Have you heard of the Sous Vide cooking method? This cooking method uses hot water and food in vacuum sealed containers to evenly cook food without overcooking. The food item is placed in a vacuum sealed bag (or you can use a ziplock bag with all the air pushed out) and then cooked in a bath of hot water. The food will cook longer than simply frying or grilling; however, it will end up with a more even temperature throughout the entire item.
If you are looking to get started cooking with the Sous Vide method, I’ve compiled a few items that you can pick up on Amazon to get your culinary adventure started.
- Stand Alone Cooker – The key to Sous Vide cooking. This item will bring the water up to temperature and maintain it. Some of them are even bluetooth enabled.
- Water Container – The stand alone cookers also require a container to hold the water and food. Some of them also include lids or balls that float on top in order to prevent the heat from escaping.
- Sous Vide Cooker Combo – Some cookers have the container, cooker, (and even a slow cooker) in one device. This is a great way to add Sous Vide cooking to your repertoire without adding another appliance (simply replace your slow cooker with this one).
- Vacuum Sealer – A great way to seal the meat or vegetables to prepare for cooking. A vacuum sealer is also convenient to have if you buy meat in bulk from Costco and want to freeze some of it.
- Ziplock Bags – If you don’t want to add one more small appliance to your kitchen, freezer bags can be used. Just make sure to push as much air out of the bags as possible.
- Fry Pan – If cooking meat, it can have a rather unappetizing color upon removal from the water. Give it a quick sear on either side for a delicious finish to the meal.
- Small Canning Jars – Some dishes such as eggs can be cooked in jars instead of vacuum sealed bags.
- Jar Lifter – If cooking in jars, you want a jar lifter to get them out of the water. Trust me.
- If you are just getting started, cookbooks are essential! Check out this Cookbook or this Cookbook for some great recipe ideas.
Brad and I were introduced to Sous Vide cooking late last year by a couple of our friends. It is definitely a delicious way to enjoy a steak, next I want to try making some cinnamon apples. Have you tried Sous Vide?
