Is it advisable to sous vide in "steam fresh" bags?
Is it advisable to sous vide in steam fresh bags, the type where one cooks the veggies in the microwave for 4 minutes?
Best Answer
No, those bags are not completely sealed. They are designed to let steam escape, therefore they are not watertight, if you put them in your sous vide machine they'd get waterlogged.
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What kind of bags can you use for sous vide?
Sous vide manufacturer ChefSteps recommends using food-grade vacuum sealing bags because they're BPA-free and made of polyethylene (we like the ones made by FoodSaver). These bags need to be sealed with a vacuum-sealing system, which FoodSaver also makes.Can you sous vide in vacuum-sealed bag?
Specifically, your FoodSaver\xae Vacuum Sealing System will become your best friend as you learn to perfect the sous vide. The source noted that using a vacuum sealer is the best way to keep the food secure during its water bath, meaning water can't permeate through the bag and mess with your ingredients.Which Ziploc bags for sous vide?
According to Cook's Illustrated, most high-end, name-brand plastic bags, like Ziploc and Glad, are safe to sous vide in. Made with non-toxic plastics, Ziploc bags should not leach chemicals when submerged in sub-boiling water.Can you use food saver bags for sous vide?
FoodSaver bags and vacuum sealers are ideal for sous vide cooking as they remove all of the air around the food to help lock in flavors and natural juices. To get started, vacuum seal your food in the FoodSaver bags, then place bags in water at any temperature up to 195\xb0F (90\xb0C) for as long as the recipe dictates.Meal Prep Tip: Ziploc Zip n Steam Bags
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Answer 2
No, in addition to the valid reasons offered by @GdD sous vide relies on conduction to transfer heat from the water into the food being cooked. "Steam Fresh" bags are not vacuum sealed. The air in the bag is an insulator between the water and the food, making the heat transfer more difficult and uneven.
While vacuum sealed bags are preferable for sous vide a 'near' vacuum sealed, such as air being forced out of a ziplock bag, is functionally 'good enough'. The volume of air in a steam fresh bag would be problematic.
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