How to Seal Foods Without Using a Vacuum Sealer

All you need is a zip-top plastic freezer bag and a bowl of water.

Alison Conklin

Yes, it’s possible to vacuum seal your food at homewithouta vacuum sealer!

All you need is a zip-top plastic freezer bag and a bowl of water.

How to Vacuum Seal Foods without a Vacuum Sealer

Alison Conklin

Easy-peasy, but I’ll get into the details below.

First off, Should You Buy a Vacuum Sealer?

That’s when it’s best to use a home method like the one we’re talking about here.

How to Sous Vide Asparagus seal the bag

Alison Conklin

And for most of our everyday home cook purposes, that’s just fine.

I useZiploc Freezer Bags, both gallon- and quart-sized.

Bone-in Sous Vide Pork Chops prep the chops

Alison Conklin

Another bonus of freezer bags is that they last through repeated re-use.

Once sealed, lay the bag on the towel to dry.

The food is now ready to be frozen, stored, or cooked sous vide.

Sous Vide Teriyaki Salmon

Emma Christensen

Here’s what to do:

This method probably sounds more complicated than it really is.

Be careful of the seams so you don’t accidentally rip them.