Sous vide cooking has revolutionized the way we cook steak, offering precise temperature control and consistently delicious results. If you’re looking for an exceptional sous vide flank steak recipe, look no further than Serious Eats. Their recipe guarantees a flavorful and juicy steak, cooked to perfection every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked steaks and say hello to a mouthwatering dining experience.
Key Takeaways
- Sous vide cooking provides precise temperature control for perfect steak results.
- The Serious Eats sous vide flank steak recipe ensures a flavorful and tender outcome.
- Traditional cooking methods can often result in overcooked or undercooked steak, but sous vide eliminates that risk.
- Cooking flank steak sous vide requires a two-phase process: sous vide cooking and searing.
- Serious Eats offers variations on flank steak recipes, allowing for creativity and versatility in your meals.
Why Sous Vide Cooking is Ideal for Steak
Sous vide cooking is the ideal method for cooking steak, offering precise temperature control and consistent results. Unlike traditional cooking methods that often result in overcooked or undercooked steak, sous vide allows you to cook the steak to the exact temperature desired. This ensures that the steak is evenly cooked from edge to edge, resulting in a tender and flavorful piece of meat.
With sous vide cooking, the steak is placed in a vacuum-sealed bag and cooked in a water bath at a consistent temperature for a prolonged period of time. This slow and controlled cooking process allows the steak to cook evenly, while also locking in its natural juices and flavors.
Not only does sous vide cooking provide excellent temperature control, but it also allows for precise doneness. Whether you prefer a rare, medium-rare, or well-done steak, sous vide cooking ensures that you achieve the desired level of doneness every time.
“Sous vide cooking is a game-changer when it comes to cooking steak. It takes the guesswork out of achieving the perfect level of doneness and consistently delivers juicy and tender results.”
Serious Eats, a renowned source for culinary inspiration, offers a variety of sous vide recipes, including their popular sous vide flank steak recipe. This recipe, along with their detailed instructions and temperature guidelines, allows home cooks to achieve professional-level results in their own kitchens.
Next, we’ll explore some tips and techniques for cooking sous vide flank steak to perfection.
Benefits of Sous Vide Cooking for Steak
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Precise Temperature Control | Ensure steak is cooked to the desired level of doneness. |
| 2. Even Cooking | Cook steak evenly from edge to edge for consistent results. |
| 3. Juicy and Flavorful | Lock in the natural juices and flavors of the steak. |
| 4. Consistent Results | Reproduce the same delicious steak every time. |
| 5. Professional-level Cooking | Achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. |
Tips for Cooking Sous Vide Flank Steak
If you want to master the art of cooking flank steak sous vide, it’s essential to follow a two-phase process. The first step involves sealing the steak in a plastic bag and cooking it in a sous vide device at your desired final temperature. This initial cooking phase determines the steak’s doneness and ensures consistent results.
After cooking sous vide, it’s time to elevate your flank steak’s flavor, color, and texture by giving it a beautiful sear. Serious Eats, a trusted source for sous vide recipes, suggests searing the steak to create a perfect contrast between the crisp outer crust and the juicy, tender interior. To achieve this, start with a thick flank steak, preferably at least 1.5 inches thick, which allows for optimal caramelization while maintaining a succulent center.
Serious Eats also provides temperature and timing charts for various levels of doneness, ranging from rare to well-done. These guidelines ensure that your sous vide flank steak is cooked to perfection every time. Whether you prefer a tender, medium-rare steak or a well-done masterpiece, they have you covered.
Pro Tip:
For a more intense flavor profile, consider marinating your flank steak before sealing it in the sous vide bag. Marinades can infuse the meat with delicious flavors, enhancing your overall dining experience.
Sous Vide Flank Steak Temperature and Timing Guide:
| Doneness Level | Final Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F (52°C) | 1 to 2 hours |
| Medium Rare | 130°F (54°C) | 1 to 4 hours |
| Medium | 140°F (60°C) | 1 to 4 hours |
| Medium Well | 150°F (66°C) | 1 to 4 hours |
| Well Done | 160°F (71°C) | 1 to 4 hours |
Finishing Sous Vide Flank Steak
To fully elevate the flavors and textures of sous vide flank steak, Serious Eats recommends two delicious finishing methods:
- Pan-searing: After removing the steak from the sous vide bath, pat it dry with paper towels. Heat a skillet over high heat and add oil or butter. Once hot, carefully place the steak in the skillet and sear for about 1-2 minutes per side. This quick sear will create a beautiful brown crust, adding a delightful caramelized flavor to the already tender steak.
