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A perfectly cooked turkey tenderloin, golden brown and ready to serve.

Quick Pan-Seared Turkey Tenderloin

A simple and fast recipe for flavorful turkey tenderloin, perfect for a weeknight meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs turkey tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Small bowl
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the turkey tenderloins dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then rub this seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the turkey tenderloins.
Sear the Turkey
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the seasoned turkey tenderloins into the hot skillet and sear for 7-8 minutes per side, or until a golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
Rest and Serve
  1. Remove the turkey from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain into 1/2-inch thick medallions and serve immediately.

Notes

This quick turkey tenderloin pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or quinoa for a complete meal. For extra flavor, you can add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the skillet while searing, or deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine after cooking for a simple pan sauce.