Thanksgiving is a time of joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. One of the centerpieces of this holiday is the turkey. However, cooking a whole turkey can be a time - consuming and sometimes daunting task. But fear not! There's a quicker and equally scrumptious alternative: the turkey breast cooked in an Instant Pot.
Using a turkey breast instead of a whole bird has several advantages. First and foremost, it significantly reduces the cooking time. You won't have to spend hours babysitting the oven, constantly checking the temperature and basting the bird. With a turkey breast, you can have a tender, juicy, and flavorful main course on the table in a fraction of the time.
Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the Instant Pot. This multi - cooker is a game - changer in the kitchen. It combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more. When it comes to cooking a turkey breast, the Instant Pot's pressure - cooking feature is what makes it so special.
To start this Instant Pot turkey breast recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients. For the turkey breast, choose a fresh or thawed one. You'll also need some basic seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These simple seasonings will enhance the natural flavor of the turkey. Additionally, you'll need some chicken broth or turkey broth to create the steam and flavor base in the Instant Pot.
Begin by seasoning the turkey breast generously on all sides. Make sure to get the seasonings into every nook and cranny. This will ensure that the turkey is well - flavored throughout. Next, place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot and pour in the broth. The trivet will keep the turkey breast elevated, allowing the steam to circulate evenly around it.
Carefully place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the trivet. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the pressure - cooking function and set the time according to the size of your turkey breast. As a general rule, you'll cook it for about 15 - 20 minutes per pound. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 - 15 minutes before doing a quick release.
Now, onto the must - have turkey gravy. While the turkey is cooking, you can start preparing the gravy. In a small saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat. Add some flour and whisk it constantly to form a roux. The roux is the base of the gravy and will help thicken it. Cook the roux for a few minutes until it turns a light golden color.
Slowly pour in the cooking liquid from the Instant Pot. This liquid is full of flavor from the turkey and the seasonings. Whisk the mixture continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep cooking the gravy until it reaches your desired thickness. You can adjust the consistency by adding more broth or flour as needed. Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and a little bit of thyme for an extra burst of flavor.
When the turkey breast is done and the pressure has been released, carefully remove it from the Instant Pot. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy turkey. Serve the sliced turkey breast with the delicious gravy on the side.
Not only is this Instant Pot turkey breast recipe quick and easy, but it also produces a high - quality result. The turkey breast comes out moist, tender, and full of flavor. The gravy adds that extra touch of richness and makes the whole meal even more satisfying.
Whether you're a busy home cook or just looking for a new way to enjoy Thanksgiving, this Instant Pot turkey breast recipe is a winner. It's a great option for small gatherings or if you simply prefer the taste of turkey breast over a whole bird. So, this Thanksgiving, swap out the whole turkey for a turkey breast and let your Instant Pot work its magic.
You can also get creative with this recipe. You can add some herbs like rosemary or sage to the turkey breast for a more traditional Thanksgiving flavor. You can even experiment with different types of broth, such as vegetable broth for a vegetarian - friendly option. The possibilities are endless.
In conclusion, the Instant Pot turkey breast recipe is a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving menu. It saves time, produces a delicious result, and is customizable to your taste preferences. So, don't hesitate to give it a try and make this Thanksgiving a memorable one with a quick and tasty turkey breast dinner.
