is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part to ensure safety and tenderness.
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Savory Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Savory Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin is a flavorful and tender dish featuring turkey tenderloins marinated in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs, paprika, and lemon. Roasted to juicy perfection in the oven, this recipe is ideal for family dinners, holidays, or special occasions, delivering a succulent and aromatic centerpiece that impresses every time.
Ingredients
Turkey Tenderloin
- 2 turkey tenderloins (about 1 lb each)
Marinade
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, paprika, onion powder, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Turkey: Place the turkey tenderloins in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure each tenderloin is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tenderness.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even roasting and perfect cooking temperature.
- Roast the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Place the tenderloins in a roasting pan, nestling them comfortably and pouring the reserved marinade over the meat to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Bake: Roast the turkey tenderloins in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), basting with the pan juices halfway through cooking to maintain juiciness.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in tender, flavorful slices ready to be served.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary and lemon wedges to add a pop of color and fresh aroma to your presentation.
Notes
- Marinate the turkey for at least 1 hour, but for best flavor and tenderness, marinate overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days, or freeze for up to three months.
- Reheat leftovers gently in a 325°F oven covered with foil or microwave with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
- Always handle raw turkey carefully and practice good kitchen hygiene to prevent cross-contamination.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turkey tenderloin, garlic butter turkey, roasted turkey, savory turkey recipe, holiday turkey, easy turkey dinner, baked turkey tenderloin, garlic herb turkey
