If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and pleases everyone at the table, you’ve just hit the jackpot with my Garlic Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Gravy Recipe. I absolutely love how tender the turkey turns out and how the garlic gravy ties everything together with a rich, comforting finish — perfect for weeknights or even a small holiday gathering. Keep reading because I’m sharing all my best tips to help you nail this recipe without a hitch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super tender turkey: Turkey tenderloin stays juicy and never dries out thanks to quick pan-searing and precise timing.
- Garlic gravy magic: The easy-to-make garlic gravy adds intense flavor and a silky finish with minimal fuss.
- Speedy yet satisfying: Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s great when you want a home-cooked meal fast.
- Family favorite: My family goes crazy for this – it’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for company.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a crucial role. The turkey tenderloins provide the lean and tender protein, while the garlic and herbs lift up the flavor without overpowering. I recommend using good-quality beef broth—it really makes your gravy rich and velvety.
- Turkey tenderloins: Look for fresh, nicely sized tenderloins around 1.5 pounds total for even cooking.
- Fine sea salt: Essential for seasoning both the meat and the gravy perfectly without bitterness.
- Poultry seasoning: This classic blend adds warmth and depth to your turkey’s flavor—don’t skip it!
- Avocado oil: Perfect for searing thanks to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Butter: Richness is key for the gravy, and using real butter makes such a difference.
- Flour: This is your thickening agent—choose all-purpose for the best silky sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh and pressed or finely grated, garlic packs a punch in the gravy that elevates everything.
- Organic beef broth: Go for quality broth, room temperature for smoother gravy with deeper flavor.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a bright, fresh touch right before serving that makes the dish feel extra special.
Variations
I like to switch things up sometimes, whether it’s tweaking the herbs or the cooking method. It helps keep this recipe exciting and customizable — and I highly encourage you to play around with it!
- Herb swap: Once, I swapped poultry seasoning with fresh thyme and rosemary, which gave the turkey an earthy, aromatic twist that was amazing.
- Spicy kick: If you enjoy some heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy—it brings a subtle warmth without overpowering.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute butter with olive oil and use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the gravy to make it allergy-friendly.
- Slow cooker: For a hands-off approach, you can lightly sear the tenderloins then finish in a slow cooker with the gravy ingredients for a few hours.
How to Make Garlic Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Tenderloins
Start by patting your turkey tenderloins dry—this helps get a beautiful, caramelized crust. Sprinkle both sides with sea salt and poultry seasoning to infuse that classic savory flavor. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and carefully add the tenderloins. Sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. The key is not to crowd your pan, so the turkey browns instead of steaming—trust me, it makes a huge difference!
Step 2: Make the Garlic Gravy in the Same Pan
Once the turkey is nicely seared, remove it from the pan and keep it warm on a plate. Lower the heat to medium, then melt butter in the same skillet. Here’s where the magic happens—stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking it until it’s lightly golden (about 2 minutes). Next, add your finely grated garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Slowly whisk in the room-temperature beef broth to avoid lumps and keep stirring until the gravy thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and give it a taste to adjust.
Step 3: Finish Cooking and Serve
Return the tenderloins to the skillet, spooning some gravy over top. Reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and let everything simmer gently for 5-7 minutes—you want to cook it through without drying out the meat. After resting for a few minutes, slice against the grain, pour more gravy over the top, and sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like that fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve it up hot and watch everyone dig in happily!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Gravy Recipe
- Don’t skip drying the turkey: Moisture on the tenderloin prevents browning, so patting it dry really helps you get that golden crust.
- Use room-temp broth: Adding cold broth to your roux can cause lumps; room temperature liquid makes whisking easier and gravy smoother.
- Low-and-slow finish: After searing, gently simmer rather than rapidly boiling to keep the turkey tender and juicy.
- Avoid over-thickening the gravy: If it feels too thick, simply whisk in a splash of broth or water to reach the perfect pourable consistency.
How to Serve Garlic Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top—it adds just the right touch of brightness to balance the rich garlic gravy. Occasionally I’ve added a few thyme sprigs when serving for a rustic, herbaceous look and aroma.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, soaking up every bit of that luscious gravy. Roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts also complement the garlic turkey tenderloin perfectly for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve plated the sliced tenderloin fanned out over a bed of wild rice pilaf, then drizzled the garlic gravy artistically over the top. Adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts and microgreens gives it an elegant restaurant vibe that impresses guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover turkey and gravy separately in airtight containers to keep textures fresh. The turkey stays juicy this way, and the gravy doesn’t thicken into a paste in the fridge. It’s the best way to enjoy leftovers without loss of flavor.
Freezing
I’ve frozen both the turkey tenderloins and gravy successfully. Just wrap the turkey tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags and pour the cooled gravy into a freezer container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the gravy on the stovetop while slowly warming the sliced turkey in a covered pan with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. You’ll find the texture and flavor almost as good as freshly made.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken tenderloins instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Chicken tenderloins work similarly and will cook a bit faster, so keep an eye during searing and simmering to avoid overcooking. The garlic gravy remains just as delicious with chicken.
-
What if I don’t have poultry seasoning?
You can easily substitute with a pinch of sage, thyme, and a little black pepper. These herbs blend well with turkey and mimic the warm complexity of poultry seasoning.
-
How can I tell when the turkey tenderloin is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The meat should be firm but still juicy when you press lightly. Avoid guessing by time alone since sizes vary.
-
Can I make the gravy without garlic?
Sure! You’ll lose a bit of that signature flavor, but you can add onion powder or shallots to keep the sauce tasty. Garlic really is the star here, but this gravy base is flexible.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Garlic Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Gravy Recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it whipped up without sacrificing any flavor or tenderness. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s just so reliable and delicious—even my pickiest eaters ask for seconds. I really hope you enjoy making and sharing this meal as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to give it a try tonight and impress your family or friends with your new favorite dinner!
Print
Garlic Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Garlic Gravy is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a small Thanksgiving gathering or a comforting weeknight meal. Tender turkey tenderloins are seasoned and pan-seared to perfection, then topped with a rich, creamy garlic-infused gravy made from scratch using butter, flour, and beef broth. The whole recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a convenient yet elegant option that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Turkey Tenderloin
- 2 turkey tenderloins (approx. 1.5 lb total)
- 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
- ½ Tbsp poultry seasoning
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Garlic Gravy
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cloves garlic, finely grated or pressed with a garlic press
- 2 cups organic beef broth, room temperature
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey Tenderloin: Pat the turkey tenderloins dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 3/4 tsp fine sea salt and 1/2 tablespoon of poultry seasoning. This will enhance the natural flavor of the meat.
- Sear the Turkey: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the turkey tenderloins and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside covered to keep warm.
- Make the Garlic Roux: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1/4 cup of butter. Once melted, add 1/4 cup flour and stir continuously to form a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes until it becomes lightly golden, ensuring the raw flour taste cooks out.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the finely grated or pressed garlic cloves into the roux and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant to infuse the gravy with garlic flavor.
- Incorporate Broth: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of room temperature organic beef broth into the roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the gravy thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the Gravy: Add 1/4 tsp fine sea salt to the gravy and adjust seasoning to taste. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more broth or water to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve: Slice the turkey tenderloins and arrange on a serving platter. Pour the garlic gravy over the top and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- This dish is perfect for small Thanksgiving gatherings or as a quick and comforting weeknight dinner.
- The gravy comes together quickly, making the entire meal ready in just 25 minutes.
- Using turkey tenderloin ensures quick cooking and tenderness.
- You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought.
- Chopped parsley garnish adds a fresh pop of color but is optional.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 6 oz turkey with gravy)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
