Best Recipe for Turkey Tenderloin (Citrus & Herb) Recipe
This flavorful Citrus & Herb Turkey Tenderloin recipe features tender turkey breast coated with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, seared to golden perfection, and finished with a sweet and tangy honey-soy glaze. Perfectly roasted and juicy, it's an easy and elegant main dish ready in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Turkey and Spice Rub
- 1 package turkey breast tenderloins (24 ounces, about 2 pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Glaze
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a large rimmed baking pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey tenderloins from the package and pat them very dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear.
- Mix the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
- Season the Turkey: Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the turkey tenderloins. Then press fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage onto the turkey so the herbs stick well.
- Sear the Turkey: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add vegetable oil, then place the turkey pieces in the pan and cook for 3 minutes on each side until a dark golden brown crust forms.
- Roast the Turkey: Transfer the seared turkey tenderloins to the prepared baking pan and roast in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Glaze: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and fresh orange juice until well combined.
- Glaze the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven after 10 minutes and generously brush all sides with the honey-soy glaze.
- Finish Roasting: Return the turkey to the oven and roast for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove any piece that reaches temperature early to avoid overcooking.
- Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest for 5 minutes before slicing crosswise. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Patting the turkey dry before searing helps achieve a better crust.
- Fresh herbs provide more vibrant flavor than dried ones for this recipe.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe doneness without overcooking.
- The glaze can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated.
- Allowing the turkey to rest lets juices redistribute for a juicy slice.
- Adjust the paprika amount for milder or smokier flavor based on your preference.
