Is it safe to cook food in plastic bags?
Chef's answer
Bags and wraps made form polyethylene are generally microwave-safe, whereas those that contain polyvinyl chloride plastics generally are not. Many professional kitchens use clear, rigid, plastic storage containers that are made from polycarbonate.
Frequently asked Questions 🎓
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Sous vide manufacturer ChefSteps recommends using food-grade vacuum sealing bags because they're BPA-free and made of polyethylene (we like the ones made by FoodSaver). These bags need to be sealed with a vacuum-sealing system, which FoodSaver also makes.14 Feb 2018
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To get started with sous vide, regular old ziplock-style bags will do just fine. In fact, in some applications they are preferable to vacuum-sealed bags. Plus you can use high-grade bags intended for vacuum sealers without sealing them. More on that below.
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You can use one bag if all steaks are in one layer, or you can choose 4 separate!18 Aug 2017
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To get started with sous vide, regular old ziplock-style bags will do just fine. In fact, in some applications they are preferable to vacuum-sealed bags. Plus you can use high-grade bags intended for vacuum sealers without sealing them. More on that below.
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Look for bags made from high-density or low-density polyethylene and/or polypropylene. They can't be boiled, but are food safe (and won't melt) up to about 195F. (You wouldn't sous vide at that high a temperature anyway.) Ziplock and Glad brand bags are made from polyethylene plastic, and are free of BPAs and dioxins.
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Sous vide is French for "under vacuum." And yes, it's a very confusing name. ... To get started with sous vide, regular old ziplock-style bags will do just fine. In fact, in some applications they are preferable to vacuum-sealed bags. Plus you can use high-grade bags intended for vacuum sealers without sealing them.
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Once your bags are securely submerged, you're good to go, and there is almost no limit to the things you can sous vide. (If you need suggestions, we have quite a few.)16 Jan 2017
A few more cooking questions 📍