If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful main dish, turkey tenderloin is a fantastic option. Baking turkey tenderloin at 375°F is one of the easiest ways to get juicy, tender meat without a lot of fuss. In this guide, you’ll discover exactly how long to bake turkey tenderloin at 375°F, how to prep it for the oven, and some expert tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time!
Contents
- 1 How Long Does It Take to Bake Turkey Tenderloin at 375°F?
- 2 Why Bake Turkey Tenderloin at 375°F?
- 3 Step-by-Step: How to Bake Turkey Tenderloin at 375°F
- 4 Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Turkey Tenderloin
- 5 Tasty Marinades and Seasoning Ideas
- 6 How to Tell When Turkey Tenderloin Is Done
- 7 Slicing and Serving Suggestions
- 8 Storing Leftover Turkey Tenderloin
- 9 Common Questions About Baking Turkey Tenderloin at 375°F
- 10 The Bottom Line
How Long Does It Take to Bake Turkey Tenderloin at 375°F?
The magic number for baking turkey tenderloin at 375°F is usually 25 to 35 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your tenderloins. Most turkey tenderloins weigh between 8 and 16 ounces each. For best results, always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F in the thickest part.
- 8-12 oz tenderloins: 25-30 minutes
- 12-16 oz tenderloins: 30-35 minutes
- Always rest the meat for 5-10 minutes after baking to lock in juices.
Why Bake Turkey Tenderloin at 375°F?
Baking at 375°F strikes the perfect balance between cooking the meat evenly and keeping it moist. Lower temperatures can dry out the lean turkey, while higher temperatures may brown the outside too quickly before the inside is done. At 375°F, you get a nice golden exterior and juicy interior.
Step-by-Step: How to Bake Turkey Tenderloin at 375°F
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the tenderloin: Pat dry with paper towels. Trim off any silver skin or excess fat.
- Season generously: Use olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian herbs, or your favorite spice blend.
- Arrange in a baking dish: Place the seasoned tenderloin in a lightly greased baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake uncovered: Bake for 25-35 minutes depending on size, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.
- Let it rest: Remove from oven and let the turkey rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy!
Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Turkey Tenderloin
- Don’t overcook: Use a meat thermometer to avoid dry turkey. Remove from the oven as soon as it hits 165°F.
- Add moisture: Consider marinating your tenderloin for a few hours before baking or brushing with melted butter or olive oil before roasting.
- Let it rest: Resting after baking allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Bake with veggies: Add carrots, potatoes, onions, or bell peppers to the pan for an easy one-pan meal.
- Try foil tenting: If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last part of baking.
Tasty Marinades and Seasoning Ideas
Turkey tenderloin is mild in flavor and pairs well with all sorts of seasonings. Here are some simple ideas:
- Lemon Herb: Lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper
- Honey Mustard: Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, paprika
- Balsamic Glaze: Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, Italian seasoning
- BBQ Style: Your favorite BBQ sauce brushed on during the last 10 minutes of baking
How to Tell When Turkey Tenderloin Is Done
The only sure way to know if your turkey is cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the tenderloin—when it reads 165°F, it’s ready! If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the thickest part; the juices should run clear and there should be no pink inside.
Slicing and Serving Suggestions
After resting, slice your turkey tenderloin against the grain into medallions for maximum tenderness. Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad. Drizzle with pan juices or your favorite sauce for extra flavor.
Storing Leftover Turkey Tenderloin
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently: Warm in a covered dish in a low oven (300°F) or microwave until just heated through.
Common Questions About Baking Turkey Tenderloin at 375°F
Can I bake frozen turkey tenderloin at 375°F?
It’s best to thaw turkey tenderloin before baking for even cooking. If you must bake from frozen, add an extra 15-20 minutes to your cooking time and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Should I cover turkey tenderloin while baking?
You don’t need to cover it for most of the bake time. If it starts browning too fast, tent loosely with foil toward the end.
How do I keep my turkey tenderloin moist?
Don’t overcook! Using a marinade or basting with juices during baking helps keep it moist. Always let it rest before slicing.
What sides go well with baked turkey tenderloin?
Classic sides like roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, rice pilaf, or a crisp salad pair beautifully.
Can I use this method for pork tenderloin?
Yes! The same technique works well for pork tenderloin—just be sure pork is cooked to an internal temp of at least 145°F.
The Bottom Line
Baking turkey tenderloin at 375°F is quick, easy, and delivers delicious results every time. Remember: check doneness with a thermometer (165°F), let it rest after baking, and get creative with your seasonings and sides. With these tips and tricks, you’ll have a healthy and tasty meal on the table in under an hour!