How To Sous Vide Lamb Center Slice
Center Slice is rich in connective tissue. Connective tissue is primarily constructed of collagen, which is difficult to chew. The good news is, collagen can be broken down via the long term application of heat. Even better, collagen breaks down into gelatin, which is unctuous and delicious.
Traditionally, cooking techniques like braising and stewing are used to make tough cuts of lamb, like center slice amazingly tender and yummy. We have had little choice in the 'doneness' of center slice, as braising and stewing require high temperature cooking over a long period of time.
With the availability of sous vide, we can take advantage of persistent, accurate low temperature cooking to achieve unique results. Since we know that collagen starts to break down in the 130F range, we can utilize sous vide over a longer period of time to break down collagen while keeping center slice medium-medium rare. This technique can make inexpensive cuts like center slice similar to premium cuts of lamb. This cut can generally be cooked at temperatures in the medium-rare - medium range of the chart for many hours and up to three days. It is not advised that you go below 130ºF with this type of cut.
Sous Vide Lamb Center Slice Recipe/Time
The most simple way of preparing center slice is to:
- Bring your sous vide setup up to the proper temperature (see chart below).
- Cut it into portions.
- Put the center slice into individual bags, along with a cooking fat like butter or olive oil, as well as some salt
- Seal the bag and place it in the water bath for some time.
- Remove the bag from the water bath, and the center slice from the bag
Sous Vide Lamb Center Slice Temperature Chart
| Rare: | 125-130°F |
| Medium Rare: | 131-139°F |
| Medium: | 140-149°F |
| Medium Well: | 150-155°F |
| Well: | 156+°F |
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