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Turkey tenderloin is often an underappreciated gem in the world of poultry. This lean and versatile cut of meat not only cooks quickly but also absorbs flavors beautifully, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of recipes. Whether you're preparing a weeknight dinner, planning a holiday feast, or looking for an impressive dish to serve at a gathering, turkey tenderloin stands out as a fantastic option. Among the myriad of ways to prepare this tender meat, the Savory Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin shines with its perfect blend of herbs, garlic, and rich butter, elevating the dish to new culinary heights.

Savory Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin

Discover the incredible flavors of Savory Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin, a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings out the best in this often-overlooked cut of meat. The turkey tenderloin is juicy and tender, enhanced by a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and lemon zest. Perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings, this recipe will impress your family and friends while keeping your meal nutritious and flavorful. Give it a try and elevate your turkey cooking game!

Ingredients
  

1 ½ pounds turkey tenderloin

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of ½ lemon

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and juice.

      Prepare the Turkey Tenderloin: Pat the turkey tenderloin dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the tenderloin, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

        Sear the Turkey: In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the turkey tenderloin and sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

          Add the Garlic Butter: Lower the heat to medium and pour the garlic butter mixture over the seared turkey. Spoon some of the mixture over the top of the tenderloin to ensure even flavor.

            Roast in the Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). If you have a meat thermometer, this is the most reliable way to check for doneness.

              Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the turkey tenderloin rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps retain the juices for a more succulent dish.

                Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the turkey tenderloin into medallions. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the slices. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

                  Enjoy: Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | Serves 4