Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday growing up. Nothing beats the aroma of a perfectly roasted turkey wafting through the house, mingling with the scent of warm garlic butter and fresh herbs. The rich, juicy meat paired with creamy mashed potatoes and tangy cranberry sauce – it’s a flavor combination that just screams “comfort and joy” to me.
One Thanksgiving, my mom decided to switch things up by making a Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin instead of a whole bird. I remember being a bit skeptical at first, but as soon as I took that first bite, I was completely won over. The tender, flavorful turkey was smothered in a heavenly garlic butter sauce that had soaked into every nook and cranny. It was like Thanksgiving in every single delicious mouthful.
From that moment on, Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin became a holiday staple in our house. Mom would make a big batch and we’d enjoy the leftovers for days, stuffing it into sandwiches or serving it alongside our favorite side dishes. It’s just such a versatile and crowd-pleasing main course. I can’t imagine Thanksgiving without it!
Why This Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin
The secret to this Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin recipe is in the simple yet flavorful marinade. By letting the turkey soak up a blend of minced garlic, melted butter, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon juice, you end up with a protein that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. The garlic butter not only seasons the meat, but also keeps it incredibly juicy and tender as it roasts. Trust me, one taste and you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Turkey tenderloin: The star of the show! Look for a tender, boneless cut that’s easy to prepare.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best so you can control the sodium.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the most potent flavor.
- Fresh herbs: A blend of rosemary, thyme, and parsley adds aromatic depth.
- Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens up the rich garlic butter.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin Instructions
Preparing Your Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin
This Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin is a breeze to make, taking just over an hour from start to finish. All you need is a large rimmed baking sheet and a few simple kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, pat the turkey tenderloin dry with paper towels and place it on your prepared baking sheet.
2- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended.
3- Using a pastry brush or your hands, generously coat the entire surface of the turkey tenderloin with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
4- Once the oven is hot, pop the baking sheet in and roast the Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5- Remove the tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
6- Slice the Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin into 1-inch thick medallions and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce from the pan over the top.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to pat the turkey tenderloin very dry before seasoning. Any excess moisture will prevent the garlic butter from adhering properly.
- Don’t be afraid to really slather on the garlic butter – the more you use, the more flavor you’ll get!
- Keep a close eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking. Turkey can dry out quickly.
- Let the tenderloin rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial for locking in all those delicious juices.
Serving and Storing Your Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin
Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin is a wonderfully versatile main course that pairs beautifully with all your Thanksgiving favorites. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts, and tangy cranberry sauce for a classic holiday feast. It also makes a fantastic centerpiece for smaller gatherings, complemented by a fresh green salad and a glass of crisp white wine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply store the sliced meat in an airtight container and reheat gently in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy. You can also prepare the entire dish in advance by assembling the tenderloin with the garlic butter up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it off.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin
Creative Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin Variations
While the classic Garlic Butter version is hard to beat, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes. Try swapping out the herbs for an Italian twist, using basil, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes. Or for a Southwestern flair, rub the tenderloin with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika before basting with the garlic butter. You can even get creative with the sauce, adding a splash of white wine or a dollop of Dijon mustard.
Making Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin Diet-Friendly
To make this Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin recipe more diet-friendly, you can use olive oil instead of butter and opt for low-sodium chicken broth in place of the butter. For a gluten-free version, simply serve the tenderloin over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional carb-heavy sides. And for our vegan friends, the garlic butter can easily be swapped for a dairy-free alternative made with plant-based butter or olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of turkey instead of a tenderloin?
A: Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to work with a whole turkey breast or even turkey cutlets. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How long will the leftover Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin keep?
A: Properly stored, the leftover tenderloin will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the sliced meat for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I prepare the garlic butter marinade in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the garlic butter mixture up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to coat the turkey.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat the Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin?
A: For best results, reheat slices of the tenderloin in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. You can also quickly reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Q: My turkey tenderloin is too big – how do I adjust the cooking time?
A: If your tenderloin is significantly larger than 1-1.5 lbs, you’ll need to increase the roasting time. Start checking the internal temperature after 40 minutes, and continue cooking until it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of this Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin. Juicy, tender turkey is coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce for a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients
– 1 lb turkey tenderloin
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. – In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. – Pat the turkey tenderloin dry and season all over with the garlic butter mixture.
4. – Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. – Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the turkey for 12-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F.
6. – Let the turkey rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the proper temperature. You can also baste the turkey with the garlic butter sauce a few times during the roasting process for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about a perfectly cooked Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin. The combination of succulent meat and rich, flavorful sauce is simply irresistible. This recipe is sure to become a new holiday tradition in your household, just like it did in mine. So go ahead, give it a try – your taste buds (and your family!) will thank you.
