After shedding more light on the sous vide air in bag complication our previous article, allow me to cover something on the sous vide bag broke issue. Sous vide remains the best French vacuum cooking technique that gives water or air space in the bag.
However, sometimes these bags break as a result of various reasons such as high pressure. These breakages tend to make your food tasteless as well as changing the texture. Panic no more because we are here to help you out. We have decorated this article with useful information to help you understand the causes and possible solutions.
Lovers of sous vide cooking methods understand that the bags are meant for tallying food. The vacuum-pack is important for cooking the food content in the water bath. Let’s not waste much time on this section. Instead, let’s have a look at the components of this report!
Why sous vide bag breaks
We have some people that end up failing to determine whether the bag is not sealed or broken. Therefore the first thing to consider is to check for these two culprits. A good number of people don’t seal their bags properly, mostly the ziplock ones. The water will seep into the bag in the presence of small gaps.
Additionally, you have to ensure that the seal isn’t immersed in the water. This is a useful consideration since when the bag is not fully occupied with water; chances of water getting into the bag are minimal. Furthermore, you should make sure that there are no holes.
It’s therefore advisable to check the bag before placing the cooking bags in the container.
The second reason for sous vide bag break complication is the sharp edges or bones on your food contents. With such mishaps, the bag will keep on breaking as a result of cuts made by the sharp edges or bones of your meat. However, this issue rarely occurs, mostly when you press the bag over the areas with sharp contents.
What if air enters into my sous vide cooking bag?
This is a clear indication that the method is no longer vacuum cooking. This issue is undesirable and the fat and water will definitely destroy the sous vide cooking contents. The result is also based on the various factors;
- The amount of water in the sous vide cooking bag.
- The temperature
- The type of food you are cooking
- Preparation time etc.
Water is known for ruining the taste of meat or fish compared to how it can affect rice and vegetables. Leaving the food for a certain period of time is necessary to enhance it with a different taste and texture. For instance, ten minutes will not make a big difference while leaving it overnight can do wonders to your meal.
On the other hand, liquid or fluids might be found in the bag instead of water. For this reason, you are supposed to ensure that there are no other juices in the bag rather than water. Thoroughly inspect the sous vide cooking bag for any leaks.
Alternatively, you can have a clear picture of the water bath color. Doing so will determine whether the sous vide bag is broken or not. Carefully check for muddy or tint areas before moving to the next action. Starting over remains the best option if you confirm there is water in the cooking bag; eliminate everything but not the food.
You have to eliminate all the available waterbath and the bag. Ensure the sous vide pot is also clean, free of any food traces or juices. Dry the container, ready for the next task. Placing the pressure cooker in the combo of vinegar and water before subjecting it to 140°F can be another way to correct a broken sous vide cooking bag.
Ultimate guide to prevent leakages in sous vide bag
Saving your meal is necessary in situations where the bag leaks. Below are some actions to prevent your sous vide bags from breakages;
Action 1: Prior check bag
Checking and ensuring the bags don’t leak in advance is advisable before you start cooking. To achieve this, you are required to provide the bag with enough water. Observe leaks as this implies there is a hole. This issue arises; mostly when you recycle sous vide bags; though the new ones may also break.
Action 2: Properly seal the Ziplock bags
The next action to put into place will be to completely seal your ziplock bags; that’s if you are using them. You want to ensure there are no gaps. More so, you should at least ensure that the top of the bag is placed above the water.
Doing so is necessary as it prevents the bags from opening and allows water in it. The best items to use under this step are the sous vide bag clips for securing the bags’ top side. Alternatively, you can opt for freezer bags, since they feature thicker materials.
Action 3: Try Vacuum sealer bags
Apart from being the most affordable and easy to use sous vide cooking bags; there are high chances for ziplocks to leak. Getting high quality vacuum sealer and vacuum sealer bags is highly recommended. Doing so is advantageous to ensure the bags don’t leak nor break.
Action 4: Inspect for sharp edges or bones on your food content
When preparing food contents like meat, vegetables, or fish using sous vide bags, there is a chance for the bags to leak. Fish bone will pierce your bag, creating a hole for letting air inside. Therefore, you should try as much as possible to avoid sharp meat edges.
You should place the food properly so as to prevent sharp elements from touching it. For instance, you should try putting the food in the center of the sous vide bag then surround it with vegetables.
Action 5: Right tools
Last but not least, you should consider buying and using the required to tools
We have some kitchen appliances or utensils that might also pierce or destroy the bag; such as metal tongs. For this reason, I would urge you to opt for plastic or silicone utensils rather than tongs. A good example of a utensil is the spatulas; it works pretty good for adding or removing food from the sous vide bags.
Tips when using sous vide cooking bags
- Using vacuum sealers is highly recommended because it offers a safer seal on the bags.
- Double-sealing your bags can also offer a better resolution to prevent leaks in sous vide bags.
- Fixing the broken sous vide bag is not recommended because it’ll leak anyway. It doesn’t matter whether the fixing option is environmentally friendly or not; don’t do it.
FAQs:
- Are sous vide cooking bags harmful?
Not really because most of these bags are made of polypropylene and polyethylene. Tse materials are safe since they won’t be affected by sub-boiling temperatures.
- Am I allowed to utilize ziplock sous vide bags?
I don’t see the need to opt for expensive vacuum sealers because ziplock bags can do better.
Final words
From the above discussion, you can realize that a leaky sous vide bag is not the end of cooking. You can fix the complication with the help of the above actions. We have provided you with more than enough information to prevent your sous vide bags from breaking.