Dishwasher Sous Vide Steak: 1 Surprising Trick for Tender Results

Growing up in Florida, I was used to grilling outside nearly year-round. But one day, scrolling through videos between meal preps, I saw someone vacuum-sealing a New York strip and running it through a dishwasher cycle. It sounded ridiculous—but also kind of brilliant. I’ve been in love with sous vide for years because of its consistency and control. So naturally, I had to find out if a dishwasher could mimic that precision, or at least come close enough to make a juicy steak.

I tested it in a clean dishwasher with no soap, just a sealed bag and a normal wash setting. I figured, at worst, I’d waste a piece of steak—but to my surprise, the result was more than edible. It was genuinely medium-rare, tender, and begging for a pan sear. This experiment reminded me why sous vide is so forgiving and fun, even when the method seems absurd.

The Rise of Kitchen Experiments Online

These days, people are cooking steak with hair straighteners and baking cookies on car dashboards. Dishwasher steak might sound strange, but it’s part of a bigger trend—home cooks trying bold new ways to replicate pro results without fancy gear. It’s this same spirit that sparked recipes like Sous Vide Hamburger Patty and even creative cuts like Sous Vide Corned Beef in the Package. The dishwasher may never replace your immersion circulator, but it’s proof that flavor doesn’t always follow the rules.

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How Dishwasher Sous Vide Steak Actually Works

The Science of Dishwasher Heat Cycles

At first glance, Dishwasher Sous Vide Steak might sound ridiculous—how can a dishwasher possibly cook a steak? But when you dig into how heat cycles work, it begins to make sense. Most dishwashers heat water to around 120°F to 150°F depending on the setting. That’s surprisingly close to the low-and-slow temperatures used in traditional sous vide, especially for medium-rare beef, which typically cooks at 129°F to 135°F. Some newer models hold heat consistently through the wash and rinse phases, creating an environment that can slowly bring a steak to a safe and tender internal temperature. It’s this overlap that makes dishwasher sous vide steak a fascinating (and surprisingly effective) method worth exploring.

The downside of Dishwasher Sous Vide Steak? There’s zero precision. Traditional sous vide uses water circulated at an exact degree to maintain perfect doneness. Dishwashers can’t guarantee that, so results will vary depending on the model and cycle used. Still, for the curious home cook who loves to experiment, this method offers a clever workaround. While it won’t replace the consistency of a professional immersion circulator, dishwasher sous vide steak proves you can still get impressively tender results without fancy equipment.

Why Sealing Matters: Bag Quality & Safety

If there’s one part of this method you can’t compromise on, it’s sealing your steak correctly. A proper vacuum seal does two crucial things: it locks in juices and prevents hot water from creeping into your food. Do not attempt this with Ziploc-style bags unless they’re specifically marked as heat-safe. And never use bags that aren’t rated BPA-free or labeled as “sous vide compatible.”

A lot of folks wonder if dishwasher-safe equals sous vide-safe. Not always. For safety, reusable sous vide bags like those used in our Best Sous Vide Corned Beef Recipe are a safer bet because they’re designed for prolonged heat exposure. And remember—before you press start, check that the dishwasher is free of detergent or dirty dishes. That flavor is not one you want to experiment with.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dishwasher Sous Vide Steak

Ingredients & Setup You’ll Need – Dishwasher Sous Vide Steak

You don’t need a lab-grade kitchen to pull this off. Here’s what I used: a New York Strip steak, Ma Deuce seasoning (or your favorite), a BPA-free vacuum seal bag, and a clean dishwasher with no soap residue. You’ll also need a cast iron pan for the final sear, plus olive oil and butter to finish.

Start by bringing the steak to room temperature. This helps it cook evenly and is just as important in the Best Sous Vide Temp for Prime Rib as it is here. Generously season the steak and seal it tight in the vacuum bag. Place it on the top rack of the dishwasher, right in the center to avoid hot or cold spots. Then, set your dishwasher to a normal wash cycle—but no heat dry and absolutely no detergent.

Depending on your dishwasher’s model, the full cycle will last 1 to 1.5 hours, bringing the steak to around medium-rare doneness. When it’s done, remove the bag and pat the steak completely dry to prep it for the pan.

