Herb Butter Turkey Tenderloin Juicy and Flavorful Dish

Name: Herb Butter Turkey Tenderloin
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound turkey tenderloin; 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 0 to taste salt and pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lemon sliced (for garnish)

October 22, 2025May 13, 2025 by Julie

Do you want a dinner that impresses and delights? I’ve got you covered with my Herb Butter Turkey Tenderloin recipe. This dish is juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a meal that wows your family and friends. Let’s explore the magic of herb butter and transform a simple turkey tenderloin into a gourmet feast!

Why I Love This Recipe

Flavorful Herb Butter: The combination of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest creates a rich and savory flavor that elevates the turkey tenderloin to a new level.
Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep time and is straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Healthy Protein Option: Turkey tenderloin is a lean protein source, making this dish a healthier choice without compromising on taste.
Beautiful Presentation: The roasted lemon slices and fresh herbs not only add flavor but also make for a stunning presentation on the table.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Herb Butter Turkey Tenderloin

– 1 pound turkey tenderloin

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

– 1 teaspoon lemon zest

The star of this dish is the turkey tenderloin. It is lean and tender. The butter adds richness, while garlic gives a nice kick. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme make it smell amazing. Lemon zest brightens the flavor, making each bite refreshing.

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancements

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper are key to bringing out the turkey’s taste. Use olive oil for searing. It gives the meat a lovely crust, locking in juices. Seasoning well makes all the difference in flavor.

Optional Garnishes

– 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)

Garnishing with lemon slices makes the dish pop. The bright color adds visual appeal. Plus, it adds a fresh hint of citrus when served. It’s a simple way to elevate the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Herb Butter Mixture

To start, take a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Next, mix in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Then, add 2 tablespoons of chopped rosemary, 2 tablespoons of chopped thyme, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Don’t forget to include 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until combined.

Searing the Turkey Tenderloin

Now, grab your turkey tenderloin. Place it on a cutting board and pat it dry using paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper on all sides. Spread half of the herb butter mixture over the top. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the turkey tenderloin. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Roasting the Turkey in the Oven

After searing, take the skillet off the heat. Top the turkey with the rest of the herb butter mixture. Place lemon slices around the turkey for added flavor. Now, transfer the skillet to the oven, preheated to 375°F (190°C). Roast the turkey for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it.

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve Perfectly Tender Turkey

To get a tender turkey, start with fresh meat. Avoid frozen tenderloins, as they often dry out. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Aim for 165°F (74°C) inside. Let your turkey rest after cooking. This helps keep the juices inside. When you cut it, the meat will stay moist and tasty.

Best Practices for Herb Butter Application

When mixing your herb butter, make sure it’s soft. This makes spreading easy. Use a spatula to apply the butter evenly. Cover the turkey well, especially the top. The butter adds flavor and keeps the turkey juicy. Save some butter to add after cooking for extra taste.

Ideas for Quick Side Dishes

Pair your turkey with simple sides. A fresh salad goes well and adds crunch. Roasted vegetables are easy and healthy. Try mashed potatoes for comfort. Rice or quinoa also make great options. These sides balance the rich flavors of the turkey. Choose what you love!

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide a vibrant flavor that’s hard to beat. If possible, opt for fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley to enhance the herb butter’s taste.
Let the Butter Soften: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This will make it easier to mix with the herbs and spread evenly over the turkey.
Rest the Turkey: Allowing the turkey to rest after cooking is crucial. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal juiciness.

Variations

Alternative Herb Combinations

You can switch up the herbs in this dish. For a fresh twist, try basil or dill. Both herbs bring a new flavor to the turkey. You can also mix in some sage for a warm taste. Experimenting with herbs keeps the meal exciting and unique.

Cooking Methods: Grilling vs. Baking

You can cook turkey tenderloin in different ways. Grilling gives it a smoky flavor. Simply heat the grill to medium-high, and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Turn it often to avoid burning. Baking is a great option, too. It keeps the turkey moist and tender. Just follow the oven instructions from the recipe.

Flavor Infusions: Adding Citrus or Spices

Adding citrus makes your turkey pop with flavor. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the tenderloin before cooking. You can also add orange zest for a sweeter touch. If you want some heat, sprinkle cayenne pepper or paprika. These spices add depth and warmth to your dish.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Turkey Tenderloin

To store leftover turkey tenderloin, let it cool first. Once cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. Proper storage keeps it fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Always label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Instructions for Best Results

When you are ready to eat your leftover turkey, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it in short bursts to avoid overcooking.

Freezing Tips for Long-Term Storage

If you want to freeze the turkey tenderloin, wrap it well in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Avoid refreezing after it has been thawed. This keeps the turkey juicy and tasty when you reheat it.

FAQs

How Long Should Turkey Tenderloin Be Cooked?

Turkey tenderloin should cook for about 25 to 30 minutes. The key is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures your turkey is safe to eat and juicy. Using a meat thermometer helps you check the temperature easily. After cooking, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will keep the juices inside the meat.

