If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy meal option, Jennie-O turkey tenderloin is a fantastic choice. Not only is it low in fat and calories, but it is also packed with flavor. Cooking it in the oven is a simple and convenient way to prepare this tender cut of meat. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
To start, preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature. Generally, turkey tenderloin should be cooked at 375°F (190°C). Make sure to follow the specific instructions on the packaging of the Jennie-O turkey tenderloin you purchased, as cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly.
Next, season the turkey tenderloin to your liking. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with a variety of herbs and spices. Rub the seasoning thoroughly onto the surface of the meat, making sure to cover all sides.
Place the turkey tenderloin on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. This will help ensure that the turkey cooks evenly and reaches the appropriate internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Pro tip: To prevent the turkey from drying out, you can marinate it in a mixture of oil, vinegar, and spices for a couple of hours before cooking. This will infuse the meat with even more flavor and keep it moist during the cooking process.
Once your oven is preheated and the turkey tenderloin is seasoned and on a baking sheet, place it in the oven. Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the turkey tenderloin from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.
With this simple and straightforward recipe, you can easily cook Jennie-O turkey tenderloin in the oven to perfection. Enjoy a delicious and healthy meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Preparing the Jennie-O Turkey Tenderloin
Before you start cooking the Jennie-O turkey tenderloin, it is important to properly prepare it to ensure a delicious and safe meal. Here are the steps to prepare your Jennie-O turkey tenderloin:
1. Thawing the Turkey Tenderloin:
The first step is to thaw the Jennie-O turkey tenderloin if it is frozen. You can thaw it in the refrigerator by placing it on a plate or tray and leaving it for 24 to 48 hours until completely defrosted. If you need to thaw it quickly, you can use the cold-water method. Place the turkey tenderloin in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. Make sure the temperature of the water remains cold, below 40°F (4.4°C).
2. Seasoning the Turkey Tenderloin:
Once the turkey tenderloin is thawed, remove it from the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the tenderloin with your favorite herbs and spices. You can use a simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Rub the seasoning all over the turkey tenderloin, ensuring it is evenly coated.
3. Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Roasting Pan:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a roasting pan or baking dish in the oven to preheat as well. This will help the turkey tenderloin cook evenly and create a nice sear on the outside.
4. Roasting the Turkey Tenderloin:
Once the oven and roasting pan are preheated, carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Place the seasoned turkey tenderloin in the hot pan, taking care not to overcrowd or overlap the tenderloins. Return the pan to the oven and roast the turkey tenderloin for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
5. Letting the Turkey Tenderloin Rest:
After cooking, remove the turkey tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful turkey tenderloin.
Turkey Tenderloin Size | Roasting Time |
---|---|
1-1.5 lbs (450-680g) | 25-30 minutes |
1.5-2 lbs (680-900g) | 30-35 minutes |
2-2.5 lbs (900-1135g) | 35-40 minutes |
Now that your Jennie-O turkey tenderloin is prepared, it’s ready to be enjoyed as part of a delicious meal!
Seasoning and marinating the turkey tenderloin
Before cooking your Jennie-O turkey tenderloin, it’s important to season and marinate it to enhance the flavor and tenderness. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious meal:
Step 1: | Start by rinsing the turkey tenderloin under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. |
Step 2: | Prepare a seasoning blend by combining your favorite herbs and spices. Common options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper. |
Step 3: | Generously rub the seasoning blend all over the turkey tenderloin, ensuring that it is evenly coated on all sides. |
Step 4: | Place the seasoned turkey tenderloin in a zip-top plastic bag or a covered container. |
Step 5: | Add a marinade of your choice to the bag or container. This can be a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and soy sauce, or you can use a pre-made marinade from the store. |
Step 6: | Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. Marinating the turkey tenderloin for a longer period will result in a more flavorful and juicy meat. |
Once the turkey tenderloin has marinated, it is ready to be cooked in the oven. Follow the cooking instructions provided by Jennie-O for best results.
Preheating the Oven and Preparing a Baking Dish
Before cooking the Jennie-O turkey tenderloin, it is important to preheat the oven to ensure even cooking. Preheating the oven will help to create a crispy and delicious outer layer while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Preheating the Oven
Start by setting the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that the oven reaches the desired temperature and is ready for cooking the turkey tenderloin.
Preparing a Baking Dish
While the oven is preheating, prepare a baking dish to cook the Jennie-O turkey tenderloin in. A baking dish that is approximately 9×13 inches (23×33 cm) in size will work well. Line the baking dish with aluminum foil or lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
Once the baking dish is prepared, carefully place the Jennie-O turkey tenderloin in the dish. You may want to season the turkey tenderloin with salt, pepper, and any additional desired herbs or spices at this point to enhance the flavor.
Now that the oven is preheated and the baking dish is prepared, you are ready to move on to the next steps in cooking the Jennie-O turkey tenderloin in the oven.
Cooking the Turkey Tenderloin in the Oven
When it comes to cooking Jennie-O turkey tenderloin, using the oven is a great option that allows for even cooking and a delicious result. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking the turkey tenderloin in the oven.
Ingredients:
- 1 Jennie-O turkey tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Your choice of herbs and seasonings (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the turkey tenderloin on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
- Drizzle olive oil evenly over the turkey tenderloin, and then season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or seasonings.
- Using clean hands, rub the olive oil and seasonings onto the turkey tenderloin to ensure even coating.
- Cover the baking sheet or dish with aluminum foil, making sure to seal it tightly to keep the moisture in.
- Place the turkey tenderloin in the preheated oven and cook for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the turkey tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve the juicy and tender turkey tenderloin with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Using the oven to cook Jennie-O turkey tenderloin is a simple and convenient method that yields fantastic results. With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a delicious and juicy turkey tenderloin ready to be enjoyed in no time.
Checking the turkey tenderloin for doneness
After cooking the Jennie-O turkey tenderloin in the oven for the recommended time, it’s important to check for doneness to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and is safe to eat. Here are a few methods to check if the turkey tenderloin is done:
- Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey tenderloin. The thickest part of the tenderloin should register an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Appearance: Cut into the thickest part of the tenderloin to inspect its appearance. The meat should be white throughout, with no pink color remaining. If there are any traces of pink or the meat appears translucent, it may need additional cooking time.
- Texture: Gently press the turkey tenderloin with a fork or your finger. It should feel firm but still slightly juicy. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent the meat from becoming dry.
It’s important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the size and type of oven used. Always refer to the packaging or recipe instructions for specific guidelines. Once the turkey tenderloin reaches the desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and flavorful turkey tenderloin.
FAQ
What is a jennie-o turkey tenderloin?
Jennie-O turkey tenderloin is a boneless, skinless cut of turkey breast.
What is the best way to cook jennie-o turkey tenderloin in the oven?
The best way to cook Jennie-O turkey tenderloin in the oven is to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the tenderloin in a baking dish, and cook for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I marinate jennie-o turkey tenderloin before cooking it in the oven?
Yes, you can marinate Jennie-O turkey tenderloin before cooking it in the oven. Simply place the tenderloin in a resealable bag with your desired marinade, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours), and then follow the cooking instructions.
What are some seasoning options for jennie-o turkey tenderloin?
Some popular seasoning options for Jennie-O turkey tenderloin include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with different spice blends or create your own marinades.