What herb butter for turkey breast?

Use thyme, rosemary, and sage with minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add lemon zest or parsley if you like it brighter.

What to season a turkey tenderloin with?

Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic, and that simple herb-butter blend. It’s reliable and tastes like the holidays.

Should you put butter on a turkey before roasting?

Yes. Butter helps browning, carries herb flavor, and protects moisture so the meat stays tender.

How to infuse turkey with butter?

Rub soft (not melted) herb butter all over and press a little into natural seams. Optional: baste once midway with the melted butter from the pan.

What do you mix with butter to season a turkey?

Fresh herbs (thyme/rosemary/sage), minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest or a teaspoon of Dijon.

How to make herb butter?

Soften butter; stir in minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add lemon zest if you like. That’s it.

Turkey Tenderloin with Herb Butter: Simple, Tender, Perfect

Description

Juicy turkey tenderloin with herb butter, roasted at 400°F for golden edges and a tender center. Garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage make every slice taste like the holidays.

Ingredients

Scale

1½ pounds turkey tenderloins (usually 2 pieces)
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: ½ teaspoon lemon zest; pinch chili flakes

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Instructions

Heat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with foil, set a rack on top, and lightly grease.
Make herb butter: mix softened butter, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper (add lemon zest if using).
Pat turkey dry. Coat tenderloins evenly with herb butter; press some into natural seams.
Roast 40–45 minutes until the thickest part reaches 160°F.
Tent with foil and rest 10 minutes; carryover brings it to 165°F.
Slice across the grain and serve with warm gravy.

Notes

Use unsalted butter for control. If using salted, reduce added salt.
If butter won’t spread, microwave 5–8 seconds (don’t melt).
Make herb butter up to 3 days ahead; bring to room temperature before spreading.
For an easy sauce, make “Turkey Gravy Without Drippings.”

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Roast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 0 g
Sodium: 640 mg
Fat: 16 g
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 125 mg