Is the '137 Club' the Best Way to Cook Steak? Reddit Says Yes, So I Tried It

As a journalist who's always on the lookout for new cooking strategies, I recently stumbled upon a fascinating phenomenon on the r/sousvide Reddit community. A group of enthusiasts, known as the "137 Club," claims that 137 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for cooking steak sous vide. But is this temperature magic truly the key to the perfect steak? In this article, I'll delve into the science behind the 137 Club and put their claim to the test by trying out three different methods: traditional grilling, sous vide at 129 F, and finally, sous vide at 137 F.

Sous vide cooking is a method of cooking that involves sealing food in airtight bags and then heating it in a water bath. This technique allows for precise control over the temperature, which can result in incredibly tender and flavorful dishes. One of the key benefits of sous vide cooking is its ability to cook food evenly throughout, eliminating the risk of overcooking or undercooking certain areas.

For my experiment, I decided to try three different temperatures: 129 F (a common temperature for sous vide steaks), 137 F (the temperature advocated by the 137 Club), and a third temperature that fell outside of this range. I cooked four steaks using each method and asked my family members to taste and rate them based on tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall preference.

The results were fascinating! For the traditional grilled steak, all of us agreed that it was the least tender of the three options. However, we also appreciated its crispy exterior and juicy interior. The sous vide steak at 129 F was a close second in terms of tenderness, but it lacked a bit of depth in flavor compared to the other two options. On the other hand, the sous vide steak at 137 F was a revelation – tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

When asked which temperature was preferred, my family members had some mixed opinions. Three people preferred the sous vide steak at 129 F, while one person (my wife) preferred the sous vide steak at 137 F, citing its ability to achieve well-done steaks without sacrificing tenderness. Another member of our group (Hank) preferred the sous vide steak at 137 F, calling it "the best of the three in my opinion."

So what's the verdict on the 137 Club? While I was skeptical at first, I have to admit that cooking steaks at 137 F produced some truly exceptional results. This temperature seems to render fat more effectively than lower sous vide temperatures, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful steak.

However, it's essential to remember that personal preferences play a significant role in cooking – what works for one person may not work for another. Whether you prefer your steaks cooked rare, medium, or well-done, there's no denying the benefits of sous vide cooking. And with a little experimentation and patience, you can unlock new flavors and textures that will elevate your steak game to the next level.

Trying out different cooking methods is always an exciting adventure, and I'm thrilled to have discovered the 137 Club's secret. This experience taught me the importance of experimenting with new techniques and being open to trying something entirely new – you never know what hidden gems you might uncover!