Marianne Martinez
Cooking Italian turkey breast in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to prepare a hearty meal for the family without spending hours in the kitchen. The pressure cooker seals in all the juices, resulting in tender and juicy meat. The entire process is done in the Instant Pot, making it a convenient option for those looking to save time without sacrificing flavour. This method is perfect for a holiday dinner or a Sunday night meal, and can be paired with sides such as cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, baked brown sugar carrots, or skillet mac and cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 25 minutes on high pressure for fresh turkey breast (or 60 minutes for frozen) |
| Ingredients | Boneless turkey breast, olive oil, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic, butter |
| Process | Pat the turkey dry, drizzle with olive oil, rub in spices, sear in Instant Pot, add butter and oil, cook on high pressure |
| Result | Juicy, tender turkey breast with a crispy, seasoned outside |
| Sides | Italian sausage and cheese stuffing, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, baked brown sugar carrots, skillet mac and cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning the turkey breast
Pat the Turkey Dry:
Start by patting the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps to remove any excess moisture, ensuring a better sear when the turkey is cooked.
Drizzle with Oil:
Once the turkey is dry, drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the surface of the turkey breast. You can also use any type of vegetable oil you prefer. Rub the oil all over the turkey breast, making sure to coat it evenly. This step helps the spices stick to the meat and promotes better browning during cooking.
Apply the Spice Rub:
Now it's time to add the spices! In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, Italian seasoning (a blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram), tarragon, salt, and pepper. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, and chilli powder for an extra kick. Mix these spices together, then rub them generously all over the turkey breast. Use your fingertips to gently massage the spices into the meat, ensuring an even coating.
Finishing Touches:
After the spice rub, finish seasoning your turkey breast by rubbing it with minced garlic. You can also add other fresh herbs of your choice, such as rosemary or thyme sprigs, for an extra burst of flavour.
Searing (Optional):
At this point, you can choose to sear the turkey breast before placing it in the Instant Pot. Heat some oil in a skillet or the Instant Pot itself, then sear the turkey for 4-5 minutes, rotating it to brown all sides evenly. This step adds extra flavour and colour to your turkey breast.
Now your Italian turkey breast is perfectly seasoned and ready to be cooked in your Instant Pot! Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and proper use of your Instant Pot. Enjoy your juicy and flavourful turkey feast!
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Cooking the turkey breast
First, pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over the turkey and rub it all over the skin. This will help the turkey breast to develop a good sear and lock in the juices.
Next, rub the turkey breast with your chosen seasonings. You can use a mix of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, tarragon, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Alternatively, you can use a combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. You can also add some herbs de Provence, chilli powder, or garlic powder for extra flavour.
Now, you can begin cooking. Set your Instant Pot to the ''Sear' or 'Saute' setting. Add some butter and oil to the pot. Once the pot has reached the desired temperature, add the turkey breast and sear it well on all sides. You can also sear the turkey breast in a skillet on the stovetop before placing it in the Instant Pot.
After searing, add water to the pot. Be careful to pour it into the side, so you don't rinse off the seasonings. Place the lid on the pot and set the valve to the 'Sealing' position. Set the pot to 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' and adjust the time according to the weight of your turkey breast. As a guide, cook for 25 minutes per pound of boneless turkey breast. For example, a 4-pound turkey breast will take around 1 hour to cook. If your turkey breast is frozen, increase the cooking time to 17 minutes per pound.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining steam by following your manufacturer's instructions.
Remove the lid and transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board. Cover it with aluminium foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. If you prefer crispier skin, place the turkey breast in the oven and broil for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Finally, season your gravy with salt and pepper, and serve it with your juicy, tender, Italian-style turkey breast!
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Making the gravy
Once you've removed the cooked turkey breast from the Instant Pot, you can make your gravy directly in the pot. Measure 2 cups of turkey drippings in the Instant Pot pan. Discard any remaining liquid, onion and celery.
Combine 1 tablespoon of water with cornstarch in a small bowl and pour this mixture into the turkey drippings. Turn on the Instant Pot's Saute function and cook the gravy, stirring constantly for about 8 minutes or until it has slightly thickened.
