Tiny little transglutaminase packets?

May 13, 2016 2:16 PM

I want to use transglutaminase, but only for like one meal at a time, and possibly with large gaps in between. TGM inactivates very quick upon exposure to air. Is there any way to buy extremely tiny packets, like sugar-packet-sized packets, of TGM so I could just use individual ones for one-off things? Smallest size I found online is 2 ounces, which is still far too much.
posted by hleehowon to Food & Drink (5 answers total)

I don't know if the thing you're looking for exists, but in case it doesn't or no one is able to find it for you, this method for making single-serving packets of things is easy and genius. If having tiny packets is important for you, DIY could be a workable option.
posted by phunniemee at 2:20 PM on May 13, 2016 [1 favorite]

We went the DIY route. Buy a large package, divvy up into individual vacuum bags, vacuum, store in freezer. Slightly more of a pain but if you're already futzing with meat glue the vacuum sealer should be part of your toolkit too.
posted by Karaage at 2:23 PM on May 13, 2016

Best answer: Modernist Pantry has 50g packs available. You might be able to contact them to see if they have smaller sample packages available.

The stuff degrades pretty quick, but if you have a vac sealer (which, I'm sort of assuming you do if you're the kind of person that's looking for a transglutaminase hook up) you can just divy it up and seal it to keep it oxygen free.

on preview; jinx Karaage.
posted by furnace.heart at 2:25 PM on May 13, 2016 [1 favorite]

Oh, another route you can take (I haven't done this, but know of folks who have) is to identify a restaurant that uses transglutaminase, and ask them to kick you down a bit. You should offer cash and/or beer, and they will probably wave off the cash you hand them in lieu of beer. The restaurants that do use transglutaminase, use quite a bit of it, and usually have a bunch on hand. The trick is catching them when they kitchen is open, but they are closed; this may require an in-person visit or three.
posted by furnace.heart at 2:30 PM on May 13, 2016

Best answer: You can just freeze TG and it works fine. So either buy the little packets or keep the big packet tightly sealed in the freezer--that's what we did at the restaurant when we were actively using it.
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 2:41 PM on May 13, 2016 [1 favorite]