Many professional and home chefs know that the secret to tender, juicy, flavorful meat is marinating.  People have been marinating for years, but the process is slow and can be rather messy.  Typically, you must put the meat in the marinade and let it sit for hours, and often over night, and optimal results are only attained by frequently turning over the meat, so that the surface of the meat is evenly exposed to the marinade.

However, the quickest and most effective means of marinating your favorite chicken or steak dish is with a vacuum food sealer.  This method quickly opens the pores of the meat, so the marinade is sucked inside the food immediately.  This will result in the marinade being evenly infused throughout the meat, and you will be amazed at how juicy, tender, and delicious your favorite recipes will become.  Our own family marinates this way prior to grilling either outside during the warm summer months, or broiling the food inside during the winter time.

There are two methods you can use to marinate with a vacuum sealer.  The first one I will discuss is recommended; however, you will need to purchase a special container that is designed for marinating.

If you want to marinate using a container, you simply purchase a vacuum sealing canister that is designed for such a purpose.  We have two containers to choose from that will do the job nicely. Simply place your food into the container and pour your marinade over the top. Attach the accessory hose that came with your FoodSaver food vacuum sealer and suction the air out.  If the marinade doesn’t appear evenly distributed, then just turn the container over a couple of times.  Be sure to place the container with the meat into your refrigerator.  It will be ready to grill in less than an hour.  Please try to wait at least 20 minutes.  Your food will be delicious and taste as if it was marinated overnight.

The second, and more economical, way to marinate is to put your meat and the marinade in a vacuum sealer bag and vacuum seal the bag.  However, this way is not recommended, because you run the risk of sucking the marinade into your FoodSaver or Seal a Meal vacuum sealer and ruining its engine.  If you are careful not to pour too much marinade into the vacuum sealer bag it can be done.  The trick is to take a paper towel and fold it several times, until it becomes a narrow strip.  Pour the marinade over the meat and place the strip of towel at the end of the bag, right before the area you want the seal to be. The idea is for the paper towel to absorb the liquid that will be pulled towards the vacuum, thus preventing it from being vacuumed into the FoodSaver or Seal a Meal vacuum sealer’s motor and ruining it. Foodsaver bags and Seal a Meal bags can be expensive too, but there are inexpensive online options available to purchase these bags at a deep discount.  In addition to canisters, we also carry bags at 40 – 60% off   the price you will pay in your local stores.