There’s something incredibly special about cooking the perfect steak, and when done right, it can transform a meal into an unforgettable experience. Enter the Perfectly Tender Sous Vide Steak with Herb Butter, an exquisite dish that perfectly marries ease of preparation with stellar results. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night or aiming to wow your family with a gourmet meal, this recipe for sous-vide steak will not disappoint. The sous-vide technique ensures that the steak is cooked to absolute perfection, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture each and every time. And let’s not forget the crowning glory of this dish—the herb butter that adds a rich, savory flavor, enhancing the steak with every bite.
What makes this dish so appealing is its simplicity. Despite its impressive results, the preparation requires minimal effort, allowing you to achieve restaurant-quality steak in the comfort of your own home. The sous-vide method allows for precise temperature control, meaning you can achieve the perfect medium-rare cook without the guesswork, ensuring a tender and juicy steak throughout. The golden, crispy sear achieved by a final quick turn in the pan promises an aesthetically pleasing and flavorful crust, making this dish not only a joy to eat but also a feast for the eyes.
Why You’ll Love This Perfectly Tender Sous Vide Steak with Herb Butter
- Consistency: Always achieve the ideal medium-rare steak with perfect doneness from edge to edge.
- Simplicity: Minimal hands-on cooking time makes this recipe friendly for all skill levels.
- Flavor: The aromatic herb butter elevates the steak with a rich, luxurious taste.
- Versatility: Perfect for both impressive dinner parties and comforting weeknight meals.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the sous-vide method, it is essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace to ensure a smooth cooking process. To begin, make sure you have a reliable sous-vide immersion circulator. This will be crucial in maintaining the precise water temperature required to achieve that impeccable steak doneness. A large container or pot to house your water bath will also be necessary, as well as vacuum-seal bags to securely encapsulate the steaks and their accompanying ingredients.
Another important tool for this recipe is a trusty skillet for that quick final sear. Cast iron skillets are particularly advantageous due to their excellent heat retention and ability to produce a perfect crust. Additionally, keep a set of kitchen tongs on hand for flipping your steaks, and a cutting board ready for slicing. Before you start, ensure your olive oil, crushed garlic, rosemary, and fresh thyme are prepped and at arm’s reach to streamline the cooking process.
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye steaks (1.5-inch thick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Sous Vide Setup
Start by preheating your sous vide water bath to 130°F (54°C) for a succulent medium-rare steak finish. This temperature is key to achieving a steak that is tender and juicy throughout, with that perfect pink center we all love.
Step 2: Seasoning the Steak
Generously season both sides of the ribeye steaks with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning will enhance the steak’s natural flavors and pair beautifully with the herb butter you’ll make later.
Step 3: Sealing the Steak
Place the seasoned steaks into a vacuum-seal bag, adding in the olive oil, crushed garlic, and rosemary. The olive oil helps to transfer the flavor throughout the steak and ensures even cooking.
Step 4: Cooking via Sous Vide
Seal the bag tightly and immerse it into the preheated water bath. Allow the steaks to cook for around 1.5 to 2 hours. This time will ensure the meat is cooked evenly throughout, while still maintaining that lush medium-rare hue.
Step 5: Searing to Perfection
After cooking, remove the steaks from the bag and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, adding butter and chopped thyme until the butter melts. Quickly sear the steaks for about 1–2 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
Step 6: Resting and Serving
Allow the steaks to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This rest period is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring juicy bites.
Variations
- Protein: Swap ribeye for filet mignon or strip steak for different textures and richness.
- Vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms or asparagus to the vacuum bag for a complete meal with infused flavors.
- Spices: Experiment with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a smokier or spicier rendition.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your water bath maintains a constant temperature for best results.
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor delivery.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad.
- A robust red wine such as Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the richness of the steak.
Tips
- Pat steaks completely dry before searing to achieve the best possible crust.
- Do not skip the resting time; it ensures optimum tenderness and juiciness.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 700 per serving
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 1000mg depending on seasoning
FAQs
How long should I cook the steak if I prefer different doneness?
Sous vide allows for flexible cooking times. For well-done, increase the temperature to about 150°F (65°C) and cook for the same duration.
Can I use frozen steaks for this method?
Yes, frozen steaks can be cooked sous-vide, just add an additional 30 minutes to the cook time.
What if I don’t have a vacuum sealer?
You can use a zip-lock bag; partially immerse it in water to push out air before sealing the bag completely.
Is it possible to reuse the sous-vide water bath?
Yes, as long as it’s clean and properly handled, the water can be reused for future cooks.
Conclusion
The Perfectly Tender Sous Vide Steak with Herb Butter is not just a recipe, it’s an experience ready to be had in your kitchen. It combines the elegance of fine dining with the simplicity of home cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, the reliability of sous-vide will ensure that every steak you make is perfect. This method promises both perfect taste and texture, making it a must-try. Don’t forget to share your unique variations and experiences with this recipe—it’s all about making it your own! Bon appétit!
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Perfectly Tender Sous Vide Steak with Herb Butter
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Perfectly Tender Sous Vide Steak with Herb Butter, an exquisite dish that perfectly marries ease of preparation with stellar results. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night or aiming to wow your family with a gourmet meal, this recipe for sous-vide steak will not disappoint. The sous-vide technique ensures that the steak is cooked to absolute perfection, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture each and every time. And let’s not forget the crowning glory of this dish—the herb butter that adds a rich, savory flavor, enhancing the steak with every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye steaks (1.5-inch thick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Start by preheating your sous vide water bath to 130°F (54°C) for a succulent medium-rare steak finish.
- Generously season both sides of the ribeye steaks with salt and pepper.
- Place the seasoned steaks into a vacuum-seal bag, adding in the olive oil, crushed garlic, and rosemary.
- Seal the bag tightly and immerse it into the preheated water bath. Allow the steaks to cook for around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- After cooking, remove the steaks from the bag and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, adding butter and chopped thyme until the butter melts. Quickly sear the steaks for about 1–2 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Allow the steaks to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Ensure your water bath maintains a constant temperature for best results. Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor delivery.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Sodium: 1000 mg
- Protein: 40 g