7 Best Meats to Sous Vide: Meat, Chicken and Fish

7 Best Meats to Sous Vide: Meat, Chicken and Fish

Today I will show you the best meats to sous vide and also the best chicken, fish and things to use on the recipe!

When it comes to sous vide cooking, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind to get the best results. First of all, you need to choose the right type of meat for your dish. 

Secondly, you need to cook it at the right temperature and for the right amount of time. In this article, we will take a look at the best types of meat to sous vide and the ideal temperature and cooking time for each type.

One of the great things about sous vide is that it can be used to cook just about any type of meat. However, some meats are better suited for this cooking method than others.

How should meat be for Sous Vide?

How should meat be for Sous Vide

When choosing meat for sous vide, you first need to select the right cut. For example, if you are looking to make a steak, you will want to choose a cut with a good amount of marbling

This marbling will help to ensure that your steak is tender and juicy. Other good cuts of meat for sous vide include chicken breasts, pork chops, and fish fillets.

Once you have selected the proper cut of meat, the next step is to choose the right temperature. The ideal temperature will vary depending on the meat you are cooking. 

For example: if you are cooking a steak, you will want to cook it at a higher temperature (around 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit) to get the perfect sear on the outside. 

On the other hand, if you are cooking chicken breasts, you will want to cook them at a lower temperature (around 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit) to prevent them from drying out.

Finally, you need to choose the correct cooking time. The cooking time will also vary depending on the meat you are cooking. 

For example: a steak will only need to be cooked for a few minutes (around 2-3 minutes per side), whereas chicken breasts will need to be cooked for a longer period (about 15-20 minutes).

Now that you know the best types of meat to sous vide and the ideal temperature and cooking time for each class, you are ready to start sous vide cooking!

3 Important things you shuld know when choosing the right meat

Pork

The three main factors you should consider when picking out a cut of meat for sous vide are fat content, thickness, and density.

  • Some cuts of meat, like ribeyes, are naturally marbled with fat and are perfect for sous vide cooking. Other cuts, like chicken breasts, need to be injected with marinade or cooked in a bag with butter or oil to add moisture and flavor.
  • Thickness is also necessary when selecting a cut of meat for sous vide. Thicker cuts of meat will take longer to cook than thin cuts, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Finally, density is another factor to consider when choosing a cut of meat for sous vide. Denser cuts of meat will cook more evenly than lighter, less dense cuts. This is because the heat has less distance to travel to reach the center of the meat.

Don’t look at the prices if you want a perfect flavor:

Understandably, some people might be hesitant to try sous vide cooking because of the perceived cost. 

However, it’s important to remember that you don’t need special equipment to sous vide. You can use a regular pot or even a slow cooker. The only thing you need is a vacuum sealer and some freezer bags.

In terms of cost, you also don’t need to buy the most expensive cuts of meat. Cheaper cuts of meat are often better suited for sous vide cooking because they tend to be more flavorful. So, don’t let the cost deter you from trying sous vide cooking! You may be surprised at how delicious and affordable it can be.

7 Best types of meat to Sous Vide

Beef Tenderloin

When it comes to sous vide, there are a lot of different meats you can choose from. But which ones should you try first? Here are seven of the best meats to sous vide – and the perfect temperature to cook them!

1) Beef Tenderloin

The most popular meat to sous vide is the beef tenderloin. This is because it’s a very tender cut of meat that becomes even more so when cooked slowly and evenly. The perfect temperature for cooking beef tenderloin sous vide is 131°F (55°C).

2) Pork Loin

Pork loin is another popular choice for sous vide cooking. It’s a lean cut of meat that becomes very tender when cooked properly. For pork loin, the perfect temperature is 148°F (64°C).

3) Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts are an excellent choice for sous vide because they’re low in fat and cook quickly. The perfect temperature for chicken breasts is 145°F (63°C).

4) Lamb Loin

Lamb loin is an excellent choice for sous vide because it’s a lean cut of meat that can be cooked quickly. The perfect temperature for lamb loin is 137°F (58°C).

