This easy Orange Cranberry Turkey Tenderloin turned out absolutely fantastic the other night.
Turkey breast tenderloins are incredibly tender and juicy — I had underestimated them until now.
You can prepare these in the oven or on a Traeger Pellet Grill if you prefer. The Traeger adds a subtle smoky note that complements the glaze.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Turkey Tenderloin
Start by making the orange cranberry glaze.
In a small saucepan combine orange juice, jellied cranberry sauce, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic.
Whisk the ingredients together and bring to a boil. The jellied cranberry sauce will start as lumps but will melt into the mixture as it heats.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens into a glaze. Set it aside while you prepare the turkey.
I used a 1 1/2 pound package of turkey breast tenderloins; mine contained two large tenderloins, and each one fed two people in my family.
Season the tenderloins with kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
For oven cooking, place the seasoned tenderloins on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C). If using a Traeger Pellet Grill, preheat to 400°F and put the tenderloins directly on the grill grates. The Traeger adds a light smoky flavor that pairs well with the glaze.
Cook for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If grilling at a lower temperature, adjust timing accordingly — on a standard grill you may cook 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally.
Flip the tenderloins halfway through cooking and brush them with the glaze several times during the last half of cooking so they develop a glossy, flavorful coating.
Serve Orange Cranberry Turkey Tenderloin with the extra sauce for dipping!
The finished tenderloins were so juicy and tender that a fork was all we needed to cut them. Serve with the reserved glaze on the side for dipping.
I usually reach for chicken, but after this family-approved turkey dish, I suspect turkey tenderloins will be on our rotation more often.
If you like Orange Cranberry Turkey Tenderloin, you might also like these recipes…
Turkey Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
Turkey Brie and Cranberry Paninis
Smoked Maple Bourbon Brined Turkey
Smoked Caribbean Jerk Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Turkey
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Orange Cranberry Turkey Tenderloin
An orange cranberry glaze gives these turkey tenderloins bright, tangy-sweet flavor. Make them in the oven or on a Traeger grill.
Main Course
American
Cranberry, Dinner Recipes, Easy, orange, Traeger, Turkey
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 Tbsp ginger paste or minced ginger
- 1/2 Tbsp garlic paste or minced garlic
- 1 1/2 pounds turkey breast tenderloins (about 2)
- kosher salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
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Combine orange juice, jellied cranberry sauce, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes until it reaches a glaze consistency. Stir to combine and watch closely — if it bubbles up, remove from heat briefly.
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Season turkey tenderloins with kosher salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Oven: Roast at 400°F for 35–45 minutes on a baking sheet, flipping once and brushing with glaze several times during the last half of cooking.
Grill: Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, for roughly 15–20 minutes depending on grill temp; brush with glaze during the final stages.
Traeger: Preheat to 400°F and place tenderloins on the grill grate for 35–45 minutes, flipping once and glazing a few times. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
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Serve sliced tenderloins with the remaining orange cranberry glaze for dipping.
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