Looking for a quick and easy way to cook a juicy and flavorful turkey breast? Look no further than your Instant Pot! This versatile kitchen appliance can help you achieve perfectly cooked turkey in a fraction of the time it takes in a traditional oven.
In this guide we’ll combine the best aspects of two popular Instant Pot turkey breast recipes to create the ultimate cooking experience. We’ll draw inspiration from the “Best Ever Turkey Breast Recipe (Instant Pot)” from Creme De La Crumb and the “Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe” from Allrecipes to provide you with a comprehensive and delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 (5-7 pound) turkey breast, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Herbs de Provence (or Italian herb blend)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon coarsely cracked black pepper (or 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper)
- 2 cups water
- Juice of 1 orange
- Cornstarch Slurry for Gravy
- 1/3 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey breast from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will ensure even cooking.
- Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, combine the Herbs de Provence, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey breast, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Sear the Turkey: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sear” function. Add the olive oil to the pot and let it heat up. Carefully place the turkey breast in the pot and sear it for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Pressure Cook the Turkey: Add 2 cups of water to the pot, being careful not to pour it directly over the turkey. Place the lid on the pot and lock it into position. Turn the vent valve to the “Sealed” position and set the pot to “Pressure Cook” on “High” or “Manual” for 30 minutes.
- Quick Release: Once the cook time is complete, perform a quick release by turning the valve to “Release” to let the steam out immediately.
- Broil the Turkey (Optional): While the pressure is releasing, preheat your oven to “Broil.” Remove the turkey from the pot and place it on a baking sheet lined with foil. Add about 1/2 cup of the liquid from the pot to the baking sheet and transfer the dish to the oven. Broil for 3-5 minutes or until the outside of the turkey is crisp.
- Rest the Turkey: Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy turkey.
- Make the Gravy: While the turkey is resting, set your Instant Pot to the “Soup” function. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Once the liquid in the pot comes to a boil, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and stir until the gravy thickens. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the turkey and serve it with the gravy, your favorite sides, and a squeeze of fresh orange juice for added flavor.
Tips:
- Cooking Time: The cooking time for this recipe is based on a 5-pound turkey breast. For each additional pound of turkey, add 2 minutes to the cooking time.
- Resting is Key: Do not skip the resting step! This is crucial for ensuring a juicy and flavorful turkey.
- Storage: Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 5 months.
- Reheating: Reheat turkey in a 350°F oven for about 30 minutes, covered with foil. Alternatively, microwave sliced turkey in a microwave-safe dish at 50% power in 1-minute intervals, covered with a damp paper towel.
Additional Resources:
- Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe (Creme De La Crumb): https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/best-ever-turkey-breast-recipe-instant-pot/
- Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe (Allrecipes): https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/260227/instant-pot-turkey-breast/
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen turkey breast? Yes, you can use frozen turkey breast, but you will need to increase the cooking time by 15-20 minutes.
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Sear the turkey breast in a skillet before transferring it to your slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with turkey breast? Some good side dishes to serve with turkey breast include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.
Cooking turkey breast in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following the steps in this guide, you can achieve perfectly cooked turkey every time. With its versatility and ease of use, the Instant Pot is the perfect appliance for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor.