Looking for a show-stopping dish that will impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Carrots and Homemade Gravy is not only a succulent centerpiece for any meal, but it also cooks to perfection in just 75 minutes! Imagine tender turkey, vibrant carrots, and rich gravy all coming together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether it's a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe promises to deliver flavor and satisfaction that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and discover how easy it is to create a delicious turkey dinner in your Instant Pot!
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb turkey breast
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for gravy)
- 2 tablespoons water (for gravy)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the turkey breast under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the turkey breast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function and add the tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat for about a minute.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned turkey breast into the pot. Sear it for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it develops a nice golden-brown crust. This step adds flavor and helps to lock in moisture.
- After searing, remove the turkey breast from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Add the quartered onion and chopped carrots to the pot, stirring them for about 2-3 minutes to slightly soften them.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze and lift any browned bits. This will add depth to the flavor of your dish.
- Return the turkey breast to the pot, placing it on top of the vegetables. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to the 'Sealing' position.
- Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the cooking time for 60 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10-15 minutes. After that, carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid once it is safe to do so.
- Using tongs, carefully remove the turkey breast from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm while you prepare the gravy.
- To make the gravy, strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan, discarding the solids. You should have a flavorful broth left.
- In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Bring the strained broth to a gentle boil over medium heat, then gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue stirring until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Once thickened, taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Slice the turkey breast against the grain and serve it on a platter with the carrots and gravy drizzled over the top. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Carrots and Homemade Gravy!
Tips
- Choose the Right Turkey Breast: Opt for a bone-in turkey breast if possible, as it tends to be juicier and more flavorful than boneless cuts.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper when seasoning your turkey. A well-seasoned turkey will have a much richer flavor.
- Sear for Flavor: Take the time to sear the turkey breast before pressure cooking. This step locks in moisture and adds a delicious golden crust that enhances the overall taste.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the turkey to rest covered in foil for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the gravy in advance! Just store it in the fridge and reheat it on the stove when you're ready to serve.
- Adjust Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply add more cornstarch to your slurry, whisking until you reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or potatoes to the Instant Pot for a complete meal in one go!
- Use Leftovers Wisely: If you have leftovers, they make fantastic sandwiches or can be added to soups for a quick meal later in the week. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful Instant Pot recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 174kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 53mg