- Grilling: If you prefer a smoky charred finish, consider grilling the sous vide flank steak. Preheat your grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the steak from the sous vide bag and place it directly on the grill. Grill for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, until a deep, rich crust forms. The high heat of the grill will impart a mouthwatering smokiness to the steak, making each bite an unforgettable experience.
Pro tip:
To achieve the perfect crust while preserving the juicy interior of the flank steak, make sure the skillet or grill is extremely hot before adding the steak. This helps to sear the surface quickly and lock in the juices.
With these finishing techniques, you can transform your sous vide flank steak into a culinary masterpiece. The pan-searing method creates a delectable Maillard reaction that enhances the steak’s overall flavor, while grilling adds a tantalizing smoky essence. Choose the method that suits your taste preferences and enjoy a sensational dining experience.
Sous Vide Flank Steak Recipe Variations
Looking to add some variety to your sous vide flank steak recipes? Serious Eats has got you covered! In addition to their classic sous vide flank steak recipe, they offer a range of variations and ideas to suit different tastes and preferences.
Marinated Flank Steak: Elevate the flavor of your flank steak by marinating it with your favorite seasonings and herbs. Experiment with different combinations to create unique and delicious flavors.
“Marinating the flank steak adds an extra layer of flavor to the meat. Try using a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a savory Asian-inspired marinade.”
Looking for some creative dishes? How about trying these mouthwatering recipes:
- Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Combine sous vide flank steak with crisp broccoli and a flavorful sauce for a satisfying stir-fry.
- Grilled Stuffed Flank Steak: Impress your guests with a show-stopping grilled stuffed flank steak. Fill it with ingredients like spinach, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Beef Teriyaki Skewers: Skewer up tender sous vide flank steak and grill it to perfection, then drizzle with a homemade teriyaki sauce for a delightful combination of sweet and savory.
These variations and recipe ideas from Serious Eats allow you to explore new flavors and get creative with your sous vide flank steak. Whether you’re in the mood for an Asian-inspired dish or a grilled masterpiece, the possibilities are endless!
Sous Vide Flank Steak Recipe Variations
| Recipe | Description |
|---|---|
| Marinated Flank Steak | Elevate the flavor with a savory marinade |
| Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry | A delicious combination of flank steak and crisp broccoli, perfect for a quick and easy meal |
| Grilled Stuffed Flank Steak | A show-stopping dish filled with flavorful ingredients like spinach, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes |
| Beef Teriyaki Skewers | Tender sous vide flank steak skewered and grilled, topped with a mouthwatering homemade teriyaki sauce |
Conclusion
Sous vide cooking offers a fantastic method for preparing flank steak, delivering precise temperature control and ensuring even cooking throughout. The recipe provided by Serious Eats guarantees juicy and flavorful results, allowing you to cook the steak exactly how you like it. Whether you prefer rare or well-done, sous vide cooking will help you achieve the perfect level of doneness every time.
With the versatility of sous vide, there is an array of delicious flavors and variations you can explore when cooking flank steak. Serious Eats offers a range of ideas, including marinated flank steak and unique dishes like grilled stuffed flank steak and beef teriyaki skewers. The options are endless, allowing you to get creative and experiment with different flavors and seasonings.
To achieve the best results with sous vide flank steak, make sure to follow the detailed instructions and temperature guidelines. This will ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection, tender and full of flavor. With Serious Eats’ recipe and guidance, you can unlock the secrets to a truly remarkable sous vide flank steak.
FAQ
What is sous vide cooking?
Sous vide cooking is a method where food is vacuum-sealed in a plastic bag and cooked in a water bath at a precise temperature.
Why is sous vide cooking ideal for steak?
Sous vide cooking provides precise temperature control and ensures the steak is cooked evenly from edge to edge, resulting in a tender and flavorful steak.
How do I cook flank steak sous vide?
Cooking flank steak sous vide requires sealing the steak in a plastic bag and cooking it in a sous vide device at the desired final temperature, followed by a searing phase to develop color and flavor on the surface.
What are some tips for cooking sous vide flank steak?
It’s recommended to use a thick steak, at least 1.5 inches thick, for a perfect contrast between the exterior crust and the juicy interior. Serious Eats provides temperature and timing charts for various levels of doneness.
How do I finish sous vide flank steak?
Serious Eats suggests two methods for finishing sous vide flank steak – pan-searing in a hot skillet with oil or butter or grilling over high heat until a deep crust forms.
Can I try different variations with sous vide flank steak?
Yes, Serious Eats offers variations and ideas such as marinated flank steak, grilled stuffed flank steak, beef teriyaki skewers, and more for different flavors and dishes.
