Cooking burgers sous vide, have some questions

[scubadoo97]

I lightly pass mine blade and plates flat across a 1000 grit stone on occasion to keep them in shape and true them

http://youtu.be/PT2uHuyKVRU

http://youtu.be/AeUNzf1VewE

http://youtu.be/YdpGq0_bcmg

[kostbill]

Something I have done successfully, but I don't do it often...

 

Put the meat from your butcher down on a large cutting board and whack at it with a heavy chef's knife.  If it's not clear, I am serious with the suggestion.

I have done that. It gets very tiring very fast!

 

What do you think about maltodextrin and dextrose in the burger to keep it juicy even if doing it medium?

[paulraphael]

I think I've cracked the texture issue, after trying the idea mentioned a page ago.

 

I'm balancing the meat mix by adding butter (in this case 5% total weight.) The butter gets worked into a compound butter with 0.7% salt and 0.2% black pepper, relative to the weight of the meat. Roll the butter into a small cylinder with plastic wrap and freeze. 

 

When the meat is partially frozen, distribute the various cuts randomly on a tray. Cut the compound butter into small cubes and distribute evenly with the meat. Drop the butter cubes into the grinder along with the meat, striving for an even distribution.

 

Cook S.V. as you normally would. That's it. The result was perfect seasoning, no need for any last-minute seasoning of the patties, and no noticeable toughening from the salt (done without any kind of control; I can't promise there's no change in texture). 

 

That's it. I believe the butter keeps the salt sequestered from the meat proteins long enough to prevent much curing to happen. 

 

I did this with a blend of 1/3 chuck, 1/3 brisket, 1/3 oxtail. Next time I may try shin instead of oxtail (cheaper and easier) and add the marrow to the mix to compensate for the cut's leanness.

[JoNorvelleWalker]

Tonight for me was a sous vide burger.  Brushed simply with a little liquid smoke.  This fulfills the promise of sous vide.  Convenient, 'cause I bagged and cooked the burgers some while ago.  Charred on the outside, pink on the inside, no gray.  Ten minute dinner.