Preserving the tastyness?

Satch · Posted: Mar 06 2008 Post subject: Preserving the tastyness?

Does anyone have a good way of preserving finished Q for later use? My favorite time to eat Q (aside from fresh off the smoker) is a day or 2 afterwards at work. Nothing makes co-workers more envious than a nice brisket sammy or a 1/4 rack for lunch! Being in a family of only 2 people (2 people and 2 obese cats to be precise) I am generally forced to work with smaller cuts of meat, since larger cuts do not get finished up w/o having to sit in the 'fridge for days on end.

Additionally, I only get to smoke once every few weeks. Sad

Which usually leaves me going w/o Q for too long a time. Ideally, I would be able to throw on a brisket, pork butt, and turkey breast all at the same time, and then freeze the leftovers for use in subsequent weeks.

Has anyone devised a good system for freezing finished Q for later use? If so could you please share?
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Big Mike · Posted: Mar 06 2008 Post subject:

If you want to cook and freeze batches of Q, the best thing to do is get you a foodsaver.

Portion out the Q into the foodsaver bags how you want and freeze. Then when you want some Q, take out the foodsaver bag and place directly into a pot of boiling water. Usually 10-15 minutes in the water and the Q is heated thoroughly through. Open bag and enjoy.
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Satch · Posted: Mar 07 2008 Post subject:

Thanks Big Mike! I appreciate it!
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JimH · Posted: Mar 07 2008 Post subject:

I've found that if you portion the meat into the bags and freeze them before you vacuum seal them, that it helps to preserve moisture and BBQ flavor.
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Harry Nutczak · Posted: Mar 07 2008 Post subject:

food saver, or trying the new reynolds zipper bags with their little vaccum pump might be a more affordable way to try vacuum packaging for small stuff that will be used quickly.

Anyone tried the reynolds system??? it has got me curious.
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roxy · Posted: Mar 07 2008 Post subject:

If you can figure out this one you will have a million dollar solution for the BBQ franchise industry.
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G's BBQ · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 13 Sep 2006 Posts: 1641 Location: NV

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roxy · Posted: Mar 11 2008 Post subject:

kvh-smokin · Posted: Apr 01 2008 Post subject:

I always save my leftovers in a foodsaver bag. If planning to eat soon you do not have to freeze. Vacuum packed is as close to fresh as you can get. The sooner you pack after cooking the better. I often cook extra just for this as it is easy to reheat anytime you are in the mood for some BBQ. Just pop it in boiling water as stated above an eat. Nothing is as good as fresh but this is pretty darn close!
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