Master the Art of Raw Food Meal Prepping: Oven-Baked Delights in Vacuum Sealed Bags

Meal prepping is a fantastic way to save time, reduce waste, and ensure you always have a healthy meal ready to go. But when it comes to raw food meal prepping, there are a few extra considerations to keep in mind. One of the most common questions we get is how to prepare raw food meals that can be cooked together in the oven, particularly when using vacuum sealed bags. This method is a great way to lock in flavor and nutrients, but it does require a bit of know-how. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of mastering the art of raw food meal prepping, with a focus on oven-baked delights in vacuum sealed bags.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When meal prepping with raw foods, it’s important to choose ingredients that will cook at the same rate. This is particularly important when you’re planning to cook your meal in a vacuum sealed bag, as you won’t be able to easily adjust the cooking times for individual ingredients. Protein like chicken, fish, or tofu can be paired with a variety of vegetables. However, keep in mind that denser vegetables like carrots or potatoes may need to be cut into smaller pieces to ensure they cook thoroughly.

Preparing Your Meals

Once you’ve chosen your ingredients, the next step is to prepare them for cooking. This typically involves chopping your vegetables and protein into bite-sized pieces, although the exact size will depend on your personal preference and the specific ingredients you’re using. After chopping, you can season your ingredients as desired. Remember, vacuum sealing will intensify the flavors, so you may want to go light on the seasoning at first.

Vacuum Sealing

After your ingredients are prepared, it’s time to vacuum seal them. This process removes air from the bag, which helps to preserve the food and lock in flavors. To vacuum seal your meals, simply place your ingredients in a vacuum seal bag, then use a vacuum sealer to remove the air and seal the bag. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the bag to allow for expansion during cooking.

Cooking Your Meals

When you’re ready to cook your meal, simply place the vacuum sealed bag in a preheated oven. The cooking time will depend on the specific ingredients you’re using, but a good rule of thumb is to cook your meal at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-30 minutes. Be sure to check the internal temperature of your protein to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.

Final Thoughts

Raw food meal prepping with vacuum sealed bags is a great way to prepare healthy, flavorful meals in advance. By choosing the right ingredients, preparing them properly, and using a vacuum sealer, you can create delicious oven-baked meals that are ready to go whenever you need them. Happy prepping!