How to Use Instant Pot Sous Vide Function

You can become a gourmet chef using the Instant Pot Sous Vide Function! This gradual and controlled cooking method allows you to cook food to perfection with the push of a button.

 

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What is Sous Vide?

Sous vide, pronounced “soo veed”, is a cooking method that uses temperature control to cook various meals to an ultimate perfection. Sous vide is a French word that means “under vacuum.” It’s called this because food is placed in a vacuum sealed bag, then cooked for a specific amount of time in a temperature controlled water bath. 

Because the temperature is controlled, it never fluctuates to extreme lows or highs. Instead, the cooking process is gradual and controlled. This slow method of cooking is typically used for cooking proteins like steak, vegetables, potatoes, and eggs, so that they are never overcooked. Thus, this method results in perfectly cooked food. 

Instant Pot Sous Vide 

Like the traditional sous vide method, the Instant Pot sous vide button allows you to cook food in a slow, gradual, controlled manner. However, when using the sous vide function on your Instant Pot, the pot heats to the desired temperature, but there won’t be any circulation inside the pot like the traditional method. 

Additionally, the Instant Pot function is different because you don’t have to do all the hard work of checking the temperature and watching the pot. The Instant Pot takes care of all the nitty gritty. 

Do All Instant Pot’s Have the Sous Vide Function?

No! In fact, very few of the Instant Pot models have the sous vide button, so if you want to use this function, you have to pick the right Instant Pot. There are only 5 Instant Pots that come equipped with this function:

• Instant Pot Duo Plus
• Instant Pot Max
• Duo Crisp Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Duo SV
• Duo Gourmet Instant Pot

How to Use Instant Pot Sous Vide Function By Model

The sous vide function works a bit differently with each model. Check your model below to find out how to use each one:

Duo Plus, Duo SV, or Duo Gourmet

1. Press the sous vide button.
2. Press the + or – buttons and adjust the temperature.
3. Then, hit the sous vide button again.
4. Use the + or – buttons to adjust the time. 
5. After 10-seconds, the display will change to on. Once it has reached the right temperature, the Instant Pot will beep and the display will change to the cook time and count down. 

Duo Crisp

1. Press the sous vide button.
2. Use the + or – temperature buttons to adjust the temperature.
3. Then, use the + or – time buttons to adjust the time.
4. Hit the start button. 
5. The display will change to on. Once it has reached the right temperature, the Instant Pot will beep and the display will change to the cook time and count down. 

Instant Pot Max

1. Select the sous vide smart program.
2. Then, select “hour” and turn the knob to set the desired cook time. 
3. Select “minute” and adjust the minutes with the knob.
4. Next, select the temperature and turn the knob to adjust the temperature.
5. Finally, select start. 
6. Once it has reached the right temperature, the Instant Pot will beep and the display will change to the cook time and count down. 

How to Use Instant Pot Sous Vide Cooking Function

Aside from an Instant Pot with the sous vide function, you will also need good quality ziploc freezer bags and tongs. The sous vide function works a bit differently with each Instant Pot method, but the process is the same. Here’s an easy step-by-step guide on how to use the Instant Pot sous vide function: 

Step 1: Add Water to the Instant Pot

First, fill your inner pot at least half full with water. Close the lid and leave your pressure valve in the “venting” position. 
Pro tip: You may need more water depending on what you are cooking. The water needs to completely cover the food.

Step 2: Program the Sous Vide

As stated above, this will be different for different models. Push the sous vide button and adjust the temperature and cooking time based on the recipe you are using. 

Step 3: Add Food to Ziploc Bag

Add whatever food you are making to your ziploc freezer bag. Then, squeeze out as much air as you can from the bag. Seal the bag leaving a 1-inch opening. 

Step 4: Remove Additional Air

Use your tongs to gently lower the bag into the water with the zipper up. The water will push the rest of the air out sealing the bag around your food. Seal the bag completely. 

Step 5: Cook

Completely lower the bag of food into the water so that it is fully submerged. Close the lid and allow the cook time to pass. 

Step 6: Remove and Let Rest

If you cooked meat, you will want to remove it and set it on a cutting board to rest for an additional 15-minutes. After that, you can sear the meat on both sides if you choose. 

Instant Pot Sous Vide Cooking Tips

• Use heated tap water to speed up the preheating process.
• Check the water temperature using a thermometer before placing the food in the water.
• If the temperature is lower than the programmed temperature, increase the programmed temperature (see chart below) and let it heat up again. Then check the temperature. 
• Lay food pieces flat with no overlapping.
• If cooking food over 158℉, double bag your food as higher temperatures can weaken the plastic resulting in leakage.
• Dry your meat as much as possible before searing. 

Instant Pot Sous Vide Cooking Times

If you don’t have a recipe that you are following, you can use the chart below to help you with the temperature and time. Keep in mind that the higher the temperature, the more well-done your food will be. The time will also depend on how done you want it as well as the size of the meat. 

Food	Temperature	Time
Steak	130℉ to 140℉	1.5 to 3 hours
Chicken Breasts	145°F to 150 °F	1.5 to 4 hours
Chicken Thighs	148°F to 165 °F	2 to 4 hours
Turkey Breasts	145°F to 150°F	3.5 to 5 hours
Pork Chops	135°F to 150°F	1 to 3 hours
Pork Tenderloin	140°F to 150°F	1.5 to 3 hours
Firm Fish	125°F to 130°F	30 to 45 minutes
Delicate Fish	120°F to 130°F	20 to 30 minutes
Scallops	140°F	30 minutes
Shrimp	135°F to 140°F	30 to 45 minutes

More Instant Pot Guides

• Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid: How to Use It
• Instant Pot Pot-in-Pot Method
• What Instant Pot Buttons Do I Use?
• Instant Pot Keep Warm Mode

Need more help with your Instant Pot? Join our Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners Facebook group for more tips, tricks, and tried and true recipes!

About Angela Milnes

Angela Milnes is a Qualified Early Years Teacher who has specialised in teaching. She has a wealth of experience teaching young children and adults. Angela has also taught cooking classes and loves to share both family recipes and easy instant pot recipes here on The Instant Pot Table. Follow her on Pinterest!