How to Brine Food for Sous Vide Cooking

Check out a step-by-step video tutorial here: https://youtu.be/thyxODr6aBE?si=QPAYG_O9sFVeSOw3

Example: I brined 2 mackerels (total weight 500 g).

Ingredients:

• Food of your choice (e.g., chicken breast, pork chops, or vegetables)

• Water

• Salt

Equipment:

• A kitchen scale

• A large bowl or container

• A whisk or spoon

• Plastic or vacuum-sealed bags for sous vide

Step 1:

Weigh Your Food The first step is to weigh your food using a kitchen scale. In our example, we have 2 mackerels with a total weight of 500 grams. Knowing the exact weight will help you determine the amount of water and salt you need for the brine.

Step 2:

Calculate the Water and Salt For the brine, you'll want to use an equal weight of water to your food. In our case, that would be 500 grams of water. Next, calculate 2% of the total weight (food + water). This is the amount of salt you need.

Step 3:

Dissolve the Salt Using a large bowl or container, add the calculated amount of salt to the 500 grams of water. Stir the mixture until the salt is completely dissolved. This saltwater solution is your brine.

Step 4:

Place Food in a Brining Container

Place your 2 mackerels (total weight 500g) in a suitable plastic or glass container. Make sure the container is large enough to hold both the mackerels comfortably.

Step 5:

Pour the Brine Over Your Food

Now, carefully pour the prepared brine over the mackerels in the container. Ensure that the mackerels are fully submerged in the brine. This will help infuse the flavors and ensure your seafood stays moist during sous vide cooking.

Step 6:

Rest the Brined Food

Allow your mackerels to rest in the brine within the container. Place a lid or cover on the container to seal it. Then, refrigerate it for at least 3 to 4 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the salt to penetrate the food, enhancing its taste and texture.

Step 7:

Prepare for Sous Vide Cooking

After the brining period, remove the mackerels from the brine, pat them dry with paper towels, and place them in a fresh sous vide bag. You're now ready to cook your perfectly brined mackerels using your sous vide machine.

And there you have it – a simple and effective way to brine your food for sous vide cooking.