A meat injector is such a powerful kitchen tool that can create wonders even from the cheapest cut. It has three main functions; tenderize, moisturize, and maximize the flavor! All these factors shape the final quality of the meat you serve. Keep in mind that these are also the general characteristics of any swanky dish that we consume at a fancy steakhouse. That is why it is essential to learn how to use a meat injector efficiently.

Just forget about rubbing marinades over the turkey or ribs. Even better, you don’t have to keep them in the fridge overnight. With a meat injector, you can easily uplift the taste, make it juicy, and increase tenderness significantly. You can achieve all this only by injecting the mixture into the meat 5 minutes before cooking. Once you get accustomed to this technique, you will never want to go back to traditional marinades. Your kitchen will turn into a gourmet bistro literally. By the way, don’t forget to try the savory recipes below!

What is a meat injector?

A meat injector looks similar to a syringe needle but only bigger and thicker in size. And yes, it comes with a plunger too. There is an opening on the other end of it, where we attach the needle. Please note that selecting the right size needle for the right meat is vital. The thicker the marinade or herb mixture you are using, the thicker the needle should be.

The tube in the middle is usually made from stainless steel. I would advise you to stay away from the plastic ones since they often break during injecting. Nevertheless, some models like the SpitJack Magnum comes with a clear tube that is sturdy enough for any type of meat.

When shopping for a new meat injector, always try to get one of those with high capacity barrels. If the tube is too small, you need to stop frequently and go back to fill more marinade into it. Also, check if it comes with cleaning brushes and separate needles for thick and thin solutions.

Regular meat injector vs. gun-like model?

I always prefer the gun-like meat injector. It is crucial to infuse the same amount of marinade in all parts of the meat in order to create a homogenized taste all over. I get to adjust and control the portions each time when I use the gun-like model. Besides, it is easier to operate and manage. Squeeze the handle, and it will take care of the rest. On the other hand, the standard version is much easier to clean and maintain.

How to use a meat injector?

At first glance, it might seem pretty straightforward to figure out how to use a meat injector only by looking at it. Don’t get me wrong; it is relatively easy to use one. However, you can be much more productive and achieve better results if you take advantage of some handy tips. To summarize the whole process, you mainly insert the tip of the needle into the marinade or sauce mixture and fill the meat injector’s tube by pulling back the plunger slowly. Once it is full, you are ready to submerge it into the meat and infuse the flavoring. Follow the steps below for the best results.

Step 1 | Prepare the meat injector

Always make sure that your meat injector is clean before using it. Wash all the components under running water and rinse well. Next, smear vegetable oil, especially inside the tube. You will notice that it will be much easier to operate the plunger this way.

Step 2 | Select the right needle size

If you are using a thick marinade solution, or a mixture containing small food particles, select a wider needle with a large opening. If the sauce is liquid, you better choose one of the thinner ones. You can learn more tips and tricks on meat injector needles from this article.

Step 3 | Start injecting

It is a good idea to plan where you will make the injections on the meat before you start. Once you are ready, you should pierce carefully and try to infuse in similar amounts. Let the meat rest for about 5 minutes when you think that you covered all the meat’s surface. This technique helps the juices to flow inside.

Tip Alert

Be careful when using lemon juice or vinegar in your injection recipes. If you include too much, the meat might turn out too mushy.

Pork Marinade Injection Recipe

Improve the taste and moistness of any pork butt with this savory recipe. Use the thin needle with multiple openings as the solution is very liquid.

Marinade ingredients for 5 to 6 pounds pork butt:

• 2/3 cup of apple juice
• 1/4 cup of grape juice
• 1/4 cup of vinegar (any type you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter or any kind of vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a medium size bowl.
2. Stir with a spoon to blend well.
3. Pour into small bottle and shake for a minute or two.

Beef Marinade Injection Recipe

Here is an easy to prepare yet super tasty injection recipe for any kind of beef. Use the thin needle as the mixture is liquid.

Marinade ingredients for 2 to 3 pounds of beef roast:

• 1/2 cup of apple juice
• 1/4 cup of pomegranate juice
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 tablespoon of onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon of soy sauce
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients except the lemon juice in a medium size bowl.
2. Stir with a spoon to blend well.
3. Add the lemon juice and continue to stir for half a minute.
4. Pour the solution into a small bottle and shake for a minute or two.

Leg of Lamb Marinade Injection Recipe

Try this injection recipe for leg of lamb for special occasions. Use the thin needle as the mixture is liquid.

Marinade ingredients for 3 to 4 pounds of leg of lamb:

• 1/2 cup of apple cider
• 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 tablespoon of onion powder
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a medium size bowl.
2. Stir with a spoon to blend well.
3. Pour the solution into a small bottle and shake for a minute or two.

Roasted Turkey Marinade Injection Recipe

If you are after cooking the most juicy and tender turkey roast, then search no more. It is a great marinade injection recipe for the holiday season. Use the long needle for thick sauces.

Marinade ingredients for 12 to 16 pounds of turkey roast:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of apple cider
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of dried ginger
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tablespoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 tablespoon of onion powder
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a medium size bowl.
2. Stir with a spoon to blend well.
3. Pour the solution into a small bottle and shake for a minute or two.

Is injecting meat worth it?

Injecting sauce into the meat is more effective than other methods such as rubbing marinade or submerging the meat into brine. Besides, it sure saves you time. If you use marinades instead, then you would have to wait much longer for the sauce to flow into the meat and add flavor. Brining is also very time consuming in comparison. On the other hand, the meat gets penetrated immediately when you use a meat injector. All you have to do is to wait for about 5-10 minutes so that the mixture can reach to all layers of the meat.

Should I inject a Boston butt?

It will enhance the flavor if you inject some tasty solution into Boston butt, or any other big meat for that reason, while it is smoking. In addition, you will get to prevent it from drying, which is crucial when applying low heat with smoke over a long period of time. Any apple juice added marinade will do fine for this purpose. You can learn more about cooking ham the most comfortable way from this article.

What meat can you inject?

There is almost no limit to the variation. You can inject any type of meat you like. Turkey, lamb, chicken, pork, and beef are all suitable for this matter. The only thing you need to be careful about is the type of needle that you have to choose for each mixture.

Tricks

• Add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to injection recipes in order to tenderize the meat.
• Re-use the same holes and inject from different angles. Making fewer holes on the meat is visually more appealing.

Warnings

• Always use protection before using a meat injector as the tips of the needles are very sharp. Do not pierce yourself while inserting the needle.
• Do not rush when making injections. Take your time and let the juices flow inside the meat.

In Conclusion

Using this smart tool is convenient, practical, and superior in all aspects when it comes to preparing delicious meat for any occasion. Benefits include being able to infuse flavor into all layers, whereas marinating the old way can only spice up the outside of the meat. You get to keep it juicy and tenderize at the same time. It is a perfect win-win solution. This gadget has the potential to become your best friend while cooking, roasting, grilling, and smoking any kind of meat. Elevate every bite effortlessly with a few smooth injections made the right way, and you will surely get compliments from your guests.