Instant Pot Maple Brown Sugar Pulled Turkey is the dish that will make your taste buds dance like no one’s watching. Imagine tender turkey bathed in a luscious blend of sweet maple and rich brown sugar, all cooked to perfection in your trusty Instant Pot. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have your family rushing to the dinner table faster than you can say “What’s for dinner?” For more inspiration, check out this Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe.
This recipe is not just about the food; it’s a journey back to childhood memories of family gatherings where the turkey stole the show, leaving everyone stuffed and happy. Perfect for holiday feasts or casual weeknight dinners, this glorious dish promises to create unforgettable moments around your table. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is ridiculously easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
- The sweet and savory flavor profile makes it irresistible for kids and adults alike.
- It looks stunning when served, making it perfect for special occasions.
- This pulled turkey is versatile enough to use in sandwiches, tacos, or on its own!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Maple Brown Sugar Pulled Turkey
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Turkey Breast: A 3-4 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast works best. Look for fresh cuts for maximum tenderness.
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for an authentic sweet flavor; avoid imitation syrup if possible.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar provides a subtle caramel flavor that complements the maple perfectly.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds depth; using fresh garlic works too if you prefer a stronger flavor.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika offers a lovely warmth and enhances the color of your pulled turkey.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste.
For the Sauce:
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the dish flavorful without being overly salty.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Instant Pot Maple Brown Sugar Pulled Turkey
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
Start by trimming any excess fat off the turkey breast and giving it a nice rinse under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels because no one likes soggy meat.
Step 2: Seasoning Time
In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You want it to resemble an amber caramel sauce—sweet yet savory.
Step 3: Sear the Turkey
Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add a splash of oil and let it heat up before placing the turkey breast inside. Sear it on each side for about 3-4 minutes until it’s golden brown. Don’t worry if it gets stuck; just scrape off those delicious bits—they add flavor.
Step 4: Add Sauce & Pressure Cook
Pour your maple-brown sugar mixture over the seared turkey breast in the pot. Then add in one cup of chicken broth—it’ll keep everything juicy during cooking.
Step 5: Seal and Cook
Close the lid securely on your Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to ‘Sealing.’ Select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode and set it for 50 minutes of cooking time. Go grab a snack while you wait; you’ll need those energy reserves!
Step 6: Shred It Up
Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for about ten minutes before switching to quick release. Carefully remove the turkey breast from the pot and shred it using two forks—this part’s fun! Drizzle some additional sauce over your shredded turkey before serving.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy this divine creation with some warm bread or atop fluffy mashed potatoes!
You Must Know
- This Instant Pot Maple Brown Sugar Pulled Turkey isn’t just a meal; it’s a flavor explosion that saves you time and effort.
- With its sweet and savory notes, it transforms every gathering into a special occasion, making your dinner table the place to be!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by seasoning the turkey with salt and spices, then sear it in the Instant Pot for flavor. While it’s cooking, mix maple syrup and brown sugar. Once the turkey is ready, pressure cook it to juicy perfection before shredding.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out maple syrup for honey or add spices like smoked paprika for a kick. You can also throw in some chopped apples or cranberries for an extra layer of sweetness and texture that’ll have your taste buds dancing!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pulled turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm it on low heat in a skillet or microwave until hot, adding a splash of broth if it gets dry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly juicy turkey, let it rest after cooking before shredding.
- Always check the seasoning; sometimes a pinch more salt makes all the difference!
- Don’t skip searing; this step adds incredible flavor to your pulled turkey.
Cooking this Instant Pot Maple Brown Sugar Pulled Turkey reminded me of that one Thanksgiving when I accidentally burned the turkey—thankfully, this recipe saved my culinary reputation! For more inspiration, check out this Hot Honey Chicken recipe recipe.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Instant Pot Maple Brown Sugar Pulled Turkey?
To make Instant Pot Maple Brown Sugar Pulled Turkey, you will need turkey breast, maple syrup, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add your favorite spices or herbs for added flavor. The combination of sweet maple syrup and rich brown sugar creates a delicious glaze that perfectly complements the turkey’s natural taste.
How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Maple Brown Sugar Pulled Turkey?
Cooking Instant Pot Maple Brown Sugar Pulled Turkey takes approximately 60 minutes under high pressure. However, you should consider additional time for natural pressure release, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Flavorful jambalaya in the Instant Pot Overall, you can have this flavorful dish ready in around 1.5 hours from start to finish.
Can I use other meats for this recipe?
Yes! While this recipe specifically calls for turkey breast, you can substitute it with chicken or pork if desired. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the meat used. Adjust the seasonings as needed to enhance the flavors of the chosen protein while keeping the delicious maple and brown sugar glaze intact.
What can I serve with pulled turkey?
Instant Pot Maple Brown Sugar Pulled Turkey pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it on a toasted bun for a sandwich-style meal or alongside creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans for a comforting dinner. Pulled pork with a tropical twist You can also add coleslaw or a fresh salad to balance the sweetness of the pulled turkey dish.
Conclusion for Instant Pot Maple Brown Sugar Pulled Turkey:
In summary, Instant Pot Maple Brown Sugar Pulled Turkey is an easy and delicious dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. With simple ingredients and quick cooking times, this recipe is perfect for meal prep or family gatherings. Turkey burgers with a twist Serve it with your favorite sides to satisfy any palate. Enjoy this delectable pulled turkey that will surely become a family favorite!
Instant Pot Maple Brown Sugar Pulled Turkey
Instant Pot Maple Brown Sugar Pulled Turkey is a delightful dish that combines tender, shredded turkey with a sweet and savory glaze made from pure maple syrup and brown sugar. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, creating memorable moments at your table. With minimal prep time and an explosion of flavor in every bite, it’s no wonder your family will be asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3–4 pounds boneless, skinless turkey breast
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the turkey breast and rinse it under cold water; pat dry.
- In a bowl, mix together maple syrup, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode, heat oil, and sear the turkey breast for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Pour the maple mixture over the turkey and add chicken broth.
- Seal the lid, set to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' for 50 minutes.
- After cooking, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
- Remove the turkey and shred it using forks; drizzle with additional sauce before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 5 oz (140g)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: - Substitute maple syrup with honey for a different flavor profile. - Add chopped apples or cranberries during cooking for extra sweetness.




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