Cody Casey
Cooking a frozen turkey in an Instant Pot is possible and can be a convenient option for those short on time or oven space. It is a quick and easy method that does not require any thawing beforehand. The pressure in the Instant Pot infuses seasoning into the meat, resulting in a juicy, tender, and flavourful dish. The cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey, with a 2-3 pound boneless turkey breast taking around 65 minutes, and a larger 7-pound breast not recommended unless a 10-quart Instant Pot is available. It is worth noting that some people find the texture of the cooked frozen turkey strange, but it is still a delicious and efficient way to prepare a turkey, especially for Thanksgiving or other occasions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Convenience | No need to thaw the turkey |
| Time | 50 minutes of cook time, 1 hour and 48 minutes in total |
| Space | Frees up oven space |
| Flavour | Juicy, tender, and flavourful |
| Texture | Strange texture according to one source |
| Type of turkey | Boneless, skin-on turkey breast |
| Weight | 2-3 pounds |
| Equipment | Multi-cooker, trivet, small bowl |
| Ingredients | Butter, olive oil, garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, celery, apple, onion, broth, gravy mix |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time for frozen turkey breast
Yes, you can cook a frozen turkey in the Instant Pot. The Instant Pot can be used as a pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, saute, steamer, cake maker, and warmer.
To cook a frozen turkey breast in the Instant Pot, first, cut the netting and packaging off the turkey and remove the gravy packet. If the gravy packet is frozen, run it under hot water to loosen it. Place the frozen turkey breast under running warm water for 3 to 4 minutes to help loosen the gravy packet. Then, place the gravy packet in a bowl of hot water to thaw while seasoning the turkey.
In a small bowl, mix together sage, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Drizzle olive oil over the turkey breast and rub to coat. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the turkey breast.
Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Saute function. Melt butter in the pot. Saute onion, apple, and celery until the onion and celery are slightly translucent, about 5 minutes. Add broth and scrape off the bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the gravy mix and stir until dissolved.
The cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey breast. A frozen 2-3 pound boneless turkey breast will take approximately 65 minutes to cook, plus an additional 15-20 minutes to come to pressure. For a larger breast (7 pounds), it is not recommended to cook in the Instant Pot unless you have a 10-quart capacity.
After the turkey is done cooking, you can set it under the broiler until the skin is crisped to your liking. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the breast.
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Instant Pot prep
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
First, remove any netting or packaging from the turkey. If there is a gravy packet inside the turkey, run it under warm water for 3-4 minutes to loosen and remove it. Place the gravy packet in a bowl of hot water to thaw while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
In a small bowl, combine your choice of seasonings. Suggested seasonings include butter, olive oil, garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the turkey breast and rub it in. Then, rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire turkey breast.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Saute" function. Melt some butter in the pot, then add in your choice of vegetables. Suggested vegetables include onion, apple, and celery. Saute these until the onion and celery are slightly translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Broth and Gravy
Add broth to the pot, scraping off any bits from the bottom. Add in the gravy mix and stir until dissolved. You can also add in any juices from the thawed gravy packet.
Step 5: Cook the Turkey
Place the trivet at the bottom of the Instant Pot and put the seasoned turkey breast on top. Close the lid and turn the valve to the "Sealing" position. Press the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" button and set the time according to the weight of your turkey. For a frozen boneless turkey breast, the cooking time is approximately 60 minutes, plus an additional 10 minutes for natural release.
Step 6: Serve the Turkey
Once the turkey is cooked, you can slice it and serve it with the gravy made earlier. If desired, you can place the turkey under the broiler to crisp the skin before serving.
And that's it! You now have a delicious and tender turkey dish prepared in a fraction of the time compared to traditional baking methods. Enjoy!
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Seasoning and spices
When it comes to seasoning and spices for your frozen turkey, there are various options to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want to use a dry rub or a wet rub. A dry rub involves combining spices and herbs and rubbing them directly onto the surface of the frozen turkey. This method ensures that the flavours are infused into the meat as it cooks. You can create your own dry rub by mixing spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage, and Italian seasoning. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought poultry seasoning blend, which is a convenient option.
