After making chicken and turkey broth in a slow cooker for years, I am now making broth most often in an Instant Pot (IP). Both methods are easy–fill a slow cooker or Instant Pot with ingredients, set it and forget it. The biggest difference beween these options is time. If Im in no hurry, the slow cooker method works great. But, I can make a batch of broth in an Instant Pot in a fraction of the time.
Making broth from a leftover turkey carcass is always on my to-do list the day after Thanksgiving. I usually have leftover herbs from holiday cooking that I add to the pot, too. Turkey/chicken broth is a perfect base for soup and gravy and freezes well for future use.
Healthy! Refer to my previous post for an explanation of all of the health benefits of homemade bone broth: Nourishing Chicken Bone Broth In A Slow Cooker. It is so deliciously good for you, and so much more nutritious than store-bought broth.
Economical! Keep a bag/container in your freezer to store chicken or turkey bones that are leftover from meals. When you have accumulated at least 2 lbs of bones, its time to make a batch of broth. You can season the broth with herbs and veggies, as I explain below. Or, for a more neutral broth, just use the bones. Either way, you save money by making broth with bones that would normally be discarded. No need to buy cartons and cans of broth at the store.
Turkeys are often the centerpiece for celebrations like Thanksgiving and Christmas. But once the feast is over, you’re left with a picked-over turkey carcass. Don’t throw those bones away! Making turkey bone broth in an instant pot extracts amazing flavor and nutrition from the leftovers. In this article, I’ll share tips for making the most delicious instant pot turkey bone broth with your turkey frame.
Why Make Turkey Bone Broth?
Simmering the turkey carcass yields a mineral-rich, gelatinous broth perfect for soups, gravies, sauces and more. The collagen from the bones and connective tissues add body and a silky texture. It’s cheap too – made from scraps most would discard!
Bone broth is soothing to drink on cold days It may also have gut and joint health benefits thanks to nutrients like
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Glycine
- Proline
So don’t waste the remnants of your holiday bird Transform them into liquid gold with an instant pot!
Tips for Making Instant Pot Turkey Bone Broth
Making broth in an instant pot is quick and hands-off. Here are my tips for foolproof results:
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Use bones from a large turkey – A 12-16 lb bird yields the most for broth. The more bones, the better!
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Add aromatics – Onion, carrot, celery and herbs add complexity.
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Roast the bones – Roasting before simmering caramelizes flavors. Spread bones on a baking sheet at 425°F for 20 minutes.
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Simmer under pressure – Cook at high pressure for 60 minutes to extract nutrients. Natural release for full extraction.
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Strain well – Use a fine mesh strainer to remove solids. Cheesecloth also helps clarify the broth.
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Skim the fat – For a clearer broth, chill and lift off the solidified fat. Or embrace the richness!
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Flavor boosters – Add apple cider vinegar, mushroom stems or fresh herbs for extra oomph.
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Store properly – Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for 6 months. Ice cube trays portion it nicely.
Satisfying Uses for Turkey Bone Broth
This savory elixir elevates all kinds of dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to use instant pot turkey broth:
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Detoxing sipper – Sip the broth on its own or use as the base for a hot toddy. Add lemon, ginger and spices.
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Risottos and grains – Use in place of plain water for extra flavorful rice, farro, quinoa or barley.
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Healthy steaming liquid – Poach fish or steam veggies over the broth instead of water. Infuses them with more nutrients.
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Scrambled egg liquid – For fluffy, savory scrambled eggs, use the broth instead of milk.
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Gravies and sauces – Thicken with a roux for the most amazing gravies, sauces and gravy. Way better than canned broth!
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Soup stock – Build hearty turkey noodle, rice or veggie soups upon this foundation of flavor.
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Braising liquid – Braise pork, beef, chicken or veggies in the broth for extra savoriness.
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Pet food enrichment – Mix a bit into your dog or cat’s regular food to add flavor and nutrients.
As you can see, the uses are endless for this liquid gold. With such little effort, your leftover turkey bones can nourish you for weeks or months after the initial feast.
Step-By-Step Instant Pot Turkey Bone Broth Recipe
Ready to put those bones to good use? Here is an easy recipe for making rich, nourishing turkey bone broth in the instant pot:
Ingredients:
- Carcass from 1 roasted turkey (12 lbs or larger)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Water to cover bones by 1-2 inches
Instructions:
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Break up the turkey carcass into pieces that fit in your instant pot. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes if desired.
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Add the celery, onion, carrot, vinegar and bones to the instant pot. Pour in enough water to cover bones by 1-2 inches.
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Secure the lid and set to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes.
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Carefully quick release any remaining pressure. Remove lid and discard solids.
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Strain liquid through a mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into an airtight container.
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Refrigerate for up to 5 days or portion into ice cubes and freeze for later use.