Season the gravy generously with salt and pepper, and serve over your sliced turkey breast.
If you want to make the gravy in a different pot, you can follow this alternative method: First, sear the turkey breast in a skillet on the stovetop. Then, place the turkey in a slow cooker on top of a quartered onion, some whole, peeled carrots, and a few smashed cloves of garlic (all optional). Set the slow cooker to cook for 2 hours on high or 4 on low. Transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil briefly to crisp up the skin. Finally, make your gravy on the stovetop with the leftover juices.
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Cooking from frozen
The main benefit of cooking an Italian turkey breast in an Instant Pot is that you can cook it from frozen without having to defrost it first. This saves time and effort and frees up valuable oven space. The cooking time will be longer than if you were cooking a thawed turkey breast, but it's still a quick and convenient way to prepare a tasty meal.
To cook an Italian turkey breast from frozen in an Instant Pot, start by running warm water over the frozen turkey to loosen the gravy packet. You can discard the gravy packet if you plan to make your own gravy. Then, pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and season it generously with herbs and spices. A typical Italian spice mix might include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. You can also drizzle olive oil over the turkey breast to help the spices stick.
Once your turkey breast is seasoned, it's time to start the Instant Pot. Set it to the "Saute" function and add some butter or oil to the pot. When the butter has melted or the oil is hot, add the turkey breast and brown it on all sides. Then, remove the turkey breast from the pot and set it aside.
Next, you'll want to create a flavour base by sauteing some vegetables. You can use a combination of onions, apples, and celery, cooking them until they're slightly translucent. Then, add some chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. At this point, you can also add the gravy mix and stir until it's dissolved.
Now it's time to put the turkey breast back into the Instant Pot. Place a trivet at the bottom of the pot and put the seasoned turkey breast on top. Close the lid, making sure the steam release knob is set to "Sealing."
Cook the turkey breast on the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting at high pressure for 50 to 60 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and weight of your turkey breast. For a boneless turkey breast, aim for about 20-25 minutes per pound. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 to 15 minutes.
Finally, remove the turkey breast from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover it with aluminium foil and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. If you prefer your turkey breast with crispy skin, you can place it under the broiler for a few minutes after resting.
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Side dishes
There are numerous side dishes that complement Italian turkey breast. Here are some suggestions:
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that can be easily prepared in an Instant Pot. For extra flavour, you can also make colcannon, an Irish dish made with mashed potatoes, cream, and cooked cabbage or kale.
Baked Brown Sugar Carrots
Baked carrots with a touch of brown sugar can add a sweet and savoury element to your meal. Alternatively, you can prepare skillet mac and cheese, a comforting and indulgent side dish.
Italian Sausage and Cheese Stuffing
A filling and flavourful option, Italian sausage and cheese stuffing is a great way to elevate your meal. If you're unable to find canned cranberry sauce, you can also make your own with dried cranberries.
Slow Cooker Glazed Ham
For a special occasion or holiday meal, consider preparing a slow cooker glazed ham. This dish requires some planning but can be a delicious addition to your spread.
Buttery Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a simple yet tasty side dish that pairs well with Italian turkey breast. Use fresh, minced garlic cloves for the best flavour, and don't forget to add a generous amount of butter to create a mouthwatering side.
Turkey Carbonara
If you're looking for a pasta option, turkey carbonara is a great choice. It combines turkey, pasta, and a creamy sauce for a satisfying and indulgent dish.
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Frequently asked questions
First, pat the turkey dry with a paper towel and then drizzle olive oil over the turkey breast, rubbing it all over. Next, rub the turkey breast with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. You can also add minced garlic. Place the turkey breast in the instant pot and sear it on all sides. Add water to the pot and place the lid on top, turning the valve to a sealing position. Set the instant pot to high pressure and cook for 25 minutes for fresh turkey or 60 minutes for frozen.
It takes approximately 25 minutes to cook a fresh turkey breast in an instant pot. For a frozen turkey breast, it will take around 60 minutes. The pressure release will also take around 10 minutes.
Some side dishes that you can serve with Italian turkey breast include Italian sausage and cheese stuffing, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, baked brown sugar carrots, mac and cheese, turkey carbonara, and turkey pot pie.