Sear to Finish: Bringing the Steak to Life

This is where the magic happens. Heat your cast iron pan until it’s smoking hot. Add a bit of olive oil and then the steak. You’ll hear that instant sizzle—exactly what you want. After 1–2 minutes, flip it and add a generous pat of butter. Spoon the melted butter over the top while it finishes.

Once both sides are deeply browned, rest the steak on a rack or cutting board for 10 minutes. That rest time is key—it locks in juices just like we recommend in our Amazing Ribs Sous Vide Prime Rib. Then slice and serve. You’ll get a surprising wall-to-wall pink center, and a steak that tastes like more than just a kitchen experiment.

The Truth About Flavor & Safety – Dishwasher Sous Vide Steak

Does Dishwasher Sous Vide Steak Taste Good? Real Results

Let’s get to the point: is dishwasher steak just a TikTok stunt, or does it actually taste good? Surprisingly, yes—if done right. The internal temperature comes out close to a classic medium-rare. The texture? Tender and evenly cooked through, with none of the gray bands you get from pan-frying alone. Of course, it’s that final pan sear that gives it a real steakhouse finish.

Flavor-wise, it’s no different from a steak done in a sous vide water bath. As long as you season well and seal the bag properly, juices stay locked in. When I sliced into the NY Strip, I saw the same beautiful doneness you’d expect from a controlled 129°F bath like in our How Long Can You Sous Vide a Prime Rib tutorial. While it won’t replace your precision cooker, it’s definitely more than a gimmick—it’s a legit backup method.

Risks, Myths & What Gordon Ramsay Might Say – Dishwasher Sous Vide Steak

Now, let’s talk safety. Can dishwasher bags leach chemicals? If you’re using non-sous-vide bags, yes—that’s a real concern. Always use BPA-free vacuum seal bags or trusted reusable ones designed for heat. And don’t confuse “dishwasher-safe” with “food-safe under heat.” They’re not the same thing.

As for Gordon Ramsay—he might scoff at the idea. But even culinary purists have to admit: the results speak for themselves. This method, while unconventional, follows many sous vide principles: controlled heat, moisture retention, and finishing with a hard sear. It’s like the rebellious cousin of classic sous vide.

Dishwasher steak won’t be for everyone. But in the spirit of creativity—and the same culinary curiosity that brought you Sous Vide Tri Tip Steak or Flat Iron Steak Sous Vide Recipe—it deserves its moment.

Conclusion

Dishwasher sous vide steak isn’t just a social media trick. It’s a creative, quirky, and surprisingly tasty way to experiment with low-temp cooking—no circulator required. It won’t replace your sous vide setup, but it might just surprise you. So next time your circulator’s packed away or you’re itching to try something new, don’t overlook the top rack of your dishwasher.

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FAQ – Dishwasher Sous Vide Steak

Can you sous vide a steak in a dishwasher?
Yes, you can cook a steak sous vide-style in a dishwasher using a vacuum-sealed bag. While it’s not as precise as an immersion circulator, some dishwashers maintain temperatures close enough for low-temp cooking. For best results, finish with a sear.

How long to cook steak in the dishwasher?
Run it through a normal wash cycle without detergent, typically 1 to 1.5 hours. Place the sealed steak on the top rack, then sear it in a hot pan afterward for flavor and texture.

What does Gordon Ramsay think of sous vide?
Gordon Ramsay has acknowledged sous vide’s consistency but prefers traditional techniques for their texture and complexity. While he may raise an eyebrow at dishwasher steak, it aligns with the core sous vide principles he respects.

Can you put sous vide bags in the dishwasher?
If they’re labeled dishwasher-safe and food-grade, yes—but not all sous vide bags are designed for this use. Make sure they’re BPA-free and can handle heat, like the ones we use in our corned beef guide.

Are reusable sous vide bags dishwasher safe?
Many are dishwasher safe, but always double-check the product specs. Washing them in the dishwasher is fine for cleaning, but using them to cook steak in a dishwasher requires heat-resistance and food safety under prolonged exposure.

Do plastic chemicals leach into food from sous vide sv cooking?
Only if you’re using the wrong kind of plastic. Always use BPA-free bags designed specifically for sous vide cooking to avoid chemical leaching—especially important when trying alternative methods like dishwashers.