On the other hand, a wet rub involves mixing herbs, spices, and a liquid base such as butter, olive oil, or broth. To make a wet rub, combine the spices and herbs with the liquid base and apply it generously to the surface of the frozen turkey. The liquid component helps to moisten the meat and enhance the flavour. You can also try injecting the turkey with a marinade or butter-based mixture to add moisture and flavour from the inside out.
Additionally, consider using fresh herbs to elevate the flavour of your frozen turkey. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage can be placed inside the cavity of the turkey or tied to the outside for a more subtle flavour. If using fresh herbs, remember to wash and dry them thoroughly before use.
When seasoning your frozen turkey, it is important to ensure that the seasonings are evenly distributed across the surface of the meat. Use your hands or a brush to rub the seasonings onto the turkey, making sure to cover all areas, including the legs and wings. If desired, you can loosen the skin of the turkey gently with your fingers and slide the seasonings underneath, creating an even more flavourful bird.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your perfect blend. You can also try brining your frozen turkey before cooking it in the Instant Pot. Brining involves soaking the turkey in a salt-water mixture, which helps to tenderise the meat and enhance its ability to retain moisture, resulting in a juicy and flavourful dish.
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How to remove the gravy packet
Cooking a frozen turkey in an Instapot is a great way to save time and oven space, especially during Thanksgiving. Before you begin the cooking process, you'll need to remove the netting and packaging from the turkey. This includes the gravy packet, which can be tricky to remove if it's frozen inside the turkey. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to remove the gravy packet:
Step 1: Run Warm Water Over the Turkey
Place the frozen turkey breast under running warm water for 3 to 4 minutes. This will help loosen the gravy packet from the turkey, making it easier to remove. Ensure you don't use hot water as it may begin to cook the turkey unevenly.
Step 2: Locate the Gravy Packet
Feel around the turkey to locate the gravy packet. It is usually inserted inside the cavity of the turkey. If you're having trouble finding it, gently squeeze the turkey to get a sense of where the packet is located.
Step 3: Remove the Gravy Packet
Once you've located the gravy packet, carefully reach into the cavity and pull it out. If the packet is still frozen and difficult to remove, try running some warm water over your hands as you reach inside the turkey. Be gentle to avoid tearing the packet.
Step 4: Thaw the Gravy Packet
Place the removed gravy packet in a bowl of hot water to completely thaw it while you continue preparing the turkey. This will ensure that the gravy is ready to use when you need it.
Removing the gravy packet from a frozen turkey may take a bit of effort, but it is an important step to ensure that your turkey cooks evenly and that you have access to the delicious gravy inside. Always remember to handle raw turkey with care and ensure proper hygiene before and after handling to prevent any contamination.
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What to serve with the turkey
So, you're cooking a frozen turkey in the Instant Pot and want to know what to serve with it? Well, there are plenty of options to choose from! Here are some ideas to get you started.
First up, you can't go wrong with some classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and green beans. If you want to get a little more creative, try making Mediterranean Green Beans with fresh green beans, diced tomatoes, fresh garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Or, wrap your green beans in bacon and throw them in the oven for a super crispy treat.
For something a little heartier, try a sweet potato casserole or some oven-roasted eggplant slices. If you're a bread person, there's always garlic bread or sweet dinner rolls, and if you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at Southern Cornbread or Sweet Cornbread.
Of course, you can't forget the cranberry sauce! Make it naturally sweetened, or try something new like spicy deviled eggs. And don't forget the gravy! Make it in the Instant Pot with apples, onions, broth, and Wondra.
There you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create a delicious and memorable meal.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time for a frozen turkey breast in the Insta Pot is around 60 minutes on high pressure, followed by a 10-minute natural release. The total time, including prep, sautéing vegetables, pressure build-up, and rest time, is around 1 hour and 48 minutes.
First, place the frozen turkey under running warm water for 3 to 4 minutes to remove the gravy packet. Then, mix your choice of spices and herbs and rub them onto the turkey breast. Next, turn on the Insta Pot and select the ''Saute' function. Melt some butter, and sauté your choice of vegetables. Add the broth, and stir in the gravy mix. Finally, place the seasoned turkey breast into the Insta Pot and cook.
Cooking a frozen turkey in the Insta Pot saves time and oven space, especially during Thanksgiving when you might be doing a lot of baking. It also saves you the hassle of thawing the turkey, which can be a lengthy process.
