Melt in Your Mouth Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Thanksgiving is coming up soon. And, if your family is like mine a large turkey is just way too much food. Creating a small family dinner for Thanksgiving can seem impossible when most recipes call for a 20 lb. turkey. This melt in your mouth turkey tenderloin recipe is perfect for small families who want the traditional taste of Thanksgiving without the trouble and expense of a large bone-in turkey.

Did you know you can buy turkey tenderloins in the meat department of your grocery store? The turkey tenderloin is the long, slender, strip of meat that sits under the turkey breast. When cooked it is juicy and succulent. It’s my favorite part of the turkey. Even when I’m with a big family gathering for Thanksgiving I want the tenderloin from the turkey for my portion.

One turkey tenderloin can weigh 16-18 oz. by itself. So, using 2 tenderloins for a small family would be a great way to enjoy the tastes of the Thanksgiving holiday while keeping the meal prep, costs, and portion sizes reasonable. 

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Turkey Tenderloin Recipe for a Small Family Dinner Idea

This simple turkey tenderloin recipe is so easy to put together. The recipe says it serves 2 portions. But, if you are like me, you probably don’t want to eat an entire pound of meat in one sitting. So, once the tenderloins are cooked and rested, you can slice the meat and portion out to one to two small children along with two adults. 

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Or, if you have a hungry teenager as I do, just go ahead and buy 3 tenderloins and follow the recipe to prep 3 tenderloins instead of two. 

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

You can prep and cook this recipe so easily. Start by spraying a baking dish with cooking spray. I prefer coconut oil cooking spray. 

Next, melt the butter in a microwave-safe dish for 10-15 seconds. 

Place the tenderloins in the baking dish and pour the butter over the top. Use a pair of tongs to turn the turkey tenderloins over a couple of times in the butter being sure to coat both sides well. 

Sprinkle each tenderloin with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set a sprig of rosemary on top. You don’t want to chop the rosemary, you just are placing it on top and this aromatic herb will season the meat while it cooks. 

Roast the meat according to the recipe below. 

What You’ll Need for This Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

• 2 turkey tenderloins (or 1 per person)
• salt
• pepper
• garlic powder
• fresh sprigs of rosemary
• cooking spray
• glass baking dish
• cooking tongs

Yield: 2 persons

Melt In Your Mouth Turkey Tenderloins

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

This simple turkey recipe is easy to put together, yet is moist, succulent and melts in your mouth.

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Ingredients

• 2 Turkey Tenderloins ( 1 1/2-2 lbs. Package)
• Salt and Pepper
• 2 Tsp. Garlic Powder
• Butter, melted
• 2 Sprigs of Fresh Rosemary
• Cooking Spray

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven 400°F.
2. Spray baking dish with cooking spray. Place turkey tenderloins in baking dish.
3. Coat the turkey tenderloin completely in butter on both sides. The turkey will absorb the oils from the butter while cooking and you want your tenderloin to be moist. So, don't be shy with coating the turkey breasts well.
4. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
5. Place rosemary on top of each turkey tenderloin. Roast for about 45 minutes or until a cooking thermometer registers 161°F. Allow the turkey breast tenderloins to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serve with a side of mashed cauliflower and green beans for a low-carb meal, perfect for Trim Healthy Mama (THM), Keto and Paleo eating plans.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1 Tenderloin
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 189Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 280mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 26g

Nutritional values are estimates and intended for informational purposes only. Actual results may vary.

Once the meat has cooked through to temperature. Remove from oven, let rest on a plate or in the pan for 10 minutes. This simple act of leaving the meat alone for a few minutes helps the natural juices to redistribute throughout the meat, leaving your tenderloin melt in your mouth delicious. 

With just a little bit of prep and some delicious side dishes, you’ll have your Thanksgiving dinner on the table within just a couple of hours instead of cooking half the day! Won’t your friends be a bit envious? 

What are your favorite Thanksgiving Day traditions?

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