Weeknight Fast: Smokey Turkey Breast in the Pressure Cooker

No need to wait for Thanksgiving to enjoy a turkey dinner. This fabulous Smokey Turkey Breast can be made easily in either a pressure cooker or a slow cooker. Either way it is an easy meal, perfect for weeknights.

Whether you're a seasoned pro in the kitchen or a newbie looking to impress your family and friends, this recipe will help you create a ridiculously good smokey turkey breast.

We are a big fan of turkey throughout the year, not just during the holidays. But, who wants to wait around for a whole turkey to roast (or smoke) on a weeknight. That's why turkey breasts are so convenient. Same great taste but easy to cook.

Does it taste like it has been cooked for hours in a smoker?

No, but it does have a nice mild smoke flavor to it. If you want a more intense smoke flavor to it, marinade overnight in a mixture of red wine vinegar, olive oil and liquid smoke. I was going for fast this time around.

Slow Cooker versus Pressure Cooker Smokey Turkey Breast

I have a stovetop pressure cooker, an electric pressure cooker and a programmable slow cooker. <-- those are affiliate links to the products I have purchased, any purchases made through those links may make me a few pennies to support this blog.

All three can be used to make this.

This time around I used the InstaPot, but I have made it in the slow cooker in the past. The key to both methods is to brown the breast before cooking or it ends up pale and pasty looking. It adds about 5-10 minutes to the work time but it is worth it in the end.

Ingredients for Smokey Turkey Breast

There are only a few ingredients needed for this recipe:

• bone in turkey breast (boneless will cook faster)
• olive oil or other cooking oil
• seasoned salt or salt free herb blend or a little garlic and pepper
• liquid smoke, any flavor (we usually use mesquite)

Serve it with a salad or some fresh vegetables, maybe mashed potatoes or stuffing.

Recipe

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Ingredients

 

• 3-5 pound bone in turkey breast
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke

Instructions

 

• Rub turkey breast with seasoned salt.
• pressure cooker: Turn cooker to saute (or medium high heat) and heat olive oil. 

  slow cooker: In a medium skillet heat the olive oil over medium high heat.
• Brown the turkey breast skin side down for approximately 5-7 minutes. You want it to have a nice deep brown color. 
• Flip the turkey over (place in slow cooker if using). Pour the liquid smoke over the turkey breast. 
• pressure cooker: Cook at high pressure for 20 minutes and do a quick release of the pressure. Check that the internal temperature of the turkey has reached 165℉. If it has not, return to pressure and cook another 5 minutes. 

  slow cooker: Insert temperature probe (if your cooker has one) and cook to 165℉ . Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours (time will vary based on the size of the turkey breast and the cooker.

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