Tiffany Haney
Cooking a turkey breast in an Instant Pot is a great way to save time and effort in the kitchen. It's faster than roasting a whole bird in the oven, it creates fewer dishes, and it's perfect for smaller gatherings. The Instant Pot ensures that the turkey breast is juicy and tender, with a crispy, seasoned outside. This method is also versatile, working well for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can easily prepare a delicious turkey breast in your Instant Pot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken | 30-40 minutes |
| Turkey breast weight | 3-6.5 pounds |
| Turkey type | Boneless or skin on |
| Turkey preparation | Brined or not |
| Cooker type | Electric pressure cooker or Instant Pot |
| Cooker size | 6-quart or 8-quart |
| Temperature | 500 degrees |
| Ingredients | Turkey breast, oil, butter, Italian seasoning, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, onion, celery, chicken broth, water |
| Equipment | CrispLid, broiler, oven, skillet, forks, spoons |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare your turkey breast for cooking
Preparing your turkey breast for cooking in an Instant Pot is simple and will save you time and effort.
Firstly, you will need to decide whether to brine your turkey breast or not. Some recipes suggest brining for 24-48 hours to ensure the meat is moist and juicy, but others claim that this step is unnecessary as the pressure cooker will keep the meat moist.
If you choose to brine, you can use your favourite method or follow a recipe. One recipe suggests a paste made from butter, paprika, salt, black pepper, and fresh chopped herbs. You can rub this paste all over the outside of the breast.
If you are not brining, you should still pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels before seasoning.
Next, you will need to season the turkey breast. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, ground mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also use a mixture of dried or fresh herbs, or even a poultry seasoning blend. Simply rub the spices all over the turkey breast, gently massaging them into the meat with your fingertips.
If you are using a bone-in turkey breast, you may need to trim any excess neck bone or rib bones that go beyond the breasts. You can also remove any extra skin.
Now your turkey breast is ready to be placed in the Instant Pot and cooked according to your chosen recipe.
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How to cook your turkey breast in the Instant Pot
Cooking a turkey breast in an Instant Pot is a great way to enjoy a tender and juicy roast without the hassle of roasting a whole bird in the oven. It's faster, easier, and perfect for a small gathering or a weekday meal. Here's how to cook your turkey breast in the Instant Pot:
Preparing the Turkey
Start by removing the turkey breast from its package. If it's frozen, make sure to defrost it completely before cooking. You can also trim any excess neck bones, rib bones, or extra skin if needed to fit your Instant Pot size. The ideal turkey breast size is 4.5 pounds or smaller for a 6-quart Instant Pot, and up to 6 pounds for an 8-quart Instant Pot.
Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix olive oil with your choice of seasonings. You can use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano. Rub this spice mix all over the turkey breast generously. You can also drizzle a little oil at the bottom of the Instant Pot.
Cooking Liquid and Aromatics
Add a cooking liquid such as water, stock, or broth to the Instant Pot. You'll need about 2 cups or 2 tablespoons, depending on the size of your Instant Pot and turkey breast. You can also add aromatics like onion, celery, and garlic to the pot. If your turkey breast has a cavity, place the aromatics inside; otherwise, simply place them in the pot and set the turkey breast on top, breast side up.
Pressure Cooking
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the valve to the "Sealing" position. If your Instant Pot has a "Poultry" setting, select that and adjust the pressure to high or low according to the manufacturer's instructions. If not, press the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" button and set the timer. For a 5-pound turkey breast, cook for about 30 minutes on high pressure. Add or reduce time based on the weight of your turkey breast—about 6 minutes per pound for fresh turkey and 10 minutes per pound for frozen.
Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is complete, do not touch the sealing valve. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 20 minutes. If there is still pressure left after this time, you can switch to the "Venting" position to release the remaining steam.
Crisping the Skin
Carefully open the lid away from your face. If you want a crispy skin, transfer the turkey breast to a foil-lined baking sheet and place it under a broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown.
Making Gravy
To make gravy, use the leftover juices (also known as drippings) in the Instant Pot. You can also add butter, flour, and heavy whipping cream to the juices. Turn on the Instant Pot's "Saute" function and cook the gravy, stirring constantly, for about 8 minutes or until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
Let the turkey rest on a cutting board for a few minutes to allow the juices to settle and ensure a moist texture. Then, slice and serve with your favourite sides, such as mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, or steamed broccoli. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot turkey breast!
