Name: Instant Pot Turkey Steak a l’Orange with Spring Vegetables
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 3 boneless white meat turkey steaks, about 1/2 inch thick; Sea salt and coarse ground black pepper, to taste; Olive oil, for searing and roasting; 1 cup low sodium chicken broth; 2 navel oranges, juice and zest; 2 tablespoons orange liqueur; 3 tablespoons orange marmalade; 1/2 tablespoon red pepper flakes; 8 mini-carrots; 8 Brussels sprouts; 1/2 pound green beans (mixed green and yellow if available); 1/2 cup water

Turkey steaks get a zesty makeover in this Instant Pot recipe, glazed with a bright orange sauce and served with tender spring vegetables. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes this a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special yet is easy to prepare.

Behind the Recipe

I created this recipe during a weekend when I wanted something elegant but fuss-free. Using the Instant Pot allows the turkey to stay juicy while the orange glaze infuses it with bright, citrusy flavor. Paired with fresh, lightly cooked vegetables, it became an instant family favorite.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Orange-glazed poultry dishes have roots in French and Chinese cuisines, where citrus is often used to complement rich meats. Using turkey steaks instead of a whole bird makes this dish faster to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or small gatherings.

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Turkey Steak a l’Orange with Spring Vegetables

Versatile: Serve it as a main dish for dinner or upscale lunch.

Budget-Friendly: Turkey steaks are economical compared to whole turkey or other cuts.

Quick and Easy: Thanks to the Instant Pot, the turkey cooks quickly and stays tender.

Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the glaze to taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that appeal to everyone.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the orange glaze ahead of time.

Great for Leftovers: Store leftover turkey and vegetables for easy next-day meals.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Pat turkey dry before searing to get a nice caramelized surface.
Use fresh oranges for the best flavor and juice.
Do not overfill the Instant Pot; cook in batches if needed.
Allow natural release for a few minutes to maintain tenderness.
Adjust vegetables cooking time if you prefer them crisper or softer.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Instant Pot: For cooking turkey quickly and infusing flavor.
Tongs: For turning and searing turkey steaks.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure precise ingredients.
Citrus Juicer: For fresh orange juice.
Mixing Bowls: For preparing the glaze and seasoning.
Serving Plate or Platter: To arrange turkey and vegetables elegantly.

Ingredients in Instant Pot Turkey Steak a l’Orange with Spring Vegetables

Mini-Carrots: 8 whole. Provide sweetness and vibrant color.
Brussels Sprouts: 8 whole. Add a slightly bitter balance and texture.
Green Beans: 1/2 pound (mixed green and yellow if available). Tender and colorful side.
Water: 1/2 cup. For steaming vegetables in the Instant Pot.
Olive Oil: Drizzle for roasting vegetables and searing turkey.
Sea Salt & Coarse Ground Black Pepper: To season vegetables and turkey.
Turkey Steaks: 3 boneless white meat steaks, about 1/2 inch thick. Juicy protein base.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: 1 cup. Keeps turkey moist and forms sauce base.
Navel Oranges: 2 whole. Provide fresh juice and zest for glaze.
Orange Liqueur: 2 tablespoons. Adds depth to the glaze.
Orange Marmalade: 3 tablespoons. Sweetens and thickens the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tablespoon. Adds subtle heat to the glaze.

Ingredient Substitutions

Mini-Carrots: Baby carrots or chopped regular carrots.
Brussels Sprouts: Broccoli or asparagus tips.
Green Beans: Snap peas or snow peas.
Turkey Steaks: Chicken breasts or pork tenderloin.
Orange Liqueur: Orange juice plus a teaspoon of honey.
Orange Marmalade: Apricot preserves or honey for glaze.

Ingredient Spotlight

Navel Oranges: Fresh oranges bring natural sweetness and acidity to balance the turkey and vegetables.
Red Pepper Flakes: Small amount adds warmth without overpowering the citrus flavor.

