Instant Pot DIY Sandwich Meat is a regular meal prep staple over here. This is a batch style recipe that can be frozen after cooking. Super easy lean protein snacks, salad add in, or rolled with hummus. Your choice!
Why would anyone go through the trouble of Instant Pot DIY Sandwich Meat and not just grab some sandwich meat at the local deli? Well… I asked Kristin Brown, Registered Dietician and owner of Grounded Health this exact question.
Kristin advises that compared to years ago, deli meats are not as bad as they used to be , but even today the things to watch out for in deli meats is poor quality meats, sodium content, and the way in which they are processed. Some manufacturers’ processing includes the addition of sugar, gluten, and artificial flavours. No thanks!
Sandwich meat has been a go-to for me recently so I wanted to give Instant Pot DIY Sandwich meat a try.
In terms of cost effectiveness, I wouldn’t say this is a cheaper way to go compared to the deli. But… you get what you pay for. Cheap often means low quality and lots of additives.
You can pretty much rub whatever you want on these depending on your preferences. If you want to keep this super clean, I would use a blend of your own spices. But, I have tired this with many seasonings over the year and you really can't go wrong.
My fav right now is the seasoning from this Shawarma recipe on the Two Sleevers Blog.
Once you rub your turkey with seasoning, put the trivet inside, and pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. The turkey breast will not be submerged in broth.
Cook time may vary depending on the size of your breast. Make sure you check that the internal temperature is 165F. If it isn’t, put the lid back on and cook a bit longer.
Once cooked, cut off the strings and slice! You certainly don’t need a meat slicer like I have. You can cut thinly with a sharp knife but it does take longer.
EXPERT TIP | slice after it is really cold. Either put it in the freezer for 30 minutes or in the fridge overnight.
Recipe
Instant Pot DIY Sandwich Meat
Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Turkey Breast, 2-3 pounds.
- ½ cup seasoning of choice
- 2 garlic cloves minced (optional) I just love garlic!
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Season the turkey with your seasonings.
- Insert the trivet into your liner.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot.
- Place the turkey on top of the trivet.
- Add minced garlic onto the breast (optional)
- Using the manual setting, set the timer to 30 minutes.
- Once the timer beeps, release the pressure (quick release).
- Check the internal temperature and ensure it is at least 165F
- Let the meat cool, and then cut the strings off and slice thinly. If you let it sit in the fridge overnight it will be much easier to slice.
Nutrition
If you are interested in more ways to use your instant pot for make ahead and meal prep ways, come join the Confessions of a Meal Plan Addict Community, or check out these posts I did on creating Instant Pot ready freezer meals, or how I use the instant pot for once a week meal prep
So, there you have it, another way to use your instant pot once, and eat many many times!
Katie says
I am intrigued! I just got an Instant Pot for Christmas and am enjoying reading all of the things it can do!
ashley says
I too bought myself an instant pot for christmas, and i like reading about what other food you can make with it besides soups and bone broth!
Wendy hoag says
Fabulous idea! I'm guessing you could do this with chicken breast too. Trying it this week.
Steph says
You could, but in my experience with the smaller breasts, like chicken, they end up just shredding as opposed to slicing.
rebecca myers says
`I bet if they were wrapped like this turkey they would hold together better
Carpedog says
Shredding would be just as good for a sandwich and perfect for wraps or tacos.
Sam says
Why the rinse step? If the turkey is resting on the trivet why bother?
Steph says
Just a personal preference. Probably not necessary.
Ilko says
Can you do the same cooking method with a regular turkey brest from the butcher? No strings around it.? I try to do the this healthy sandwich making for my diabetic husband. Everything is healthier in the instant pot for sure.
Steph says
I don't see why you couldn't. It just might not stay as compact - but I don't see an issue with that. I hope you like it!
Ilko says
Do you cover it for cooling? I assume manual for 30 min on high pressure. What if you let it natural release?
Thanks
Steph says
I don't natural release this one because I fear it would dry out. Ideally cool it overnight in the fridge.
Sarah says
Use butcher kitchen twine and tie it up yourself like a roast. Should work just the same! Good luck
Stacy says
Have you tried to freeze this? If so, what do you do when you take it out of freezer? Just put in fridge and thaw?
Steph says
Yes, I freeze this. I separate in to portions in ziplock freezer bags and just thaw in the fridge.
erica says
how long does this keep in the fridge? Or do you freeze 1/2 of it?
Steph says
Because there are no preservatives, I keep this just as I would regular baked chicken and turkey. 4 days maximum at my house. Yes, this can be frozen.
Janet says
I bought a 6 lb turkey breast and froze it..... can I put it in the Instant Pot frozen? How long do you suggest for a cook time?
Carly M says
Where did you get your meat slicer? Do you use it a lot and are you happy with it?
Steph says
Mine came from Canadian Tire. Its Cuisnart. It could be sharper and cut thinner but for a non-commercial it works well.
Jayme says
I read somewhere that after cooking, let the meat chill whole for a few hours and then slice. It makes the meat fibers seize a little more and makes for tighter slices. Wirth a try!
Tara says
Can you use a frozen turkey breast? If so, how long to cook?
Steph says
I haven't tried it from frozen, but you can cook in the instant pot directly from frozen. I would add 10 more minutes and check with a meat thermometer.
Jenny @ Cozy Kitchen Cooking says
What a great idea! I definitely need to try this!!
Lisa says
Have you ever tried it for roast beef?
Steph says
Not yet! I am terrified to dry it out.
Donna says
Can I do this with a whole, bone-in turkey breast? Would the recipe be the same?
Thanks!
Steph says
I haven't tried it with the bone in yet so I am not entirely sure.
Kari says
What type of slicer did you use? I want to get one but they are seem industrial not really for home use.
Great recipe and so much better than processed food.
Steph says
I use the cuisinart model. I believe it was around $100. Definitely not industrial, but gets the job done!
Deborah Johnson says
The ONLY thing I would change is the way it is stored in the freezer. I would use the Vac 'n Seal to vacuum seal and save from freezer burn !! Yummy!
Steph says
Good idea!
Erica says
Can't wait to try this! I'm wondering what size instant pot you used? I just got the 3qt yesterday as I'll be using it primarily for just me.
Steph says
I used a 6 quart!
Melissa says
Yeah True North!! Will definitely be trying a Social Supper. Is there alot in Calgary too? Thanks for the blog?
Steph says
Social Supper is only in Airdrie! Worth the drive to check out!
Lindsay says
Can you share the seasoning mix/breakdown you used? Thanks!
Steph says
I use a different one every time. I just use the premixed ones that you get in the spice aisle. Things like greek, tex mex, whatever looks good!
Lynn says
Can I ask. . . do you tie up the turkey breast like that? If not, where do you find it in that form? I haven't ever seen it like that and even asked the butcher at my local grocery store, who said they didn't sell it like that. I would love to try this but can't find a "hunk" of meat anything like this. Thanks!
Steph says
I am in Canada and I see it like this all of the time. I get mine with the twine at Save on Foods.
Anonymous says
What meat slicer do you have?
Steph says
It is a Cuisinart.