WHAT IS SOUS VIDE COOKING?: METHODS AND STEPS FOR SOUS VIDE

Sous vide, meaning “under vacuum” in French, is a cooking technique where food is sealed in an airtight bag and gently heated in a water bath. The method uses precise temperature control to cook ingredients evenly, ensuring they reach the ideal level of doneness.

The result is often tender, juicy dishes like melt-in-your-mouth steak or richly flavored pork tenderloin.

WHAT IS SOUS VIDE?

Sous vide is a French cooking technique where food is sealed in an airtight, vacuum-sealed bag and gently cooked in a hot water bath. Typically, a circulator tool is used to heat and circulate the water evenly, though the method can also be done on the stovetop using a digital thermometer to monitor the temperature of the water bath.

For sous vide cooking, the basic steps include seasoning your protein with salt or spices, slipping it into a food-grade vacuum-sealed bag or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, setting your time and temperature to accommodate what you’re cooking, and dropping your bag into heated water to cook its contents.

SOUS VIDE ADVANTAGES

Sous vide allows for highly controlled cooking, helping you heat ingredients to exactly the right temperature, which is ideal for keeping meats tender. Some of its other benefits may include:

• Consistent, precise results

• Enhanced flavor and texture

• Better moisture retention

BEST FOODS TO COOK WITH SOUS VIDE

Sous vide is a flexible technique suitable for cooking a range of foods, from beef and lamb, to more delicate foods, such as eggs or vegetables. It can also be used to elevate everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes, like tender lamb chops for dinner, or eggs Benedict for breakfast.

Other foods that often work well for sous vide include:

• Carrots

• Corn on the cob

• Bacon

• Pork shoulder

• Lobster

WHAT IS BAGLESS SOUS VIDE?

Traditional sous vide uses a sealed bag and water bath to cook food slowly at a precise temperature. Bagless, or air sous vide, recreates the method in your oven using steady low heat and airflow to gently and evenly cook food—no bags or water needed.

BAGLESS SOUS VIDE VS. TRADITIONAL SOUS VIDE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Conventional sous vide relies on vacuum-sealed bags and a heated water bath, whereas bagless sous vide achieves similar slow cooking by circulating low, consistent heat within your oven without bags or water.

CAN YOU SOUS VIDE IN AN OVEN?

Yes—some ovens now offer an Air Sous Vide mode, which mimics traditional sous vide by using low, controlled heat and airflow to help cook food gently and evenly, no water or bags needed. Be sure to follow your owner’s manual or recipe for specific time and temperature directions for the dish you’re cooking.

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SOUS VIDE COOKING: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

From supplies to seasoning, here’s everything you need to get started with sous vide cooking techniques in your own kitchen.

SOUS VIDE TIPS

The sous vide cooking technique is all about precision and consistency. These tips can help you become comfortable with the method and start making the most of it in your own kitchen.

• Choose sturdy bags: While zip-top bags work in a pinch, go for high-quality, food-safe plastic that can hold up to long cook times without leaking or breaking down in hot water. If you get serious about sous vide cooking, you may want to purchase a vacuum sealer and corresponding food-safe bags.

• Leave room to cook: Avoid filling your pot to the brim. Make sure there’s enough space for your ingredients to move freely and stay fully submerged without causing overflow.

• Keep an eye on temp: Temperature control is key to sous vide. Use a reliable thermometer or immersion circulator to monitor water temp and maintain a stable environment throughout cooking.

• Finish with a sear: For proteins like steak or pork, a quick sear after the water bath can add a flavorful crust and better texture. Just a minute or two on high heat can do the trick.

• Set a timer: Use your phone or a kitchen timer to track cooking time. Precision is part of what makes sous vide great, so stick to your recipe’s recommended duration for each food.

• Secure the bag: Keep the bag from floating or shifting while cooking by clipping it to the pot’s side. A clothespin or binder clip can help keep everything in place.

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Sous vide cooking offers a delicious way to achieve tenderly cooked results—whether you're working with delicate seafood or hearty cuts of meat. Select Select KitchenAid^® ranges offer features, such as a Steam Rack, which gives users the ability to provide additional moisture to the inside of the oven, enhancing cooking results.