How to Sous Vide a Turkey Breast for Juicy, Tender Results

Sous vide cooking has revolutionized the way many people prepare food, especially proteins like chicken, beef, and pork. But sous vide turkey? That’s a game changer. When you sous vide a turkey breast, you get incredibly moist, tender meat infused with flavor.

Sous vide allows you to cook the turkey breast to the perfect doneness, while keeping all the juices locked in. The result is a turkey breast that’s impossible to overcook and incredibly succulent.

In this article we’ll walk through everything you need to know to sous vide a turkey breast for amazing results every time.

Benefits of Sous Vide Turkey Breast

There are a few key benefits to cooking turkey breasts using the sous vide method

• Juicy and tender meat – Sous vide ensures the turkey breast cooks gently and evenly preventing it from drying out. The turkey stays moist and tender from edge to edge.

• Infuses flavor – Cooking the turkey breast in a sealed bag allows spices, herbs, butter, and other flavorings to deeply penetrate the meat.

• Perfect doneness – With sous vide, you can cook the turkey breast to the exact temperature for your desired doneness, whether you like it at 140°F on the pink side or 165°F for well done.

• Frees up oven space – With sous vide, you don’t have to use the oven to roast the turkey breast, leaving the oven free for sides and other dishes.

• Foolproof – It’s nearly impossible to overcook sous vide turkey breast. As long as you cook it for the recommended time, it will turn out perfectly moist and tender.

Sous Vide Turkey Breast Equipment

Sous vide cooking does require some special equipment. Here’s what you need:

• Sous vide immersion circulator – This gadget heats and circulates water in a pot or tub at a precise temperature. Some popular brands are Anova, Breville, and Joule.

• Plastic bags – You’ll need heavy duty plastic bags that can withstand high temperatures. Vacuum seal bags work best.

• Vacuum sealer (optional) – Using a vacuum sealer like FoodSaver removes all the air from the bag for better heat transfer.

• Container – You’ll need a pot, tub, or basin for the water bath. Make sure it’s big enough to fully submerge the bagged turkey breast.

• Thermometer – A digital thermometer helps check the temperature of the turkey breast.

Ingredients for Sous Vide Turkey Breast

The beauty of sous vide turkey breast is that you need very few ingredients:

• 1-2 pounds boneless, skinless turkey breast

• Salt, pepper, herbs and spices

• 2-3 tbsp butter

• Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage

• Lemon slices

• Stock or broth (optional)

That’s it! The seasonings and butter add big flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for perfect sous vide turkey breast:

Step 1: Prepare the turkey breast

• Pat dry and trim off any excess fat or sinew
• Generously season all over with salt, pepper, and any other spices

Step 2: Seal the turkey breast

• Place seasoned breast in a vacuum seal or heavy duty plastic bag
• Add pats of butter, fresh herbs, lemon slices
• Remove as much air as possible and seal the bag

Step 3: Preheat water bath

• Set sous vide circulator to 144-146°F
• Allow 30-60 minutes for the water to come to temperature

Step 4: Cook turkey breast

• Place sealed bag in preheated water bath
• Cook for 2 3/4 to 3 hours for 1-2 lbs turkey breast
• Cook longer for larger breasts, up to 5 hours

Step 5: Sear turkey breast (optional)

• Remove breast from bag and pat dry with paper towels
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
• Sear skin side of breast for 1-2 minutes to crisp skin

Step 6: Slice and serve

• Let breast rest 5-10 minutes before slicing
• Slice into 1/2 inch pieces and serve!

The turkey breast is ready to eat as soon as it comes out of the sous vide bath. But searing it adds nice color and crisps up the skin.

Let the breast rest at least 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. Then slice and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides!

Time and Temperature Guidelines

The two key factors for sous vide turkey breast are time and temperature.

Temperature: For tender, juicy breast meat, cook between 144°F and 146°F. This keeps the meat moist and evenly cooked edge to edge.

Time: Cook time depends on thickness of breast, usually 2 3/4 to 5 hours.

• 1-2 lbs breast: 2 3/4 to 3 hours
• 3 lbs breast: 4 to 5 hours

For food safety, do not cook longer than 5 hours.

Tips for Perfect Results

Here are a few tips to ensure your sous vide turkey breast turns out juicy and delicious:

• Dry the breast well before searing to help the skin crisp up.

• For more flavor, add broth, wine, citrus juice, or coconut milk to the bag.

• Quick chill in an ice bath before refrigerating to prevent overcooking.

• Cook larger breasts laid flat instead of standing up to ensure even cooking.

• Use a thermometer and cook to your desired doneness, whether 140°F or 165°F.

Serving Suggestions

The sous vide turkey breast is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:

• Slice and serve like a roast turkey with classic Thanksgiving sides

• Dice or shred for turkey salad sandwiches, tacos, or casseroles

• Pair with BBQ sauce for turkey sliders or flatbread pizza

• Top a salad with sliced turkey breast

• Make turkey breast ramen or pho with sliced meat and broth

Any way you slice it, sous vide turkey breast is tender, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. Give this hands-off cooking method a try for your next turkey dinner!