Weston 36200 Mode D'emploi page 8

Can frozen foods be cooked sous vide without thawing first?
• Yes, but keep in mind that adding frozen food to the water bath will lower the water
temperature. A general rule is to add an extra hour to the cooking time in order to
allow meat to fully thaw and reach the desired temperature.
How can I ensure that food cooks thoroughly?
• Make sure water reaches the temperature specified in the recipe before adding
sealed food.
• Make sure all food, bags, and containers are completely submerged in the water
and that the food in each bag does not touch. Secure bags into place to allow
water to circulate by using a rack, clipping them to the pot, or adding a butter knife
inside each bag before sealing.
• Follow recommended cooking times to ensure that the food reaches the desired
temperature.
How long can food be left cooking when using the sous vide method?
• Recommended cooking times for sous vide ensure that the food reaches the
desired temperature. The benefit of sous vide cooking is that the water bath will
hold the food at the desired temperature for a long period of time. This allows
more flexibility in serving times. The circulator can be programmed for up to
99 hours. Keep in mind that although the food is held at that temperature, the
food will continue to cook and will change texture.
• Usually you will see a range of optimal cooking times. This indicates the
minimum cooking time required and the maximum time that the food is at the
ideal texture.
• When cooking eggs or seafood, do not hold in water bath for more than 1 hour
after cooking.
Should meats be seared before cooking sous vide or after?
• Searing food cooked sous vide is optional. Some foods benefit from searing and
others do not. Meats, poultry, and fish can be more appealing in appearance and
flavor with searing. Searing can be done before or after cooking. Searing after
cooking is more common. It ensures that the food reaches the desired temperature.
• Searing can be done both before AND after cooking sous vide. Steaks seared
before and after cooking have a more evenly browned surface.
• Quickly sear meats and vegetables in a preheated cast iron pan, grill pan, or on a
grill grate.
Can I use the sous vide balls while cooking sous vide?
• Sous vide balls can be used while cooking. Never use plastic wrap around the
immersion circulator.
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