How to Cook Sous Vide for Beginners

THE BASICS

Getting Started with Sous Vide

Learning how to cook sous vide is as much about having the proper tools and equipment as it is about using the right techniques to achieve the results you want. Read on to discover tips and tricks designed for those entering the world of sous vide.

EQUIPMENT

Essentials for a Beginner Sous Vide Setup

As you start out with sous vide, there are a few key devices you’ll need to bring full flavor and unparalleled precision cooking to each and every meal. With the right tools in your arsenal, you’ll deliver perfect proteins, side dishes, and more—every single time.

PREP

The key to a perfectly prepped sous vide bag is a single layer of ingredients that are the same thickness. That consistency ensures even cooking, especially when it comes to dense fruits and vegetables. To achieve it, opt for a mandolin with a detachable blade for easy cleaning.

PACKAGING

A compact vacuum sealer is ideal for a beginner, since it gets the job done without taking up too much space. With any vacuum sealer, you want one that seals fragile foods without pulverizing them. Look for an option that comes with sous vide-safe bags and a warranty.

SOUS VIDE

With an entry-level circulator, you’re looking for simple, affordable, and effortlessly effective. Choose one with an accompanying app that you can use to set, adjust, and control the device, as with the ChefSteps Joule. Some apps also include tutorials, tips, and recipes for you to use as you get more comfortable using the appliance.

FINISH

After cooking a cut of meat sous vide, you’ll want to finish it by searing it in a pan. A pair of rubber-tipped tongs is helpful for removing sous vide bags from hot water without piercing them, and for turning meat while searing without puncturing the surface.