Are you craving the savory deliciousness of turkey but dread the hassle of roasting a whole bird? Look no further than your trusty Instant Pot! This versatile kitchen appliance can transform a simple boneless turkey breast into a mouthwatering masterpiece in no time. Say goodbye to dry, flavorless turkey and hello to tender, juicy perfection with every bite.
Why Choose Boneless Turkey Breast in the Instant Pot?
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Time-Saving Convenience: No more hours of roasting and monitoring the oven. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking capabilities cut down the cooking time significantly, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
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Moist and Tender Results: The moist heat environment of the Instant Pot ensures that your boneless turkey breast stays incredibly juicy and tender, unlike the drying effects of traditional oven roasting.
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Versatility: Boneless turkey breast is a blank canvas, ready to be seasoned and flavored to suit your taste preferences. From classic herb rubs to zesty citrus marinades, the possibilities are endless.
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Portion Control: With boneless turkey breast, you can easily adjust the quantity based on your needs, making it ideal for smaller gatherings or meal prepping for the week.
Step-by-Step Guide to Instant Pot Boneless Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 1 boneless turkey breast (3-5 lbs)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Seasoning mix (e.g., salt, pepper, paprika, herbs de Provence, garlic powder)
- Chicken or turkey stock
- Aromatics (e.g., onion, celery, garlic)
- Butter and flour (for gravy, optional)
Preparation
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Thaw the Turkey Breast (if frozen): If using a frozen boneless turkey breast, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This can take 24-48 hours, depending on the size.
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Season the Turkey Breast: Pat the thawed turkey breast dry with paper towels and rub it generously with olive oil or melted butter. In a small bowl, combine your desired seasoning mix and evenly coat the turkey breast.
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Prepare the Instant Pot: Place the trivet or a steamer basket in the Instant Pot inner pot and add 1-1.5 cups of chicken or turkey stock.
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Sear the Turkey Breast (optional): For added flavor, you can sear the seasoned turkey breast in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” function before pressure cooking.
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Arrange the Turkey and Aromatics: Place the seasoned turkey breast on the trivet or steamer basket, and arrange the aromatics (onion, celery, garlic) around it.
Cooking
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Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, make sure the valve is set to “Sealing,” and select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function. For a 3-5 lb boneless turkey breast, cook on high pressure for:
- 3 lbs: 55 minutes
- 4 lbs: 65 minutes
- 5 lbs: 75 minutes
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Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15-20 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
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Check for Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the turkey breast has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If not, return the Instant Pot to pressure cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
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Make Gravy (optional): After removing the turkey breast, you can use the cooking liquid to make a quick gravy. Melt butter in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” function, whisk in flour to create a roux, and gradually stir in the cooking liquid until thickened.
Turkey Breast Instant Pot Time per Pound
As a general rule, cook boneless turkey breast in the Instant Pot for the following times per pound:
- 5 minutes per pound for thawed boneless turkey breast
- 8-10 minutes per pound for frozen boneless turkey breast
Keep in mind that these are approximate times, and the best way to ensure your turkey breast is cooked to perfection is to use an instant-read thermometer.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Turkey Breast in the Instant Pot
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Brine the Turkey Breast (optional): For extra moisture and flavor, consider brining the turkey breast in a salt and herb solution for several hours or overnight before cooking.
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Add Flavor with Aromatics: Don’t forget to include aromatics like onions, celery, and garlic in the Instant Pot. They infuse the turkey with incredible flavor and can be used to make a flavorful gravy.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: Investing in a reliable meat thermometer is crucial for ensuring your turkey breast is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Let it Rest: Once the turkey breast is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful turkey.
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Crisp up the Skin (optional): If you prefer a crispy skin, you can remove the turkey breast from the Instant Pot and place it under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.
How to Cook Turkey Breast in the Instant Pot
Now that you know the secrets to perfectly cooked boneless turkey breast in the Instant Pot, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and hassle-free turkey dinner:
- Thaw the turkey breast if frozen, and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Rub the turkey breast with olive oil or melted butter, and season it with your desired spice blend.
- Add chicken or turkey stock to the Instant Pot inner pot, and place the trivet or steamer basket inside.
- Arrange the seasoned turkey breast on the trivet or steamer basket, and surround it with aromatics like onion, celery, and garlic.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, and pressure cook on high for the recommended time based on the weight of your turkey breast (refer to the “Turkey Breast Instant Pot Time per Pound” section).
- Allow for a natural pressure release, and check the internal temperature of the turkey breast with a meat thermometer.
- If desired, make a quick gravy by creating a roux with butter and flour, and gradually whisking in the cooking liquid.
- Let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving with the homemade gravy and your favorite sides.
With these simple steps and tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious, juicy, and flavorful boneless turkey breast without the hassle of traditional roasting methods. The Instant Pot truly is a game-changer when it comes to effortless and delicious turkey dinners.