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How to make gravy using the leftover juices
Once you've cooked your turkey breast in the Instant Pot, it's time to make the gravy using the leftover juices. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Remove the cooked turkey breast from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a cutting board or a plate. Tent with aluminum foil to keep it warm.
- Strain the leftover juices and cooking liquid from the Instant Pot into a separate bowl or container. Use a fine-mesh strainer to catch and discard any solid bits, leaving behind a smooth liquid.
- Return the strained liquid to the Instant Pot. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry. Create the slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Set the Instant Pot to the "Saute" function and bring the liquid to a simmer. Let it cook for around 8 minutes, or until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Once the gravy has thickened, turn off the Instant Pot. For extra flavour, stir in a knob of butter, and season with salt and pepper, or your preferred herbs and spices.
- Carve your rested turkey and serve with the homemade gravy.
Making gravy in the Instant Pot is convenient and efficient, allowing you to utilize the leftover juices to create a delicious, flavourful accompaniment to your turkey breast.
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How to adjust cooking times based on turkey breast size
The cooking time for a turkey breast in an Instant Pot depends on its weight and whether it is boneless or bone-in. A general rule is to cook the turkey for 6-7 minutes per pound. For example, a 5-pound turkey breast will take approximately 30 minutes to cook, while a 4.5-pound turkey breast will take 25 minutes.
For a boneless turkey breast, a 3-pound joint should be cooked on high pressure for around 23 minutes. In contrast, a bone-in joint will take longer; a 7-pound bird should be cooked on high pressure for about 42 minutes.
If your turkey breast is frozen, it is recommended to thaw it before cooking. The cooking time for a frozen turkey breast is about 10 minutes per pound. To ensure even cooking and prevent the meat from drying out, it is advisable to skip the searing step for frozen turkey.
To check if your turkey breast is cooked, use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
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How to serve your turkey breast
Cooking a turkey breast in an Instant Pot is a great way to prepare a delicious, juicy, and tender turkey relatively quickly. Once your turkey breast is cooked, you can serve it with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
Side Dishes
- Mashed potatoes and gravy are a classic and popular choice that goes well with turkey breast. You can make them even more creamy by adding buttermilk or prepare them with garlic and bake them.
- Candied sweet potatoes are another great option, especially for festive occasions. They are coated in a delightful syrup, making them a sweet and tasty treat.
- Honey-roasted carrots or roasted acorn squash are perfect if you're looking for something a little different. They add a touch of sweetness and colour to your plate.
- Celeriac puree is a smooth and creamy side dish similar to mashed potatoes, but with a nuttier taste that pairs well with the mildly gamey flavour of turkey breast.
- Rice pilaf is a flavourful option where rice is toasted in butter, simmered in broth, and infused with aromatics such as parsley and garlic.
- Ratatouille is not just a movie but also a tasty and colourful dish that consists of thinly sliced vegetables arranged in a pretty pattern.
- Sauteed Brussels sprouts are a simple stovetop recipe that will surprise you with their crispy, charred texture and flavour.
- Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be a great addition to your meal, especially if you're looking for something warm and comforting.
- Green beans or green bean casserole are a simple and tasty option to include some veggies in your meal.
- Salads are an easy and fresh option to balance out your meal. You can go for a simple tossed salad or try something like a fresh green salad with sunflower seeds, bacon crumbles, and red onion.
- Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a wholesome and crispy option that can be prepared in the oven without overcooking the veggies.
Sauces and Seasonings
- Gravy is a classic sauce to serve with turkey. You can make it in the Instant Pot using the leftover juices and drippings, or on the stovetop. Season it with salt and pepper, or add spices like paprika and garlic powder.
- White wine and caper pan sauce is an elegant and refined option to serve with your turkey breast.
- Cranberry sauce is a festive choice, especially when served with cranberry cornbread.
- Hollandaise sauce is a decadent and creamy option, perfect for a high-protein brunch when paired with poached eggs and leftover turkey.
- Bacon can be used not only as a side dish but also as a seasoning. Wrapping your turkey breast in bacon will create a crispy coating and infuse the meat with a rich bacon flavour.
- Lemon and herb butter is a great way to baste your turkey breast, adding a burst of flavour.
- Herbs de Provence, garlic powder, chilli powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika are a great combination of spices to rub onto your turkey breast before cooking.
- Brining is essential to cooking a moist turkey. If your turkey isn't pre-brined, soak it in a brine for 24-48 hours before cooking.
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