5) Strip Steak

Strip steak is a very tender cut of beef that’s perfect for sous vide. The best temperature to cook it at is 131°F (55°C).

6) Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is another very tender cut of beef that’s great for sous vide. But, again, the best temperature is 131°F (55°C).

7) Salmon

Salmon is a healthy and delicious choice for sous vide cooking. However, the best temperature to cook it is 122°F (50°C).

What is the best steak for Sous Vide?

Steak for Sous Vide

The best steak for sous vide is a ribeye steak. This is because it’s a very flavorful cut of meat that’s also relatively tender. The ideal temperature for cooking ribeye steak sous vide is 131°F (55°C).

Seasoning for the Sour Vide steak

  • Like any steak, you’ll want to season your sous vide steak with salt and pepper. But you can do a few other things to take your steak to the next level.
  • One option is to sear your steak after being cooked sous vide. This will give it a nice crispy crust on the outside. You can do this by heating a pan over high heat and adding some oil. Then, add the steak and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Another option is to sauce your steak. You can try many different sauces, but a simple bbq sauce or teriyaki sauce are both excellent choices. Just be sure to heat the sauce before serving.
  • Finally, you can also add some herbs or spices to your steak. Some good options include rosemary, thyme, and black pepper. Again, experiment with different combinations to find the ones you like best.

Can I use frozen meat?

Yes, you can use frozen meat for sous vide cooking. However, it’s important to note that the quality of the meat may not be as good as fresh meat. This is because frozen meat can often be watery and flavorless.

If you choose to use frozen meat, it’s best to thaw it first. Simply place the frozen meat in the sous vide water bath and let it thaw for 1-2 hours. Once it’s thawed, you can cook it according to your recipe.

Another thing to keep in mind, frozen meat will take longer to cook than fresh meat. So be sure to factor in additional cook time when planning your meal.

What is the best chicken for Sous Vide?

Chicken for Sous Vide

The best chicken for sous vide is a boneless, skinless chicken breast. This is because it’s a lean cut of meat that cooks quickly and evenly. The perfect temperature for cooking chicken breasts sous vide is 145°F (63°C).

What is the best fish for Sous Vide?

Salmon for Sous Vide

The best fish for sous vide is salmon. This is because salmon is a nutritious and tasty option that can be prepared fast and effortlessly. The best heat for sous vide cooking salmon is 122°F (50°C).

What is the best way to store sous vide meat?

Once you’ve cooked your sous vide meat, it’s essential to store it properly to stay fresh. The best way to keep sous vide meat is in an airtight container in the fridge.

If you’re planning on storing the meat for more than a few days, you can also freeze it. Simply place the cooked meat in an airtight freezer bag and store it in the freezer.

When you’re ready to eat the frozen meat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, cook it according to your recipe.

How long does sous-vide meat last?

Sous vide meat will last for 3-5 days in the fridge and up to 6 months in the freezer.

However, it’s important to note that the quality of the meat may decline after a few days. So if you’re planning on storing the meat for an extended period, it’s best to freeze it.

Things to serve with Sous Vide

Sides to sous vide

1. Mashed potatoes: A classic side dish that goes great with any type of meat.

2. Grilled vegetables: Try grilling some zucchini, squash, and tomatoes alongside your meatloaf.

3. Coleslaw: A simple and easy side dish that pairs well with any type of BBQ meal.

4. Garlic bread: Soft, fluffy bread with a delicious garlic butter spread.

5. French fries: A classic side dish that always hits the spot.

Final Words

Sous vide cooking is a great way to make delicious and tender steaks, chicken breasts, and fish. The best temperature to cook these meats is 122°F (50°C). You can season your meat with salt and pepper or try different herbs or spices.

You can also sear your steak after being cooked sous vide or sauce it with a bbq or teriyaki sauce.

So, do you already know what is the best meat, fish and chicken to Sous Vide? Please, feel free to leave your comments below!

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Candy Seideman has been cooking for most of her life. In fact she is referred to as "The Chef" by most of her close family not only because she attended culinary school and was an actual chef, but also because she has a passion for cooking for friends and family.