Over the past year, a term has been gaining traction in the backyard cooking world: Sousvideque. It’s a technique I have done for nearly 15 years and many seeing my posts have caught on to this game changing technique. It is becoming increasingly popular among BBQ enthusiasts looking to elevate their results.
If you’ve seen it mentioned in cooking groups or social media and wondered what it means, this guide will break down what sousvideque is, how sous vide works, and why it’s transforming BBQ cooking at home.
What Is Sousvideque?
Sousvideque is the process of combining sous vide cooking with traditional BBQ methods like smoking or grilling.
In simple terms:
- You cook your meat using sous vide (precise temperature control)
- Then finish it on a smoker or grill for flavor and texture
OR
- Smoke first, then finish with sous vide for tenderness and consistency
👉 Either way, you’re combining precision cooking with classic BBQ flavor.
Why Sousvideque Isn’t Common in Restaurants
While sous vide is widely used in high-end kitchens—including many Michelin-star restaurants—the combination of sous vide and BBQ is rarely used in traditional BBQ restaurants.
Why?
- BBQ restaurants need fast turnaround times
- Sous vide requires long, controlled cooking periods
- The process is better suited for planned cooking, not high-volume service
However, for home cooks and BBQ hobbyists, sousvideque offers unmatched control and consistency.
What Is Sous Vide Cooking?
Sous vide (French for “under vacuum”) is a cooking method where food is:
- Sealed in a vacuum bag
- Placed in a water bath
- Cooked at an exact, controlled temperature
A sous vide machine maintains water temperature within ±0.1°F, allowing you to cook food perfectly every time—no guesswork.
What Can You Cook Sous Vide?
- Steak, tri-tip, brisket
- Chicken and pork
- Fish and seafood
- Vegetables
- Even eggs and desserts
Benefits of Sous Vide for BBQ
Using sous vide in BBQ cooking gives you several major advantages:
1. Perfect Doneness Every Time
You control the exact internal temperature, eliminating overcooking.
2. Enhanced Flavor Infusion
Vacuum sealing locks in:
- Seasonings
- Butter
- Herbs
- Marinades
This creates deep, concentrated flavor.
3. Improved Tenderness
Sous vide breaks down tough cuts over time while keeping them juicy.
4. Stress-Free Cooking
No more constantly checking temps—your food cooks exactly as programmed.
Best Sous Vide Machines for BBQ Enthusiasts
If you’re getting started with sousvideque, choosing the right machine matters. Here are two top-tier options:
Anova Pro (by Anova Culinary)
- Powerful enough for large cooks (great for BBQ events)
- Works with a mobile app or onboard display
- Can heat large containers (even coolers)
- Ideal for cooking large quantities like brisket or tri-tip
👉 Perfect for serious BBQ cooks or catering setups
Joule (by Breville)
- Compact and ultra-quiet
- Controlled entirely via smartphone app
- Heats water quickly and maintains precise temps
- Great for everyday home cooking
👉 Ideal for beginners and home kitchens
Beginner Tip
If you’re new, there are plenty of entry-level sous vide machines that work отлично. Just choose a reputable brand with good reviews and reliable temperature control.
Why Use Two Sous Vide Machines?
For most people, one machine is enough—but if you cook frequently or in large batches, having two can be a game changer.
- Use a high-powered unit (like Anova Pro) for large cooks
- Use a compact unit (like Joule) for everyday meals
This setup gives you flexibility for both small and large-scale cooking.
How Sousvideque Works (Step-by-Step Overview)
While there are variations, here’s a basic workflow:
Method 1: Sous Vide → Smoke/Grill
- Season and vacuum seal your meat
- Cook sous vide to your desired internal temp
- Finish on smoker or grill for crust and smoke flavor
Method 2: Smoke → Sous Vide
- Smoke the meat first for flavor
- Vacuum seal and sous vide to tenderize
- Optionally finish with a quick sear
👉 Both methods work—choosing depends on your flavor and texture goals.
Common Sousvideque Questions
Does Sous Vide Replace BBQ?
No—it enhances it. You still need to smoke and char, but you get the most tender meat ever!
Is It Worth It for Home Cooks?
Absolutely. Sousvideque is ideal for:
- Meal prepping
- Cooking expensive cuts perfectly
- Hosting events with consistent results
Is It Complicated?
Not at all. Once you learn the basics, it’s one of the easiest cooking methods.
Final Thoughts: Is Sousvideque the Future of BBQ?
Sousvideque is quickly becoming a go-to technique for BBQ enthusiasts who want competition-level results at home.
By combining:
- The precision of sous vide
- The flavor of traditional BBQ
…you get the best of both worlds.
If you’re serious about improving your BBQ game, adding sous vide to your toolkit is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.
Watch this video and see the result!
SMOKE ON, BABY!
