I have 2 locally raised turkeys in my freezer this year so I thought I’d share an old video pressure cooking a store bought turkey! One I think I’m going to can up and the other I’m saving for Thanksgiving! #offgridalaska #offgridhomestead #offgridliving #offgridlife #homestead #alaskahomestead #tinyhome #homesteadinglife #selfsufficiency #sustainableliving #canning #turkey

2025/11/12 Edited to

... Read morePressure cooking a turkey is a fantastic method for quickly preparing poultry, especially when you want to save time but still ensure the meat is tender and flavorful. In this guide, the process focuses on safely cooking a 15-pound frozen turkey in just 75 minutes by using a pressure canner. The principle behind this technique is that pressure canning increases the boiling point of water, allowing the turkey to cook faster and become fully tender while preserving the meat for longer storage. A critical step before cooking is to unwrap the turkey while it's still frozen. Unlike traditional cooking, the turkey can remain frozen during the pressure cooking process, which eliminates the need for thawing and reduces preparation time. It's important to note that no preservatives are added during this process, making it an excellent choice for those seeking natural food preservation methods. When using a pressure canner, adding 12 cups of water ensures adequate steam generation inside the pot. Venting the pressure canner by allowing a steady stream of steam to escape for 10 minutes before sealing is essential to eliminate air pockets and stabilize pressure. For cooking time, a reliable rule of thumb is five minutes per pound of turkey, so a 15-pound bird requires approximately 75 minutes to fully cook. Once the turkey is cooked, separating the meat and broth provides versatile options. The meat can be canned for future meals, perfect for off-grid homesteads or sustainable living setups. Meanwhile, the broth, rich in protein, is a nutritious base for soups or gravies and can also be canned. This approach aligns well with homesteading and self-sufficient lifestyles by maximizing resource use and minimizing waste. While this method does not include adding seasonings during pressure cooking, seasoning can be applied later depending on your recipe. This flexibility allows control over flavor and customization per meal. Overall, pressure cooking and canning turkey is an efficient technique for preserving poultry without preservatives, suitable for tiny homes, off-grid living, or anyone interested in sustainable food storage and homesteading.