Perfectly Cooked Ribeye Steak Using Sous Vide: A Step-by-Step Guide
Sous vide is a cooking technique that ensures precision and consistency, making it the ideal method for perfectly cooked ribeye steak. By cooking the steak in a temperature-controlled water bath, you achieve a consistent doneness throughout, followed by a quick sear for added flavor. This guide will walk you through the sous vide process, as well as how to use it for cooking this ribeye steak recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 ribeye steaks (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1-2 tablespoons of butter (optional)
- Olive oil for searing
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
- Season the Ribeye: Generously season both sides of the ribeye with salt and pepper. You can also add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme and crushed garlic for added flavor.
- Optional Step: For extra richness, you can place a small pat of butter on the steak before sealing it.
Step 2: Set Up the Sous Vide Machine
- Set the Temperature: The key to sous vide is cooking at the perfect temperature for your desired doneness. Use the following temperature guidelines:
- Rare: 120°F (49°C)
- Medium-Rare: 129°F (54°C)
- Medium: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium-Well: 145°F (63°C)
- Well-Done: 160°F (71°C)
- Fill a large pot with water and attach your sous vide precision cooker. Set it to your desired temperature.
Step 3: Vacuum Seal or Bag the Steak
- Vacuum Seal: If you have a vacuum sealer, seal the ribeye in a vacuum bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Ziplock Bag Method: If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, place the steak in a ziplock bag and use the water displacement method. Slowly lower the bag into the water, letting the pressure force the air out, and then seal the bag just above the waterline.
Step 4: Sous Vide the Steak
- Cook Time: Submerge the bagged steak in the preheated water bath. The recommended cooking time is between 1 to 4 hours. For optimal tenderness, aim for around 2 hours.
- Tip: Longer cook times up to 4 hours won’t overcook the steak, as sous vide maintains the exact temperature for your desired doneness.
Step 5: Remove and Pat Dry
- Once the cooking time is up, remove the steak from the water bath. Carefully take it out of the bag, discarding any herbs and garlic. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Drying the surface ensures a perfect sear in the next step.
Step 6: Sear the Steak
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until it’s smoking hot.
- Add Oil and Butter: Add a small amount of oil to the pan and, if desired, a little butter to enhance flavor.
- Sear: Sear the steak for 30-60 seconds on each side, just enough to develop a golden-brown crust. Be sure to sear the edges as well for an all-around crispy exterior.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
- Rest: Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after searing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice your perfectly cooked ribeye and enjoy its tender, flavorful goodness!
Sous Vide Technique: A Beginner’s Guide
Sous vide is a French term meaning “under vacuum,” and it involves cooking food in a sealed bag submerged in water at a precisely controlled temperature. This method ensures even cooking, especially for proteins like steak. Here’s why sous vide is so effective:
- Precision: Sous vide allows you to cook food to an exact level of doneness, eliminating the guesswork and risk of overcooking.
- Retained Moisture and Flavor: Because the food is cooked in a sealed bag, it retains its natural juices and flavors.
- Consistent Results: The water bath maintains an even temperature throughout, ensuring consistent results every time.
Why Sous Vide Ribeye Steak?
- Perfect Doneness: Sous vide guarantees that your steak is evenly cooked from edge to edge, unlike traditional methods where the exterior might be overcooked by the time the center reaches the desired temperature.
- Tender Texture: Long cooking times allow the steak to become incredibly tender without losing moisture or flavor.
- Easy to Master: Once you’ve set your sous vide cooker, it requires little attention, making it a convenient method for busy cooks.
Looking to the Future of Sous Vide Cooking
While sous vide has gained popularity in both professional kitchens and home kitchens, newer innovations such as wireless sous vide machines and advanced water circulation technology are making it even more accessible. As this technique continues to evolve, we may see more user-friendly devices with app integration and faster heating times to further enhance the home cooking experience.
Conclusion
Sous vide is an excellent technique for achieving the perfect ribeye steak with minimal effort. By cooking the steak at a precise temperature, you ensure that it reaches the perfect doneness without risk of overcooking. With a final sear, you can enjoy a steak that is not only tender and flavorful but also boasts a beautiful crust. Whether you’re a seasoned sous vide cook or a beginner, this method delivers consistently exceptional results.
For future recipes, please visit this page.
To learn more about cooking techniques around the world, visit gourmetopedia.com.
You can also click this link to learn how to sear meat.
