Effortless Instant Pot Frozen Turkey Breast: A Thanksgiving Game-Changer

Are you tired of the hassle of thawing a turkey for days before Thanksgiving? Say goodbye to the stress with this game-changing Instant Pot Frozen Turkey Breast recipe! With minimal prep time and incredible results, you’ll have a juicy, tender turkey on your table in no time.

The Instant Pot: Your Secret Weapon

The Instant Pot is a modern kitchen marvel that has revolutionized the way we cook. With its pressure-cooking capabilities, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the time. And when it comes to cooking a frozen turkey breast, the Instant Pot shines like a star.

Why Cook a Frozen Turkey Breast?

Cooking a frozen turkey breast in the Instant Pot offers several advantages:

  • Time-Saving: No need to wait for days to thaw your turkey breast. Simply toss it in the Instant Pot straight from the freezer!
  • Convenience: Forget about the hassle of brining or basting. The Instant Pot does all the work for you.
  • Juicy and Tender: The pressure-cooking method ensures that your turkey breast stays incredibly moist and tender on the inside while developing a crispy, golden-brown skin on the outside.
  • Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for a small gathering or a larger crowd, the Instant Pot can handle turkey breasts of various sizes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Frozen turkey breast (bone-in or boneless)
  • Butter or olive oil
  • Chicken broth or water
  • Salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices (e.g., rosemary, thyme, sage)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Instant Pot: Place the trivet or steamer basket in the Instant Pot inner pot. Pour in the chicken broth or water.

  2. Season the Turkey Breast: Remove any packaging from the frozen turkey breast. Pat it dry with paper towels. Rub the turkey breast with butter or olive oil, and generously season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.

  3. Cook in the Instant Pot: Place the seasoned turkey breast on the trivet or steamer basket in the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set the pressure release valve to the “Sealing” position. Cook on high pressure for the recommended time based on the weight of your turkey breast (see the table below).

    Turkey Breast Weight Cooking Time (High Pressure)
    3-4 lbs 65 minutes
    4-5 lbs 70 minutes
    5-6 lbs 75 minutes
    6-7 lbs 80 minutes
    7-8 lbs 85 minutes
    8-9 lbs 90 minutes
    9-10 lbs 95 minutes
    10-11 lbs 100 minutes
  4. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 20 minutes. Then, carefully move the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure.

  5. Rest and Crisp (Optional): Remove the turkey breast from the Instant Pot and let it rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicier turkey breast. If desired, you can place the turkey breast under the broiler or in a preheated oven for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.

  6. Make Gravy (Optional): While the turkey breast is resting, you can use the flavorful cooking liquid in the Instant Pot to make a delicious gravy. Simply whisk together a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir it into the cooking liquid while sautéing in the Instant Pot. Simmer until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

  7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the turkey breast and serve it alongside your favorite Thanksgiving sides and the homemade gravy (if desired). Get ready to impress your guests with this incredibly moist and flavorful Instant Pot Frozen Turkey Breast!

Tips and Tricks

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: For food safety, ensure that the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure your turkey breast fits comfortably in your Instant Pot. If it’s too large, consider cutting it into pieces or using a larger Instant Pot model.
  • Add Aromatics: For extra flavor, you can place sliced onions, celery, or other aromatics in the cooking liquid.
  • Crisp the Skin: If you prefer a crispier skin, you can broil or air fry the turkey breast for a few minutes after cooking in the Instant Pot.
  • Adjust Cooking Time for Altitude: Cooking times may vary slightly based on your altitude. Consult your Instant Pot manual or adjust the cooking time as needed.

With this Instant Pot Frozen Turkey Breast recipe, you’ll have a stress-free and delicious Thanksgiving meal in no time. Say goodbye to the hassle of thawing and hello to a juicy, tender turkey breast that will have your guests asking for seconds!

Frozen Turkey Breast (Instant Pot)

FAQ

Can you cook a turkey breast from frozen?

Believe it or not, the process of cooking a frozen turkey is incredibly simple. Remove the wrapping and place your completely frozen turkey breast side up on a roasting pan. Cook on the middle or bottom rack of the oven at 325 degrees. The turkey will take longer to cook (at least 50% longer than thawed).

Can I put a frozen turkey in a pressure cooker?

If you wanted to cook a bigger turkey, say a 5 lb frozen turkey breast in your instant pot, that would be do able in your 6 quart, but if you want a 7 lb frozen turkey breast I would cook that one in an 8 quart.

How much longer do you cook frozen meat in the Instant Pot?

Usually frozen meat will take about 1.5 times as long as fresh meat to cook. So for instance, if you’re cooking chicken breast they take 8 minutes to cook at high pressure if they’re fresh, and 12 minutes if they’re frozen.

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