Instructions for Making Instant Pot Turkey Steak a l’Orange with Spring Vegetables

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Prepare vegetables and turkey by washing and seasoning.

2. Combine Ingredients:
Pat turkey steaks dry, season with sea salt and black pepper. In a bowl, mix orange juice from navel oranges, orange liqueur, marmalade, and red pepper flakes.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Add olive oil to the Instant Pot and sear turkey steaks 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Add chicken broth to the pot and scrape any browned bits from the bottom. Return turkey steaks to the pot and pour the orange glaze over them. Arrange vegetables on top or around the meat.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Close the lid, seal the Instant Pot, and cook on high pressure for 6–8 minutes, depending on turkey thickness. Allow natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.

6. Finishing Touches:
Check internal temperature of turkey (should reach 165°F / 74°C). Adjust seasoning if needed. Drizzle remaining glaze over vegetables.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer turkey and vegetables to a serving platter. Spoon extra sauce over the top and serve immediately.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The Instant Pot keeps the turkey steaks tender while the orange glaze caramelizes slightly during sautéing. Vegetables are cooked just until tender-crisp, retaining vibrant colors. Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors combine for a balanced dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use tongs to sear turkey steaks evenly.
Zest the oranges before juicing for extra flavor.
Steam vegetables in the Instant Pot insert basket for crispness.
Reduce sauce by sautéing after pressure cooking if desired.

What to Avoid

Overcooking turkey — use a thermometer.
Adding vegetables too early — they can overcook and lose texture.
Forgetting to deglaze the pot — scraping browned bits adds flavor.
Skipping the natural release — helps keep turkey moist.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 3
Calories per serving: 360

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

The orange glaze can be made in advance. Store cooked turkey and vegetables in airtight containers in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to retain moisture.

How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Steak a l’Orange with Spring Vegetables

Arrange turkey steaks on a platter surrounded by colorful vegetables. Drizzle glaze over everything and serve with steamed rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Slice turkey thinly for sandwiches or wraps.
Chop and toss with salad greens for a citrusy salad.
Use turkey and vegetables as a filling for a savory crepe or quesadilla.

Additional Tips

Always slice turkey against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Garnish with fresh orange slices or zest for visual appeal.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve on a white platter with contrasting vegetable colors. Drizzle extra glaze in decorative lines and sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley for elegance.

Variations to Try

Spicy Orange: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the glaze.
Honey-Glazed: Substitute marmalade with honey and orange juice.
Herb Infused: Add thyme or rosemary to the broth for aroma.
Vegetarian Version: Use tofu steaks and vegetable broth with orange glaze.
Carrot-Potato Mix: Add roasted baby potatoes with carrots and green beans.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use frozen turkey steaks?

A1: Yes, but add 2–3 minutes to the pressure cooking time.

Q2: Can I make this without an Instant Pot?

A2: Yes, sear turkey in a pan and finish cooking in the oven at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

Q3: Can I omit the liqueur?

A3: Yes, orange juice works as a substitute for flavor.

Q4: What if I don’t have marmalade?

A4: Honey, apricot preserves, or orange jam can be used.

Q5: Can I use turkey breast slices instead of steaks?

A5: Yes, adjust cooking time as thinner slices cook faster.

Q6: How do I keep vegetables from overcooking?

A6: Add them after the turkey has been pressure cooked, or steam separately.

Q7: Can I make this gluten-free?

A7: Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?

A8: Yes, just ensure not to overfill the Instant Pot.

Q9: Can I use other citrus?

A9: Oranges are best, but tangerines or mandarins can work for sweetness.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?

A10: Refrigerate in airtight containers up to 3 days, reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Turkey Steak a l’Orange with Spring Vegetables is a delicious, quick, and visually stunning meal. Juicy turkey, sweet citrus glaze, and colorful vegetables make it a perfect family dinner or special occasion dish. Trust me, the bright orange glaze will make every bite unforgettable.