My Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice has no soak time and is a faster twist on a classic New Orleans staple. It has creamy beans, smoked sausage, smoked turkey, the holy trinity, spices, and flavor. Ive even taught this recipe on the Food Network, so say hello to your new favorite comfort food!
As a New Orleans native, red beans and rice are a huge part of my diet; 8-year-old me might have mistaken it for one of the five major food groups. I know many kids get tired of eating the same dishes over and over, but those kids probably werent from New Orleans.
One of the best food cities in the world, New Orleans is widely known for its remarkably delicious Creole cuisine. From gumbo and jambalaya to beignets and po-boys, one thing is sure: The Creoles know how to make comfort food. Red beans and rice were one of my all-time favorite meals as a kid, and they still are to this day.
I still remember walking in circles around the kitchen, trying to distract myself from the mouthwatering smells wafting from the pot. Red beans and rice was the kind of dish that took the entire day to cook, so you smelled it long before you could taste it.
With the Instant Pot, a new-age electric pressure cooker, meals have the same amazing flavors in a fraction of the time. Instead of needing to presoak beans and wait hours for them to cook, you can whip them up in just an hour and a half using unsoaked beans. If you dont have a pressure cooker or instant pot, use my stovetop red beans and rice recipe.
It took me seven years to finalize this red bean recipe. This version has beef bacon, beef smoked sausage, smoked turkey necks, red beans, bay leaves, the holy trinity (onion, celery, and bell peppers), and garlic. I also make my own red bean seasoning blend instead of Cajun seasoning.
One important note about my instant pot red beans and rice recipe is that I do not use the sauté setting. I cook my meats and vegetables in a skillet on the stove because, as a Chef, I like to control my heat temperature, and theres no way to increase or decrease the heat on the sauté setting in the pressure cooker.
One of the most important things is that your red beans need a little gravy. The gravy texture is made by smashing the beans. It is a crucial element of New Orleans red beans and rice; theyre not supposed to be dry.
Serve it with a scoop of white rice, a sprinkle of green onion, and some crusty buttered French bread to soak up some of the sauce for the ultimate comfort meal.
Smoked turkey wings are a delicious and flavorful treat, but cooking them can be time consuming using traditional methods However, using an instant pot allows you to achieve tender, juicy smoked turkey wings in a fraction of the time. I’m going to walk you through how to cook smoked turkey wings in an instant pot, step-by-step
Benefits of Using an Instant Pot
There are several advantages to using an instant pot instead of traditional cooking methods:
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Speed – The pressurized environment allows food to cook up to 70% faster. Smoked turkey wings can be ready in 30-45 minutes instead of hours.
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Convenience – Just set the timer and walk away. The instant pot does the work for you with minimal monitoring needed.
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Flavor infusion – The sealed instant pot traps moisture and flavors inside, resulting in intensely flavored smoked turkey wings.
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Tender meat – The pressurized steam breaks down collagen and connective tissue, leaving the turkey wings incredibly tender.
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Less shrinkage – Traditional smoking can cause the wings to shrink significantly. The instant pot helps maintain plump and juicy wings.
Step-By-Step Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Wings
Follow these simple steps for finger-licking smoked turkey wings every time:
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs smoked turkey wings
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, etc.
Prep the Turkey Wings
- Thaw frozen wings completely in the refrigerator overnight.
- Pat the wings dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and any other desired seasonings.
Prepare the Instant Pot
- Pour 1 cup chicken broth or water into the instant pot. This will create steam to cook the wings.
- Insert steamer rack/trivet and place wings on top in a single layer.
- Lock the lid into place and seal the pressure release valve.
Pressure Cook
- Select manual/pressure cook mode and set time for 30 minutes.
- Allow 10-15 minutes natural pressure release after cooking completes.
- Quick release any remaining pressure then unlock and remove lid.
Finish and Serve
- Carefully remove wings from instant pot using tongs.
- Grill or broil wings for 2-3 minutes per side to crisp skin.
- Serve smoked turkey wings hot with your favorite sauces or dips!
The instant pot delivers juicy, tender smoked turkey wings in a fraction of the time of traditional smoking methods. The meat easily slides off the bone after being subjected to the intense pressurized steam. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or bbq sauces in the instant pot to customize the flavor. Leftover wings also make amazing sandwiches, salads, soups and more!
Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Wing Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure smoked turkey wing success in your instant pot:
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Properly thaw and dry wings before cooking for best results. Excess moisture can inhibit browning and lead to boiling vs searing.
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Cut whole wings at joints into drummettes and flats to reduce cook time. Whole wings may need up to 45 minutes.
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Use thicker barbecue style sauces near the end of cooking if desired. Thin sauces can burn onto the bottom of the pot.
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Let cooked wings rest 5-10 minutes before grilling or broiling. This allows juices to redistribute through the meat.
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Add savory ingredients like broth, beer or wine to the instant pot for extra flavor infusion.
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Natural pressure release is crucial for allowing wings to finish cooking gently. Do not quick release.
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Adjust cook times for larger wings, up to 45 minutes may be needed. Check for doneness.
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Browning gives the wings a crispy skin and caramelized flavors. Grill, broil or air fry after instant pot.
