Sous vide is one of the most precise and ideal cooking methods. However, this method usually makes use of plastic bags to submerge food in the water bath. While plastic is a reliable tool for most purposes, subjecting them to heat may still seem problematic. Thus, one of the questions you may ask is:
Is it safe to sous vide in plastic bags? Yes, it is safe to sous vide in plastic bags. In general, you can find plastic bags designed for sous vide cooking. Such plastic bags can withstand the temperature and will not cause any issues. However, you should be wary of the temperature and the plastic you use when cooking sous vide.
Since the plastic bag is an essential part of the sous vide cooking process, you need to ensure that the ones you use are safe for cooking. This way, you can avoid problems with plastic when submerged in warm water baths. It will also help you ensure that the food you cook in the water bath remains safe from plastic.
This article will tackle all the things you need to know regarding this matter. With this guide, you’ll better understand the sous vide process and the plastic you’re using with it.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
Is it safe to use plastic bags for sous vide cooking?
Yes, it’s safe to use plastic bags for sous vide cooking. In fact, the sous vide method requires the use of such in most cases. So now, the only thing you need to consider is the type of plastic bag to use.
Since many plastic bags are available, you need to use the plastic bag designed for sous vide cooking. Such plastic bags are the ones made of polyethylene. Such bags need to be vacuum sealed before you place them in the water bath.
Now, if you don’t want to get a vacuum sealing system, you can use a resealable freezer bag like Ziploc. Such plastics are made with low-density polyethylene.
Still, one thing you should know about using Ziploc bags is that high temperatures may force it to open, exposing your food to the water bath. Such a problem can be solved by doubling the bag. Also, you may want to avoid using Ziploc if your water bath is above 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
Are Ziploc bags safe for sous vide?
Ziploc bags are safe for sous vide at specific temperatures. In most cases, these resealable bags would be enough to serve your recipe needs.
Still, as I mentioned earlier, higher temperatures may not do well with your Ziploc bags. For instance, any temperature higher than 158 degrees Fahrenheit may force your Ziploc to open.
If such a thing happens, you’ll end up exposing your food in the water bath. Still, such an issue can be resolved by using two bags instead of one. Also, you can simply switch to vacuum sealing if you’re cooking sous vide at a high temperature.
What kind of plastic is used for sous vide?
In most online and cooking supplies stores, you can always find plastic bags designed for sous vide. Such bags can withstand the temperatures of the water bath, making it safe for your food.
Still, you can always use plastic bags made of polyethylene. Such bags need a vacuum sealing to ensure that the water bath won’t penetrate the food you’re cooking.
Also, you can use plastic bags like Ziploc bags. These ones are resealable, so you can use them without having a vacuum sealer.
In general, any plastic bag that’s safe for cooking will also be safe to get submerged in the sous vide water bath. You can always find such with labels like microwave oven safe. These plastic bags can withstand heat without melting, making them a perfect tool for cooking food.
How do you know if plastic is safe to sous vide?
You’ll know if plastic is safe to sous vide when it’s also safe to use in other cooking methods. As I mentioned earlier, you can find plastic bags made of polyethylene or polypropylene.
Such plastic bags are not ideal for boiling. However, they are food safe and can withstand heat for up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Since you won’t sous vide for a higher temperature than such, you’ll be safe with whatever you cook in the water bath.
As a general rule of thumb, you can use any plastic bag that is microwave oven safe. You can even use resealable plastic bags like Ziploc without issues.
Can you use sous vide without plastic?
Yes, you can use sous vide without plastic. In general, the principle behind sous vide is to submerge the food you’re cooking in a water bath set to a consistent temperature for consistent cooking.
In short, as long as you have your food submerged in the water bath, it doesn’t matter if you use plastic or not.
If you don’t want to use plastic, you can always use jars and casserole dishes as vessels. Of course, the most common way is plastic bags, and it’s completely safe. However, you have other options if you prefer otherwise.
Can sous vide melt plastic?
No, sous vide cannot melt the plastic. It is because the average temperature of a water bath in sous vide is below 195 degrees Fahrenheit. The plastic bags used for sous vide cooking can withstand such a temperature.
Thus, you can ensure that the food you will cook is safe from plastic. Now, make sure that you won’t put the plastic in boiling water. If you do, it will melt.
As long as you cook sous vide, you won’t have to worry about the plastic bag melting because it won’t happen.
Summary
So, is it safe to sous vide in plastic? Yes, it is entirely safe to sous vide in plastic. Plastic bags made for this cooking method can endure temperatures of up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. You can even use resealable Ziploc bags, along with other microwave oven-safe plastic bags.
If you don’t want to use plastic, you can always have other glass and jars. Then, you only need to let your food submerged in the water bath for even and consistent cooking. Still, if you have safe plastic bags, you can always use them for sous vide without problems.
Related:
- Is Sous Vide Worth It?
- Is Sous Vide Safe?
- Disadvantages of Sous Vide
- Why Is Sous Vide So Popular?
- Why Sous Vide Food?
Resources
Image credits – Canva
