This Instant Pot recipe for leftover turkey is the best comfort food ever. You can call it jook, congee, or rice porridge. It’s bursting with creamy, umami flavor and is one to die for.
Now that Thanksgiving and Black Friday are done we can get back to our regularly scheduled program.
With it being two days after Thanksgiving, I bet everyone has some leftover turkey in their fridge. Looking for an idea to re-purpose that turkey? Well you’re in luck, this recipe is just for you.
Leftover turkey jook has to be one of my favorite ways to re-purpose leftover turkey. This recipe is so simple yet bursting with flavors. Make this when it’s cold outside, when you’re sick, or just want to get rid of all that turkey that you have left over.
I’ve said it many times: if you don’t already have an Instant Pot, you should get one. Cyber Monday is approaching and will be sure to have some type of deal, especially on Amazon.
If you want more information on the Instant Pot check out their website here.
Jook is a savory Chinese rice porridge, also called congee. Hawai’i’s heavily Asian influenced culture has taken quite the liking to this recipe. It has a creamy, umami flavor and is the ultimate comfort food.
Turkey congee made in an Instant Pot is a comforting and delicious one-pot meal that comes together easily. Congee, also known as jook, is a type of rice porridge popular in many Asian countries. This creamy, soothing dish is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey after the holidays. The Instant Pot streamlines the process, yielding foolproof turkey congee with tender meat and perfectly cooked rice every time.
Congee consists of rice cooked down with water or broth until it forms a thick, porridge-like consistency. While traditional congee takes nearly an hour on the stovetop, the Instant Pot can prepare it in a fraction of the time. The pressure cooking makes the rice extra soft and creamy. Congee makes a soothing meal when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s also highly customizable – add any vegetables, herbs, spices or meat to suit your tastes.
Why Make Turkey Congee in the Instant Pot
Using leftover turkey is a great way to transform leftovers into something new. Or, you can cook raw turkey right in the Instant Pot to make this dish. Turkey offers lean protein that pairs perfectly with the creamy rice. Other benefits of Instant Pot turkey congee include:
- Comforting, soothing texture
- Packed with protein from the turkey
- Endlessly customizable with veggies, herbs and other mix-ins
- Gentle on digestion, great for kids and older adults
- Perfect for using up holiday turkey
- Minimal hands-on time – the Instant Pot does the work
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making turkey congee in the Instant Pot takes less than an hour of mostly hands-off cooking time. Here is an easy step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice (jasmine)
- 1 pound turkey meat and/or bones
- 6 cups water, broth or stock
- Minced garlic
- Sliced ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnishes like green onions, sesame oil, etc.
Instructions
- Rinse the rice and add to the Instant Pot along with turkey and liquid.
- Add ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Secure the lid and ensure the valve is sealed.
- Cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes, then allow natural release.
- Remove turkey meat from bones and shred, returning meat to pot.
- Adjust consistency if desired by simmering uncovered.
- Serve steaming hot, garnished as desired!
Tips for Foolproof Congee
Follow these tips for perfect turkey congee every time:
- Use long grain white rice like jasmine. Shorter grains make it overly sticky.
- Turkey bones provide lots of extra flavor. Freeze leftover bones after holidays.
- Add more liquid for a thinner congee or less for a thicker texture.
- Mix in shredded chicken, sauteed mushrooms, carrots, greens, etc.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame oil, chili crisp, or a drizzle of soy sauce.
- Freeze extra in portions for quick meals later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making turkey congee in the Instant Pot:
Can I make congee on the stovetop instead?
Yes, but it takes much longer, around an hour of frequent stirring and monitoring. The Instant Pot gives hands-off cooking.
What kind of rice works best?
Long grain jasmine rice is ideal, but other long grain white rices can work too. Avoid sticky short grain rices.
How do I get the perfect consistency?
The amount of liquid determines how thick or thin it turns out. Start with 6 cups and adjust more or less after cooking to your taste.
Can I cook raw turkey in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Raw turkey legs, thighs or breasts cook up beautifully right in the pot. Cook for 20 minutes per pound.
What are some tasty mix-ins?
Get creative with vegetables like mushrooms, leafy greens, shredded chicken, or poached eggs. Top with green onions, sesame oil, chili crisp, or soy sauce.
Enjoy Effortless Turkey Congee
Whipping up turkey congee in the Instant Pot is one of the easiest and most comforting meals you can make. Let the pot do the work of perfectly cooking the rice and turkey while you relax. This versatile and soothing dish is endlessly adaptable to use up leftovers or cook a meal from scratch.
How to store jook?
Jook is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
What kind of rice do you use?
I’m a fan of using Hinode Calrose medium grain rice. That yellow rice bag is always in my house. The classic recipe uses Jasmine rice. You can also use brown rice.