Common Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Wing Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking smoked turkey wings in an instant pot:
How long should I cook smoked turkey wings in an instant pot?
For average sized whole wings, cook for 30 minutes per pound on high pressure. Cut wings will take less time. Check for doneness after cooking.
Can you cook frozen wings in an instant pot?
Always thaw wings fully before cooking in an instant pot. Frozen wings will not cook evenly.
Is it necessary to add liquid to the instant pot?
Yes, 1 cup of broth, wine or water is needed to create steam and prevent burning.
Do the wings need to be browned first?
Browning is optional but adds nice color and caramelized flavor. Grill or broil after instant pot.
Should I do a quick or natural pressure release?
Natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes allows wings to cook gently and absorb more smoke flavor.
How do you crisp up the skin after instant pot?
Grill, broil or air fry wings for 2-3 minutes after cooking to crisp skin. Basting with sauce adds flavor.
What is the minimum instant pot cook time?
At least 15 minutes is needed to allow wings to become tender in the pressurized environment.
Enjoy Restaurant-Quality Wings at Home
Cooking smoked turkey wings in an instant pot yields impressive results in a fraction of traditional cook times. With minimal work you can enjoy tender, smoky wings bursting with juicy flavor. Experiment with different spices, sauces and finishing techniques until you create your signature smoked turkey wings. Impress your family and friends by serving restaurant-quality wings you made in your own kitchen!
Why are Mondays red beans and rice days?
Monday became the dedicated day for red beans and rice because, in the 1800s, Mondays were laundry days. Washing clothes in the past was a labor of love, sometimes taking the whole day.
Since you they were already boiling large tubs of water. It only made sense to cook red beans. Red beans and rice only require a little attention to prepare. They can cook low and slow the entire day.
How To Store Red Beans and Rice
After the red beans cool completely, transfer to an airtight container. Place in fridge for 7 days. (If they last that long.) Its a New Orleans tradition to make a big batch and freeze half of it. After the red beans cool, transfer them to an airtight container—place them in the freezer for six months.
To reheat, heat a small or medium saucepan over medium heat, add red beans and 2-4 tablespoons of water or chicken stock, and cook until the mixture starts to boil, about 10 minutes or less.
Instant Pot Smothered Turkey Wings
FAQ
How to cook a turkey that is already smoked?
There are a few different ways that you can cook a pre smoked turkey. You can either reheat it, cook it from frozen, or cook it fresh. Reheating is the quickest and easiest way to cook a pre smoked turkey. Simply put the turkey in a baking dish and heat it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes per pound.
Are smoked turkey wings from the store already cooked?
Because they are cooked already, you don’t need to do much for them to be a delicious main course . Their seasoning and smoky flavor make them a refreshing combination of the familiar chicken wing and a smoked sausage. To get the most out of your turkey wings, remember to be cautious with seasoning.
How do you heat up smoked turkey wings?
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place wings in a covered dish with enough liquid of your choice (we like chicken broth) to keep them moist while heating. For a single turkey wing, heat at 350°F for 45 minutes. For multiple wings, heat at 350°F for 15 minutes per pound.
How long does it take to cook an already smoked turkey leg?
Oven baked.
Place the turkey leg on a wire cooking rack on top of a baking sheet and cook at 350°F until an internal temp of 165°F. This took me about 35 minutes. The turkey legs are already safe to eat as they are pre cooked but taking them to 165°F ensures they are cooked through and hot.
How long to cook smoked turkey wings in Instant Pot?
The cooking time for smoked turkey wings in an Instant Pot can vary depending on the size and thickness of the wings. Generally, it takes around 25 to 30 minutes of pressure cooking time. However, you also need to account for the time it takes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure and release pressure, which can add an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
How to cook chicken wings in Instant Pot?
Just follow these simple steps for perfect wings every time. Add 1 cup of liquid like chicken broth, apple juice or water to the instant pot. This will create steam to cook the wings. Place a steaming rack in the bottom of the pot and arrange the seasoned wings on top in a single layer.
How do you thicken Turkey wings in an Instant Pot?
Take the turkey wings out and turn the instant pot to sauté mode. To thicken, mix the arrowroot powder with water to make a slurry. Pour it into the instant pot and whisk for a few minutes. Add the turkey wings back and simmer for 4-5 minutes. I love that this recipe is so healthy, quick, and easy to prepare.
What goes well with Instant Pot smoked turkey wings?
The combination of spicy buffalo sauce with the smoky depth of the turkey creates a delightful contrast. For a sweeter twist, consider Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Wings with Maple and Brown Sugar, which offers a comforting, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the smokiness of the turkey.
How do you cook a Turkey in an Instant Pot?
Take out the wings and add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes. Pour in the chicken stock and deglaze with a wooden spoon. This means scraping any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Turn the instant pot to manual mode, add the turkey parts in, then pressure cook for 20 minutes.
Can you cook pre smoked turkey wings on a grill?
Pre-smoked turkey wings can be cooked on the grill for that smoky, charred flavor. Preheat the grill to medium heat and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping the wings occasionally until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). How to cook smoke meat in the Instant Pot?