Can I Use Other Cuts of Turkey?

Yes, you can use other cuts of turkey. Turkey breast or thighs can work well too. Just adjust the cooking time based on the cut size. Thighs may need a bit longer, while breasts may cook quicker. The herb butter will still add great flavor to any cut.

What to Serve with Herb Butter Turkey Tenderloin?

I recommend serving the turkey with simple sides. Roasted veggies, like carrots or green beans, pair nicely. You could also serve it with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. Adding a light sauce or gravy can enhance the meal too. Don’t forget to garnish with lemon slices for extra flavor!

This article walks you through making a tasty herb butter turkey tenderloin. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips for great results. You also learned about variations and how to store leftovers. Cooking turkey tenderloin can be easy and fun. With these simple steps and ideas, you can impress your family and friends. Enjoy your meal and keep experimenting with new flavor

$- 1 pound turkey tenderloin - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon lemon zest The star of this dish is the turkey tenderloin. It is lean and tender. The butter adds richness, while garlic gives a nice kick. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme make it smell amazing. Lemon zest brightens the flavor, making each bite refreshing. - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper are key to bringing out the turkey's taste. Use olive oil for searing. It gives the meat a lovely crust, locking in juices. Seasoning well makes all the difference in flavor. - 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish) Garnishing with lemon slices makes the dish pop. The bright color adds visual appeal. Plus, it adds a fresh hint of citrus when served. It’s a simple way to elevate the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Next, mix in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Then, add 2 tablespoons of chopped rosemary, 2 tablespoons of chopped thyme, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Don’t forget to include 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until combined. Now, grab your turkey tenderloin. Place it on a cutting board and pat it dry using paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper on all sides. Spread half of the herb butter mixture over the top. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the turkey tenderloin. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. After searing, take the skillet off the heat. Top the turkey with the rest of the herb butter mixture. Place lemon slices around the turkey for added flavor. Now, transfer the skillet to the oven, preheated to 375°F (190°C). Roast the turkey for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it. To get a tender turkey, start with fresh meat. Avoid frozen tenderloins, as they often dry out. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Aim for 165°F (74°C) inside. Let your turkey rest after cooking. This helps keep the juices inside. When you cut it, the meat will stay moist and tasty. When mixing your herb butter, make sure it’s soft. This makes spreading easy. Use a spatula to apply the butter evenly. Cover the turkey well, especially the top. The butter adds flavor and keeps the turkey juicy. Save some butter to add after cooking for extra taste. Pair your turkey with simple sides. A fresh salad goes well and adds crunch. Roasted vegetables are easy and healthy. Try mashed potatoes for comfort. Rice or quinoa also make great options. These sides balance the rich flavors of the turkey. Choose what you love! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide a vibrant flavor that's hard to beat. If possible, opt for fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley to enhance the herb butter's taste. Let the Butter Soften: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This will make it easier to mix with the herbs and spread evenly over the turkey. Rest the Turkey: Allowing the turkey to rest after cooking is crucial. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal juiciness. {{image_2}} You can switch up the herbs in this dish. For a fresh twist, try basil or dill. Both herbs bring a new flavor to the turkey. You can also mix in some sage for a warm taste. Experimenting with herbs keeps the meal exciting and unique. You can cook turkey tenderloin in different ways. Grilling gives it a smoky flavor. Simply heat the grill to medium-high, and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Turn it often to avoid burning. Baking is a great option, too. It keeps the turkey moist and tender. Just follow the oven instructions from the recipe. Adding citrus makes your turkey pop with flavor. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the tenderloin before cooking. You can also add orange zest for a sweeter touch. If you want some heat, sprinkle cayenne pepper or paprika. These spices add depth and warmth to your dish. To store leftover turkey tenderloin, let it cool first. Once cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. Proper storage keeps it fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Always label the container with the date for easy tracking. When you are ready to eat your leftover turkey, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it in short bursts to avoid overcooking. If you want to freeze the turkey tenderloin, wrap it well in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Avoid refreezing after it has been thawed. This keeps the turkey juicy and tasty when you reheat it. Turkey tenderloin should cook for about 25 to 30 minutes. The key is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures your turkey is safe to eat and juicy. Using a meat thermometer helps you check the temperature easily. After cooking, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will keep the juices inside the meat. Yes, you can use other cuts of turkey. Turkey breast or thighs can work well too. Just adjust the cooking time based on the cut size. Thighs may need a bit longer, while breasts may cook quicker. The herb butter will still add great flavor to any cut. I recommend serving the turkey with simple sides. Roasted veggies, like carrots or green beans, pair nicely. You could also serve it with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. Adding a light sauce or gravy can enhance the meal too. Don't forget to garnish with lemon slices for extra flavor! This article walks you through making a tasty herb butter turkey tenderloin. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips for great results. You also learned about variations and how to store leftovers. Cooking turkey tenderloin can be easy and fun. With these simple steps and ideas, you can impress your family and friends. Enjoy your meal and keep experimenting with new flavors!$