Sous vide vs Reverse sear ?

Sous vide vs Reverse sear ? is a medium American recipe that serves 2. 800 calories per serving. Recipe by Andy Cooks on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 2 hrs 57 min | Total: 3 hrs 27 min

Cost: $19.70 total, $9.85 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Ribeye Steak (about 12 oz each, 1.5‑inch thick, room temperature)
  • 2 tsp Kosher Salt (for generous seasoning on all sides)
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary (adds aromatic flavor to sous vide bag)
  • 1 large Garlic Clove (crushed, added to sous vide bag)
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter (small pat placed in sous vide bag for richness)
  • 2 tbsp High Smoke Point Oil (canola, avocado, or grapeseed oil for searing)
  • 1 tbsp Beef Tallow (optional, adds beefy flavor to sear)

Instructions

  1. Season the Steaks

    Pat the ribeye steaks dry, then sprinkle 1 tsp kosher salt on each side of both steaks. Let rest for 5 minutes to begin drawing out surface moisture.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Bag the Sous Vide Steak

    Place one seasoned steak in a vacuum bag with 2 sprigs rosemary, the crushed garlic clove, and 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Vacuum‑seal (or use the water‑displacement method) to remove air.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Sous Vide Cook

    Attach the immersion circulator to a large pot of water, set to 54°C (129°F), and submerge the sealed bag. Cook for 2 hours.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: 54°C

  4. Preheat Oven for Reverse Sear

    While the sous vide is running, preheat the oven to 120°C (250°F).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 120°C

  5. Reverse Sear Steak in Oven

    Place the second seasoned steak on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Insert an instant‑read thermometer into the thickest part and bake until the internal temperature reaches 46°C (115°F), about 32 minutes.

    Time: PT32M

    Temperature: 120°C

  6. Remove and Pat Dry

    Take both steaks out of their cooking vessels, discard the bag, and pat each steak completely dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Heat Cast Iron Skillet

    Place the cast iron skillet over high heat. Add 2 tbsp high smoke point oil (or a mix of oil and beef tallow). Heat until the oil just begins to shimmer, about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Sear Both Steaks

    Lay each steak away from you in the hot pan. Sear 2 minutes on the first side, then flip and sear another 2‑3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Use tongs to press the fat cap against the pan for extra rendering.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Rest the Steaks

    Transfer the seared steaks to a cutting board, loosely tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Serve and Compare

    Plate the reverse‑seared steak and the sous‑vide steak side by side. Taste the texture and flavor differences, then enjoy.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
800
Protein
60 g
Carbohydrates
0 g
Fat
60 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Keto, High-Protein

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Sous vide vs Reverse sear ?

Recipe by Andy Cooks

A side‑by‑side comparison of two popular steak cooking methods – the classic reverse sear and the precise sous vide. Learn how to season, cook, and finish each steak for maximum flavor and tenderness, then decide which technique wins for you.

MediumAmericanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
33m
Prep
2h 34m
Cook
22m
Cleanup
3h 29m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$19.70
Total cost
$9.85
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season steaks evenly with salt.
  • Seal the sous vide bag without air.
  • Maintain precise water temperature (54°C) for sous vide.
  • Achieve target internal temperature (46°C) in the oven for reverse sear.
  • Pat steaks completely dry before searing.
  • Sear on a screaming‑hot cast iron pan for a proper crust.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot cast iron skillet with oven mitts; the handle becomes extremely hot.
  • Hot oil can splatter – keep face away and use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Ensure the sous vide bag is sealed properly to avoid water entering the bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of reverse sear steak in American cuisine?

A

The reverse sear method grew popular in the United States among barbecue enthusiasts and upscale steakhouses as a way to achieve an evenly cooked interior with a deep crust, combining low‑and‑slow cooking with a high‑heat finish.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of sous vide steak in French cuisine?

A

French chefs originally used sous vide for precise temperature control in haute cuisine, often pairing the steak with classic sauces like béarnaise or bordelaise, and sometimes cooking it in butter for added richness.

cultural
Q

How is reverse sear steak traditionally served in American steakhouse culture?

A

In American steakhouses, a reverse‑seared steak is typically rested, sliced against the grain, and served with simple sides such as roasted potatoes, creamed spinach, or a light salad, allowing the meat’s flavor to shine.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is sous vide steak traditionally associated with in modern American dining?

A

Sous vide steak is often featured at special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday dinners where home cooks want restaurant‑quality precision without the need for a professional kitchen.

cultural
Q

What makes reverse sear steak special or unique in American steak cooking?

A

The reverse sear creates a uniform pink interior while preventing the overcooked outer layer that can happen with traditional high‑heat searing, delivering a tender, juicy bite with a caramelized crust.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making reverse sear steak at home?

A

Common errors include not allowing the steak to reach the target low‑temperature before searing, searing too early, and not patting the steak dry, which all lead to a weak crust or uneven doneness.

technical
Q

Why does this reverse sear steak recipe use a low oven temperature of 120°C instead of a higher temperature?

A

A low oven temperature gently brings the steak up to the desired internal temperature without overcooking the outer layers, ensuring a consistent medium‑rare throughout before the final high‑heat sear.

technical
Q

Can I make the sous vide steak ahead of time and how should I store it before searing?

A

Yes, you can sous vide the steak up to 24 hours in advance, then chill it quickly in an ice bath, store it sealed in the refrigerator, and give it a hot sear just before serving for optimal texture.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when searing the sous vide steak?

A

You should see a deep, caramel‑brown crust forming within 2‑3 minutes per side, with the fat cap rendered and slightly bubbling, while the interior remains uniformly pink and juicy.

technical
Q

How do I know when the reverse sear steak is done cooking in the oven?

A

Insert an instant‑read thermometer into the thickest part; when it reads 46°C (115°F) you have reached the target for a medium‑rare finish before the final sear.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Andy Cooks specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Andy Cooks focuses on practical cooking experiments, technique comparisons, and straightforward home‑cooking tutorials that help viewers master classic and modern recipes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Andy Cooks' approach to steak cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Andy Cooks emphasizes side‑by‑side method testing—like reverse sear versus sous vide—providing clear visual results and concise explanations, whereas many channels focus on a single technique without direct comparison.

channel

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