Final Tips for Success
With this easy instant pot method, you’ll have flavorful broth ready in under 2 hours! Here are final tips:
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Play with additions like mushrooms, leeks, garlic or peppercorns.
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For clearer broth, refrigerate and skim off the fat before use.
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Add more water if needed to keep bones submerged.
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Simmer the neck and giblets for extra flavor.
Now you’re ready to put your post-Thanksgiving turkey remains to delicious use. Making broth is thrifty, sustainable cooking at its finest. I hope you’ll make this simple recipe part of your holiday tradition!
healthy, economical, and flavorful homemade stock
- 2-3 roasted chicken carcasses* (approx. 2 lbs. of bones); include any leftover skin or pan drippings
- 1 or 2 medium onions, unpeeled & quartered
- 1 head of garlic, unpeeled, cut in half crosswise
- 2 celery ribs, cut in 1 to 2 inch pieces
- 2 carrots, cut in 1 to 2 inch pieces
- 5 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 5 sprigs of fresh parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1-1/2 teaspoons peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar (1 tablespoon per pound of bones)
- 2 to 2-1/2 quarts water (enough to immerse above ingredients)
Directions * May substitute 1 turkey carcass for chicken carcasses. Break into pieces so that it will fit inside the Instant Pot. Add all of the ingredients to a 6 quart (or larger) Instant Pot. Secure lid on IP and set vent to SEALING. Press MANUAL (it automatically sets it at HIGH PRESSURE), then press the “+” button repeatedly until 45 (minutes) is displayed. When cooking cycle is complete and machine beeps, press CANCEL or unplug IP to turn it off. Allow to naturally release. NOTE: Although actual cooking time is 45 minutes, total time from turning on IP, building pressure, and to the end of the natural release time is approx. 2 hrs. While still hot, use tongs or slotted spoon to remove large pieces from broth. Then pour through a wire mesh strainer to remove the remaining solid bits. FOR FAT-FREE BROTH, use one of these methods for removing the fat: METHOD 1: Pour broth into a large bowl or container, cover, and refrigerate overnight or until completely chilled. Scrape the hardened fat from the top and discard. METHOD 2: While broth is still warm, pour it into a grease separator (available on Amazon and at cooking stores), that allows you to pour the fat-free broth from the bottom. REFRIGERATE OR FREEZE IT. Broth can be refrigerated for 4 to 5 days. For extended storage, it should be frozen. Its convenient to freeze it in 1 or 2 cup portions for easy use in recipes. USES: This broth can be used in any soups, gravies, or any recipes calling for chicken or turkey broth. It also can be drunk as is for a healthy supplement to your diet. NOTE: This is a salt-free broth. Add salt to taste, as desired.
After making chicken and turkey broth in a slow cooker for years, I am now making broth most often in an Instant Pot (IP). Both methods are easy–fill a slow cooker or Instant Pot with ingredients, set it and forget it. The biggest difference beween these options is time. If Im in no hurry, the slow cooker method works great. But, I can make a batch of broth in an Instant Pot in a fraction of the time.
Making broth from a leftover turkey carcass is always on my to-do list the day after Thanksgiving. I usually have leftover herbs from holiday cooking that I add to the pot, too. Turkey/chicken broth is a perfect base for soup and gravy and freezes well for future use.
Healthy! Refer to my previous post for an explanation of all of the health benefits of homemade bone broth: Nourishing Chicken Bone Broth In A Slow Cooker. It is so deliciously good for you, and so much more nutritious than store-bought broth.
Economical! Keep a bag/container in your freezer to store chicken or turkey bones that are leftover from meals. When you have accumulated at least 2 lbs of bones, its time to make a batch of broth. You can season the broth with herbs and veggies, as I explain below. Or, for a more neutral broth, just use the bones. Either way, you save money by making broth with bones that would normally be discarded. No need to buy cartons and cans of broth at the store.
INSTANT POT Turkey Bone Broth | Thrive Market
FAQ
Can you overcook bone broth in an Instant Pot?
While this is possible, it is highly unlikely that you’ll do this – unless you exceed the cook time by an hour or more. You’ll know a broth is overcooked if it has a bit of a bitter taste when you try it. Can you make this bone broth in a slow cooker? You can make this Instant Pot recipe in a slow cooker.
How long do you cook turkey bone broth in a pressure cooker?
Pressure cook for 1 hour with a Natural Release: Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes in an electric or stovetop PC. (Use “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” or “Pressure Cook-Custom” mode in an Instant Pot.) Let the pressure come down naturally – at least 30 minutes.
Is turkey bone broth as good as chicken bone broth?
Can I replace chicken broth with turkey broth? Yes, absolutely. You can substitute turkey broth in any recipe that uses chicken broth.
Is it better to slow cook or Instant Pot bone broth?
In conclusion, we enjoyed the flavor and the yield of the slow cooker the best! But, the Instant Pot version was the all-around best for time, taste, and yield.