When it comes to elevating slow-cooked and sous vide meals, functional sauces are a game-changer. But what exactly is a functional sauce? Unlike typical sauces, a functional sauce is designed with a secondary function in mind—absorbing meat juices during cooking. In slow cook and sous vide methods, where meats are cooked over a prolonged period (up to 12 hours), functional sauces play a crucial role.
During the cooking process, meat releases its natural juices, which are typically lost or discarded. However, functional sauces are crafted with starches that absorb these juices, transforming them into rich, flavorful components of the final dish. This not only enhances the flavor profile but also improves the overall appearance and consumer appeal of the meal.
Why Functional Sauces Matter in Slow Cook and Sous Vide Cooking?
Enhanced Flavor: These sauces are intensely flavored to complement the meat, ensuring that the finished dish is packed with taste, even after absorbing the meat’s juices.
Tenderization of Cheaper Cuts: The long, slow cooking process allows for the use of more economical cuts of meat, which become tender and succulent. Functional sauces further elevate these cuts, making them comparable to premium options.
Energy Efficiency: By using stock to brine the meat, manufacturers can reduce cooking time while maintaining succulence, resulting in energy savings.
Consumer Appeal: Without a functional paste or marinade, meat cooked in a bag may appear unappetizing. Adding these sauces transforms the dish into a visually appealing and flavorful meal, negating the need for additional sauces.
Our functional sauces are freeze-thaw stable with a 12-month frozen shelf life and can be produced as Ready to Eat or Ready to Cook. They offer an instant product premiumization, using our natural stocks to build complex, layered flavors that complement the meat.
Applications of Functional Sauces
Functional sauces are incredibly versatile and can be used in various culinary applications:
Sous Vide: A rich sauce designed to absorb the meat juices released during slow cooking, enhancing yield and flavor.
Slow Cooker: A deeply flavorful sauce that complements protein and vegetables in slow cooker meals, requiring only the addition of stock or water.
Pastes: Thick, intense pastes that coat and marinate proteins before cooking, absorbing excess meat juices and delivering deep flavor.
Steeps: These are deeply flavorful sauces used in brining, imparting both color and flavor to meats like hams, ensuring the final product is both visually appealing and delicious.
Where Can You Find Our Functional Sauces?
Our functional sauces are the secret behind some of the most flavorful and succulent dishes. Here’s where you can find them at work:
- Slow Cooked Meats: Whether it’s BBQ Ribs, Pulled Pork, or Boneless Beef Ribs, our functional sauces ensure that these slow-cooked favorites are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. By absorbing the meat’s natural juices, the sauce becomes a vital part of the dish, delivering a rich and satisfying experience.
- Traditional Meal Centers: Think of dishes like Brisket in Ale Gravy or Minted Lamb Shanks. These meal centers benefit greatly from the deep, layered flavors that our sauces bring. The slow cooking process allows the meat to absorb the sauce fully, resulting in a dish that’s both flavorful and tender.
- Pie Fillings: Slow-cooked fillings, such as those in meat pies, are enhanced by our functional sauces. By adding the sauce before cooking, the meat develops a succulent texture that elevates the entire pie. This technique ensures that the filling remains moist and flavorful, unlike traditional methods where raw meat might dry out.
- Flavored Joints of Ham or Bacon: Our functional sauces coat and enhance the flavor of hams or bacon joints, making them a centerpiece at any meal. The sauce not only imparts flavor during cooking but also adds an appealing glaze that makes the meat visually enticing.
- Ready to Roast Meats: For ready-to-roast meats, our sauces can be added directly to the cooking tray. As the meat cooks, the sauce absorbs the juices, preventing them from going to waste and creating a delicious, concentrated flavor.
- Stew & Casserole Ready Meals: Functional pastes serve as the base flavor for stews and casseroles. As the meat cooks and releases its juices, the paste dilutes, infusing the entire dish with deep, rich flavors that make every bite satisfying.
The Benefits of Using Our Functional Sauces
- Convenience: Our sauces are designed for both Ready to Eat and Ready to Cook applications, offering flexibility in meal preparation.
- Shelf Life: With a 12-month frozen shelf life, these sauces are practical for both consumers and manufacturers, reducing waste and ensuring long-term usability.
- Flavor Layering: By using natural stocks as the foundation, our functional sauces build complex flavors that enhance any meat product.
Ready to Elevate Your Sous Vide Offerings?
Our functional sauces are designed to transform your sous vide meals into gourmet experiences, ensuring that every dish is packed with flavor, texture, and consumer appeal. If you’re looking to enhance your product lineup and offer something truly exceptional, our team of experts is here to help.
Get in touch today to discuss how we can collaborate to elevate your sous vide offerings. Whether you’re looking to explore new flavors, improve product quality, or simply want to learn more about how our functional sauces can benefit your business, we’re ready to work with you to achieve your goals.
Contact us now to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. Let’s take your sous vide products to the next level together!