Sous vide cooking is a fantastic method for preparing steak, as it allows for precise temperature control, resulting in perfectly cooked meat with a tender and juicy texture. Here’s a simple recipe for sous vide sirloin steak:

Sous Vide Sirloin Steak Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1-2 sirloin steaks (about 1-1.5 inches thick)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite steak seasoning
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary), optional
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for searing)

Equipment:

• Sous vide immersion circulator
• Large pot or container for water
• Vacuum sealer or resealable plastic bag
• Cast iron skillet or grill for searing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sous Vide Setup:

   • Fill a large pot or container with water and attach your sous vide immersion circulator. Set the temperature to your desired doneness:
     • Rare: 120°F (49°C)
     • Medium Rare: 129°F (54°C)
     • Medium: 135°F (57°C)
     • Medium Well: 145°F (63°C)
     • Well Done: 156°F (69°C)

2. Season the Steak:

   • Season the sirloin steaks generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. If using herbs, place them in the bag with the steak.

3. Seal the Steak:

   • Using a vacuum sealer, seal the steak in a vacuum bag. If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, place the seasoned steak in a resealable plastic bag, and use the water displacement method to remove air: slowly lower the bag into a pot of water, allowing the pressure to push air out, then seal the bag just above the water line.

4. Sous Vide the Steak:

   • Once the water has reached the desired temperature, submerge the bagged steak in the water. Cook for 1 to 3 hours (the longer you cook, the more tender the steak becomes, but 1-2 hours is usually sufficient for sirloin).

5. Sear the Steak:

   • After the sous vide cooking time is up, remove the steak from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear.
   • Heat a cast iron skillet or grill over high heat. Add olive oil or butter.
   • Sear the steak for about 1-2 minutes on each side until a nice brown crust forms. You can add more herbs or garlic to the pan during searing for additional flavor.

6. Rest and Serve:

   • Let the steak rest for a few minutes after searing. Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.

Tips:

• Experiment with Time: While 1-3 hours is a general guideline, you can leave the steak in the sous vide for longer without overcooking it.
• Finish with a Sauce: Drizzle with a simple pan sauce or compound butter for added richness.
• Use a Thermometer: If you’re unsure about the doneness, use an instant-read thermometer to check.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked sous vide sirloin steak!