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Food Lab Complete Guide To Sous Vide Steak

Food Lab Complete Guide To Sous Vide Steak - Easy Family Meal

Sous vide doesn’t sound like your average cooking technique, right? It’s not about tossing ingredients into a pot and calling it dinner. Instead, it’s a method that brings precision and perfection to the table. Picture this: a perfectly cooked steak, tender and juicy, with every bite echoing the flavors you love. 
Intrigued? You should be! Today, I’m sharing my complete guide to sous vide steak, revealing everything from the basics to gourmet-level insights. Get ready to enhance your culinary skills and impress your friends and family.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 790

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ribeye, strip, porterhouse, or T-bone steaks 1½ to 2 inches thick, about 1 pound/450g each
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to season generously
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for subtle smoky flavor
  • 2 tablespoons high-smoke-point oil like canola or vegetable, for pan-searing; optional
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for basting during pan-searing; optional
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley for garnish and brightness; optional
  • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for aromatic depth; optional
  • 2 large cloves of garlic, lightly crushed optional

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Steak
  1. Start by removing your steaks from the refrigerator. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels to achieve a nice sear later.
Step 2: Season Generously
  1. Generously season each steak with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. You can sprinkle some smoked paprika for an added smoky flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in a sprig of thyme or rosemary and a clove of crushed garlic for extra flavor.
Step 3: Vacuum Seal the Steaks
  1. Place each steak in a vacuum-seal bag, ensuring they fit snugly. You can also add aromatics like herbs or garlic to the bag for enhanced flavor. Use a vacuum sealer to remove the air. If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, a zipper bag with water displacement works well too — just lower the bag into water to push out the air before sealing.
Step 4: Preheat the Water Bath
  1. Fill a pot or container with water. Attach your immersion circulator and preheat it to your desired steak temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F (54°C); for medium, go for 140°F (60°C).
Step 5: Cook the Steak
  1. Once the water has reached the desired temperature, immerse your sealed bags of steak. Cook for 1 to 4 hours based on your preferences. The beauty of sous vide is that longer cooking times don't dry out the steak; they enhance tenderness.
Step 6: Sear for Perfection
  1. After cooking, remove the bag from the water bath and take out the steak. Pat them dry again. Preheat a skillet over high heat. Add some high-smoke-point oil and place the steaks in the skillet. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side for a beautiful crust. Add unsalted butter and baste the steaks for extra richness.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
  1. Let your steaks rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute. Serve with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Slice and serve to the delighted guests at your table.

Notes

  • Choose Quality Meat: Select high-quality steaks. Look for well-marbled cuts for the best flavor.
  • Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to play with flavors. Try different herbs and spices to suit your taste.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Even though sous vide is forgiving, it's best to stick to the recommended cooking times for optimal doneness.
  • Use a Good Sear Technique: When searing, make sure your skillet is hot enough to get that beautiful golden crust. Lack of heat leads to steaming rather than searing.
  • Keep Equipment Clean: Ensure your equipment, especially bags, is maintained. Preventing cross-contamination will give you safe, delicious results.