Juicy Sous Vide Turkey Breast: Unleash the Ultimate Flavor Explosion!

I’ve always been captivated by the allure of a perfectly cooked piece of meat. Discovering sous vide has revolutionized my kitchen, especially when it comes to making a juicy sous vide turkey breast. This technique ensures every slice is tender and flavorful, something I never thought possible with turkey until I tried it myself.

Living in Florida, I’ve been spoiled with fresh ingredients, but sous vide brought something new to the table. My first attempt at a sous vide turkey breast was a revelation. The controlled cooking process delivered a juicy, tender result that I had previously only imagined.

Cooking should be a joyful experience, and sous vide makes it just that. The juicy sous vide turkey breast has become a staple in my home, celebrated for its consistent results and delectable taste. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look back.

Juicy Sous Vide Turkey Breast

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Learn how to make the juiciest sous vide turkey breast with our step-by-step recipe. Perfect for a delicious and hassle-free holiday meal.

• Author: Jasmine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sous Vide
• Cuisine: General

Ingredients

• – 1/2 turkey breast, bone-in, skin-on (about 2.5 pounds/1.13kg) or 2 pound/0.91kg boneless, skin on
• – seasonings: kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, fresh or dried rosemary or thyme (or poultry seasoning)
• – 2 teaspoon (10 ml) oil with high smoke point (e.g. vegetable oil, avocado oil, extra light olive oil, corn oil, peanut oil or clarified butter)
• – additional salt, pepper

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Instructions

1. WARM UP SOUS VIDE WATER: Fill a container with water and set your immersion circulator to 144F/62.2C (or 145-146F/63C for no pink). Allow the water to reach this temperature, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
2. PREPARE THE TURKEY FOR COOKING: (Optional) Take out the bone: If you choose to debone, slice the meat closely along the bone. Alternatively, leave it attached. Save the bone for broth if you like. Season the turkey generously with kosher salt, black pepper, a pinch of garlic powder, and either rosemary, thyme, or poultry seasoning. Place the seasoned turkey in a bag: Use a vacuum sealer or the displacement method. For the vacuum sealer, fold the top of the bag back to prevent food from touching the seal, insert the turkey, and shape it evenly. Unfold the flap and vacuum seal it. The turkey can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days if needed. Submerge in water: Once the water reaches the set temperature, place the bag in the bath.
3. COOK THE TURKEY USING SOUS VIDE: Let it cook for a minimum of 2 3/4 hours and no more than 5 hours. After cooking, take the turkey out of the water and remove it from the bag. Keep the juices for potential gravy making, although there won’t be much. Dry the turkey with paper towels.
4. ENHANCE APPEARANCE (OPTIONAL): The turkey is ready to eat, but for a more appealing look and crispy skin, sear or grill it with the skin facing down for 1-2 minutes on high heat. Re-season the turkey lightly all over before doing so. To sear: Heat high smoke point oil in a sturdy pan on medium-high (about 8 out of 10). Sear the skin side by pressing it into the pan until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. To grill: Cook the skin side on high heat for 1-2 minutes.
5. CARVE AND PRESENT: Slice the turkey horizontally and serve it with gravy, cranberry orange relish, and other sides as desired.

Notes

Nutrition

• Calories: Varies
• Fat: Varies
• Protein: Varies

Mastering Juicy Sous Vide Turkey Breast

Fundamentals

The sous vide method provides precision that conventional cooking methods can’t match. It involves vacuum-sealing food in a bag and cooking it to a very precise temperature in a water bath. This technique is particularly transformative for cooking turkey breast, which can easily become dry and overcooked using traditional methods.

Sous vide cooking maintains the moisture and flavor of the turkey, resulting in a juicy sous vide turkey breast every time. The key to success lies in maintaining the water temperature, which allows the meat to cook evenly without drying out.

Preparation/setup

Start by preparing your turkey breast. Whether you choose a bone-in or boneless option, the preparation steps remain the same. Season your turkey generously with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and your choice of rosemary, thyme, or poultry seasoning. These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the turkey.

Next, vacuum-seal the turkey breast to retain its juices and prevent water from entering the bag during cooking. This step is crucial in achieving a juicy sous vide turkey breast. If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, the water displacement method works just as well.

Cooking the Perfect Sous Vide Turkey Breast

Technique

Set your immersion circulator to 144F (62.2C) and let the water bath reach this temperature. Submerge your sealed turkey breast in the water and let it cook for at least 2 3/4 hours, but no more than 5 hours. This range ensures the optimal texture and juiciness of the turkey.

For a complete guide to sous vide turkey, check out Sous Vide Chicken Breast for similar techniques. The controlled environment of sous vide cooking guarantees a tender and juicy result.

Tips/tricks

Always ensure your water bath remains at the desired temperature throughout the cooking process. Use a lid or cover to minimize evaporation and maintain stable temperatures. After cooking, remove the turkey from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels to prepare it for searing.

For an extra crisp skin, sear the turkey in a hot pan with a high smoke point oil for 1-2 minutes. This step is optional but adds a delightful texture to the juicy sous vide turkey breast.

Achieving the Ultimate Juicy Sous Vide Turkey Breast

Perfecting results

For the best results, consider the size and thickness of your turkey breast. Larger pieces may require more time to reach the desired internal temperature. Consistent seasoning and sealing are also vital factors that contribute to the perfect juicy sous vide turkey breast.

Explore variations like using different herbs or seasoning blends to suit your taste. Visit Sous Vide Chicken Breasts with Lemon Garlic and Rosemary for inspiration on flavor profiles.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your turkey breast doesn’t turn out as juicy as expected, ensure that the seal on your bag was intact during cooking. Any leaks can lead to a loss of moisture. Adjusting the cooking time or temperature can also help achieve your preferred level of doneness.

Consider trying different textures by experimenting with cooking times. For a deli-style turkey, check out Turkey Deli Meat Sous Vide for tips on achieving thin, flavorful slices.

Serving and Storing Your Juicy Sous Vide Turkey Breast

Serving/presentation

Once your juicy sous vide turkey breast is ready, slice it horizontally for a beautiful presentation. Pair it with a rich gravy or a Cranberry Orange Glaze to enhance its flavors. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive holiday feasts.

For additional serving ideas, visit Sous Vide Turkey Crispy Skin for tips on achieving that perfect golden crust.

Pairings/storage

Pair your juicy sous vide turkey breast with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. To store leftovers, wrap the turkey tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. It can also be frozen for later use, maintaining its juicy texture once reheated.

For more storage tips, check out Frozen Chicken Breast Sous Vide to ensure your turkey remains fresh and delicious.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of cooking a juicy sous vide turkey breast transforms a simple meal into a culinary delight. The sous vide method ensures tender, flavorful results that are consistent every time. With the right preparation and technique, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked turkey breast, bursting with flavor.

The versatility and reliability of sous vide cooking make it an invaluable tool in any kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to this method, the juicy sous vide turkey breast is a delicious addition to your repertoire. Explore more sous vide techniques and recipes to continue elevating your cooking game.

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