Zesty Herb-Infused Turkey Tenderloin
This Zesty Herb-Infused Turkey Tenderloin is a delicious and healthy dinner option that brings flavor and ease to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe allows you to prepare a succulent turkey tenderloin without spending hours in the kitchen. With a delightful blend of honey mustard, fresh lemon zest, and aromatic herbs, this dish is an excellent source of protein that pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus or your favorite seasonal vegetables. Plus, it’s a kid-friendly recipe loved by even the pickiest eaters. Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying precious moments with your family!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless turkey tenderloins
1 1/4 lbs (Two pieces total, rinsed and dried)
Honey mustard
1 tablespoon (Plain or spicy, depending on preference)
Lemon zest
1 tablespoon (Freshly grated)
Dried rosemary
1 teaspoon (Crushed)
Dried oregano
2 teaspoons (Crushed)
Salt
to taste (Coarse or regular)
Pepper
to taste (Freshly ground is best)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a shallow baking pan with cooking spray.
2
Pat the turkey tenderloins dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
3
In a small bowl, mix the honey mustard, lemon zest, rosemary, and oregano to create a flavorful herb paste.
4
Brush the mixture evenly over the turkey tenderloins, ensuring they're thoroughly coated.
5
Place the seasoned tenderloins in the prepared baking pan and transfer to the oven.
6
Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
7
Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow the turkey to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
8
Slice the tenderloin and serve immediately, preferably alongside roasted asparagus or your choice of vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Herb-Infused Turkey Tenderloin?
It is a succulent and healthy poultry dish prepared with a blend of honey mustard, fresh lemon zest, and aromatic herbs like rosemary and oregano.
What cut of meat is required for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 1/4 lbs of boneless skinless turkey tenderloins.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal roasting.
How long does the turkey need to bake?
The turkey tenderloins should bake for approximately 35-40 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for turkey tenderloin?
The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
Why should I pat the turkey dry before seasoning?
Patting the meat dry with paper towels ensures the seasonings and herb paste adhere better to the surface.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What ingredients are in the herb paste?
The herb paste consists of honey mustard, lemon zest, crushed dried rosemary, and crushed dried oregano.
What type of mustard should I use?
You can use plain or spicy honey mustard depending on your personal preference.
Why is it important to let the turkey rest after cooking?
Allowing the turkey to rest for 10 minutes before slicing helps the meat retain its moisture for a juicier result.
What side dishes pair well with this turkey?
It pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus or your choice of seasonal vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is a kid-friendly recipe that is often loved even by picky eaters.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, though you may need to adjust the quantities as fresh herbs are generally less potent than dried ones.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 7 ingredients in total: turkey tenderloins, honey mustard, lemon zest, dried rosemary, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as an excellent source of protein and a healthy dinner option.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should lightly coat a shallow baking pan with cooking spray before adding the turkey.
How should I prepare the lemon zest?
The lemon zest should be freshly grated for the best flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe on a busy weeknight?
Absolutely, it is designed to be an easy and quick recipe for those with limited time.
How do I apply the herb mixture?
Brush the honey mustard and herb mixture evenly over the seasoned tenderloins until they are thoroughly coated.
What seasonings are used besides the herbs?
The turkey is seasoned generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
Is the turkey tenderloin boneless?
Yes, the recipe specifies boneless and skinless turkey tenderloins.
Can I substitute the rosemary?
If you do not have rosemary, you can try other aromatic dried herbs like thyme, though the flavor profile will change.
What is the texture of the finished turkey?
When cooked and rested properly, the turkey should be succulent and moist.
How do I know if the turkey is cooked without a thermometer?
While a thermometer is most accurate, you can check if the juices run clear, though 35-40 minutes at 400°F is the standard timing.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, its ease of preparation and the fact that it slices well makes it great for meal prepping.
Should the rosemary and oregano be crushed?
Yes, the instructions recommend using crushed dried herbs to release more flavor into the paste.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The honey mustard provides a touch of sweetness, though specific nutritional values for sugar were not provided.
What kind of baking pan is best?
A shallow baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
Is this a high-protein meal?
Yes, turkey tenderloin is an excellent source of lean protein.
How should I slice the turkey?
After resting for 10 minutes, slice the tenderloin into rounds before serving.