New York Strips Sous Vide and Seared on the Camp Chef Pellet Grill: The Ultimate Steak Experience

If you're a steak lover, the idea of achieving a perfect New York Strip steak might seem like a lofty goal. However, with the right tools and techniques, it’s easier than ever to cook a steak that’s tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. By using the Sous Vide method to cook your New York Strip to perfection, and finishing it off with a sear on the Camp Chef Pellet Grill, you’ll be able to elevate your steak game and create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

This blog will guide you through the process of preparing and cooking a New York Strip using both Sous Vide and Camp Chef Pellet Grill techniques, offering tips on how to achieve optimal results, pairing suggestions, and more. Plus, we’ll show you how to optimize the presentation of your steak to make it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why Choose New York Strip?

The New York Strip steak is one of the most beloved cuts of beef, known for its perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. It’s a relatively lean cut, with just the right amount of marbling to give it flavor without being overly fatty. Originating from the short loin of the cow, this cut is versatile enough for various cooking methods. However, when combined with Sous Vide cooking and finished with the high-heat searing capabilities of a Camp Chef Pellet Grill, it takes on a whole new level of perfection.

Whether you're grilling for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a mouthwatering steak, the New York Strip is a great choice for its rich flavor and satisfying texture.

The Advantages of Cooking Sous Vide: Why It’s Worth the Effort

Sous Vide, which means "under vacuum" in French, is a cooking method where food is sealed in a vacuum bag and cooked in a water bath at a precisely controlled temperature. This technique offers several advantages when it comes to cooking steak, making it the ideal starting point for your New York Strip.

1. Precise Temperature Control

One of the main benefits of Sous Vide is the ability to cook your steak to the exact level of doneness you desire. Unlike traditional cooking methods, where heat fluctuates, Sous Vide ensures that your steak is cooked evenly throughout, without overcooking.

• Rare: 120°F (49°C)
• Medium Rare: 130°F (54°C)
• Medium: 140°F (60°C)
• Well Done: 160°F (71°C)

By using the precise control of the water bath, the steak reaches the perfect internal temperature without any guesswork.

2. Incredible Tenderness and Juiciness

Sous Vide cooking allows your steak to retain all its natural juices. The vacuum-sealed bag traps moisture, while the low and slow cooking method helps break down the tough collagen in the meat, resulting in an incredibly tender and juicy steak.

3. Hands-Free Cooking

Sous Vide cooking allows you to set the timer, walk away, and focus on other aspects of the meal, whether it’s prepping side dishes or preparing a sauce. This makes it an ideal method for anyone who loves convenience but doesn't want to compromise on quality.

Preparing Your New York Strip for Sous Vide Cooking

Before you start cooking your New York Strip, make sure you have all the necessary equipment and ingredients:

• New York Strip steaks (about 1.5 to 2 inches thick)
• Vacuum seal bags and a vacuum sealer
• Sous Vide precision cooker
• Seasoning: salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, fresh rosemary, and thyme (optional)
• Olive oil or butter for finishing

Step 1: Seasoning the Steak

Start by seasoning your New York Strip generously with salt and pepper. You can also add some garlic powder or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to enhance the flavor. Don’t go overboard on seasoning, as the slow cooking process will allow the natural beef flavor to shine.

Step 2: Vacuum Sealing the Steak

Place the seasoned steak into a vacuum-seal bag, ensuring that the bag is tightly sealed to remove all air. This is crucial for ensuring the steak cooks evenly and doesn’t lose moisture during the process.

Step 3: Sous Vide Cooking

Set your Sous Vide cooker to your desired temperature. For a medium-rare New York Strip, set it to 130°F (54°C). Once the water bath reaches the desired temperature, place the vacuum-sealed steak in the water and cook it for 1.5 to 2 hours. The beauty of Sous Vide is that it’s virtually impossible to overcook your steak, so you can leave it in the bath a little longer without worrying about ruining it.

The Camp Chef Pellet Grill: The Perfect Tool for Searing

While Sous Vide takes care of cooking the steak to perfection, you still need to finish the steak with a nice, crispy sear on the outside. This is where the Camp Chef Pellet Grill comes in. The Camp Chef Pellet Grill is a versatile and powerful grill that uses wood pellets for fuel, creating both smoky flavor and the ability to reach high searing temperatures.

Step 1: Preheat the Camp Chef Pellet Grill

Before you sear your steaks, preheat the Camp Chef Pellet Grill to 500°F (260°C) using the Sear Box attachment (if your model has one). The high heat of the grill will create that mouthwatering crispy crust while locking in the steak's juices.

Step 2: Searing the Steak

Once your grill has reached the ideal temperature, remove the New York Strip from the vacuum bag and gently pat it dry with a paper towel. This is an important step, as excess moisture will prevent the steak from getting a good sear.

Place the steak on the grill grates and sear each side for 1 to 2 minutes. You should see a rich, brown crust forming. Don’t forget to sear the edges of the steak for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

Tips for Cooking the Perfect New York Strip

1. Use a Meat Thermometer

Even though Sous Vide ensures precise cooking, you can still use a meat thermometer to double-check the internal temperature of the steak after searing. This is especially helpful if you’re unsure about the exact doneness of your steak.

2. Let the Steak Rest

Once you remove the steak from the grill, let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender, juicy bite every time.

3. Add a Compound Butter

For a touch of richness, try topping your New York Strip with a dollop of compound butter made with herbs, garlic, and lemon zest. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes your steak even more indulgent.

Side Dish Pairings for Your New York Strip

No steak dinner is complete without the perfect side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complement your Sous Vide New York Strip:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic and butter will balance the richness of the steak.
• Grilled Asparagus: A fresh, smoky side that pairs beautifully with the beef.
• Creamed Spinach: A classic steakhouse side that adds a creamy texture to your meal.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A slightly crispy, caramelized side that enhances the flavors of the steak.
• Caesar Salad: A refreshing and tangy salad that cuts through the richness of the meat.

How to Optimize the Presentation of Your Steak

Presentation plays a huge role in making your steak meal visually appealing. Here are some tips to make your New York Strip look as great as it tastes:

1. Use a Wooden Cutting Board: Serving your steak on a rustic wooden cutting board gives it a sophisticated, authentic feel.
2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprig of rosemary or thyme can elevate the look of your dish.
3. Add a Drizzle of Sauce: A béarnaise sauce or chimichurri can add both flavor and color to the plate.
4. Plate with Care: Ensure the steak is centered on the plate, with the side dishes arranged neatly around it. This creates a more refined and professional presentation.

Conclusion: A Perfect New York Strip with Sous Vide and Camp Chef Pellet Grill

By cooking your New York Strip steak with the Sous Vide method and finishing it on the Camp Chef Pellet Grill, you’ll achieve a steak that’s perfectly cooked, full of flavor, and beautifully seared. This method ensures tenderness and juiciness, while the high heat of the grill adds a deliciously crispy exterior.

Pair your steak with some thoughtfully chosen sides, and you’ve got a meal that will impress everyone at the table. With these techniques and tips, you’ll be able to cook restaurant-quality steaks right at home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, the New York Strip Sous Vide and Seared on the Camp Chef Pellet Grill is sure to be a hit.