Sous vide cooking has been the talk of the town for its accurate temperature control and delicious results, but have you ever wondered if you can achieve the same results with a slow cooker or can you sous vide in a slow cooker?
With a little bit of knowledge and some simple modifications, you can enjoy the benefits of sous vide cooking without investing in expensive equipment. This guide will help you understand how you can cook sous vide using a slow cooker.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, you can sous vide in a slow cooker, but the results will not be as perfect as when using a dedicated sous vide machine.
- To achieve good results when using a slow cooker, it's important to use a thermometer to monitor the water bath temperature.
- Using a slow cooker can be a cost-effective way to get started with sous vide cooking, especially if you are not ready to invest a lot of money into a dedicated sous vide machine.
- Slow cookers are a common kitchen appliance, and many people already own one. This means that you can start experimenting with sous vide cooking without having to spend a lot of money on a new appliance
Can You Sous Vide In a Slow Cooker?
Sous vide cooking is a method that cooks food at a specific temperature to ensure that the food is cooked evenly.
This temperature is maintained by the sous vide machine, which circulates the water and keeps it at your preferred temperature.
You will need to Monitor the Water Temperature
However, with a slow cooker, you will need to monitor the temperature of the water bath manually using a thermometer. This means that the results may not be as precise and consistent as when using sous vide machines, as the temperature of the water bath may fluctuate slightly.
You will not Achieve Perfect Results
A slow cooker is a kitchen appliance that is mainly used for slow-cooking stews, soups, and other dishes. While you can technically use a slow cooker to sous vide, it is not ideal due to the limitations of the appliance.
Its temperature control is not as precise as that of a sous vide machine. A slow cooker's heating element is not designed to maintain a consistent temperature, so the water temperature can fluctuate over time.
To compensate for this, it is necessary to use an external thermometer to monitor the water temperature and adjust the slow cooker's heat setting as needed to maintain the desired temperature. If you don't mind a bit of extra effort, a slow cooker can be a useful alternative.
How Do You Sous Vide Steak In A Slow Cooker?
Step 1: Gather the Essentials
- A regular slow cooker
- An external temperature controller or a thermometer
- Sous vide or vacuum bags
- A vacuum sealer
- Steak, or chicken thighs. For this guide, I will be using steak
- Seasonings such as pepper and salt
Step 2: Season your Steak
To start, season your steak with pepper and salt or any other seasonings of your choice. This will add flavor to the steak and enhance its taste.
Step 3: Fill the slow cooker with water and set it to a particular temperature
Set the water temperature, typically between 130-140°F (54-60°C) for a perfectly cooked steak.
Step 4: Place the seasoned steak in sous vide bag and vacuum seal it
Place the seasoned steak in a sous vide-safe food-grade plastic bag and seal it with a vacuum sealer, ensuring that no air is trapped inside. You can sous vide food in its original packaging, but it is essential to take certain precautions to ensure that the food is safe and properly cooked.
Step 5: Put the sealed steak into the slow cooker and ensure it is fully submerged in the water
Once the water is at the desired temperature, submerge the sous vide bag in the slow cooker and let it cook for 1-2 hours, depending on the desired level of doneness. Do not forget to monitor the water temperature to ensure that it does not fall below or go above the recommended temperature.
Remove the sous vide steak from the cooker, pat it dry, and sear it on a hot pan for a crusty texture.
Serve and enjoy.
Can A Slow Cooker Be Used As A Water Bath?
Yes, a slow cooker can be used as a water bath for sous vide. A slow cooker can be filled with water, and its heating element will be used to heat the water.
However, a slow cooker may not provide as precise temperature control as a dedicated sous vide machine, and the water may not circulate as well hence you need to monitor the water for temperature changes.
It's crucial to make sure that the slow cooker is large enough to accommodate both the food and the water, and that the lid seals properly to prevent evaporation.
Crock Pot Vs Sous Vide Slow Cooker – Which Is Better?
Crockpot and sous vide are both slow cookers, but they have different cooking techniques. Crockpot uses a slow and low heat that circulates around the food inside, while sous vide uses a water bath with precisely controlled temperature to cook food.
Sous Vide Is More Precise
Crock Pot does not produce perfect results and its temperature needs constant monitoring while sous vide is more precise and offers greater control over temperature and time, making it great for delicate dishes.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preferences and the type of food you want to cook. If you're looking for affordability, a Crock Pot might be the best choice, but if you're looking for precision and control, sous vide might be a better option. Also, the instant pot is ideal for sous vide cooking, too.
Sous Vide Vs Boiling: Are They The Same Thing?
Sous vide and boiling are not the same cooking methods. Boiling is a traditional cooking technique in which food is cooked in boiling water. Sous vide, on the other hand, is a modern cooking method where food is sealed in a food-grade plastic bag and cooked in a temperature-controlled water bath.
Cooking Sous Vide Provides Consistent Results
Sous vide provides more precise control over the cooking temperature and cooking time, leading to more consistent and tender results.
Boiling can result in uneven cooking and can cause some food, such as vegetables, to become mushy. Sous vide is often used for delicate items like fish and eggs, while boiling is used for pasta, potatoes, and other starchy foods.