If an egg floats in the sous vide water, is that a problem? Find out what a floating egg signifies and whether you need to use weights to hold it down.
1 Answer
An egg floating in the sous vide water bath isn't necessarily a problem, but it can indicate uneven cooking. Using weights is recommended to ensure the egg is fully submerged for consistent results.
Detailed Explanation:
When cooking eggs sous vide, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the egg is crucial for achieving the desired texture. If an egg floats, it means it's not fully submerged in the water bath. This can lead to the top portion of the egg cooking at a slightly lower temperature than the bottom, resulting in an unevenly cooked egg. While the temperature difference might be small, it can affect the final texture, especially when aiming for specific yolk consistencies. Using weights, such as sous vide magnets or a small plate, ensures the egg remains fully submerged, guaranteeing even heat distribution and a perfectly cooked egg every time. The water level should also be high enough to cover the eggs completely, even when they are weighed down.
Pro Tip:
Before placing eggs in the sous vide bath, gently tap them on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. This can help prevent them from floating and improve heat transfer, even if you are using weights.