It happens all the time. You bought a few pieces of your favorite cuts of beef, grilled them up, and served them over a family dinner. Unfortunately, your family was not that hungry, and you ended up with some leftovers.
The next day, that leftover steak seems tempting. So, you take it out of the fridge for lunch. Fearing that it dries out once reheated, you’re wondering: what is the best way to reheat leftover steak?
If you want to know how to reheat leftover steak without losing its tasty flavors and lovely texture, keep reading! Follow our simple guide to reheat steak, so the meat is as delectable as a freshly-cooked one.
Can You Reheat Steak?
Ideally, steak tastes most delicious when served right after cooking. But, when you have too much, no matter which beef cuts and cooking method you choose, you can always reheat them.
Think of ribeye and tomahawk, rump, fillet, sirloin, or T-bone cuts. Whether they are cooked in a grill, oven, skillet, sous-vide, or air fryer, you can absolutely reheat any leftovers for next day’s meals!
Reheating leftover beef seems like an everyday task in the kitchen. We all can do it. When it comes to leftover steak, it can be pretty tricky to handle. If doing it wrong, you’ll end up with tough, rubbery, and flavorless meat.
Check our ultimate guide to reheat leftover steak, so it stays juicy and flavorful!
Reheating Steak In The Oven Then Finish On A Skillet
This technique requires time and patience. But, you will be satisfied with the end result! The meat stays juicy, and the outside crust stays crisp.
1. Preheat your oven to 250 to 275 °F (or 121 to 135 °C).
2. Put a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet.
3. Place the meat on the rack.
4. Reheat it for 20 to 30 minutes depending on the thickness of the meat.
5. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
6. Place the beef and sear for 1 minute on each side. If you prefer it more done, flip it more often.
7. Allow to rest for five minutes before serving.
How To Heat Up Steak On A Stove Top
If you want a shortcut, this technique is your best bet. But, you will need to observe it, so the meat won’t be overcooked.
1. Remove the meat from the fridge.
2. Place it on the kitchen counter for a few minutes until it reaches room temperatures.
3. In a cast-iron skillet (or a pan), add a chunk of butter or a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Place the meat and reheat on a medium-high heat.
5. Flip every minute until it reaches your desired doneness. It should take only 2 to 3 minutes for medium-rare.
6. Let it rest for five minutes and serve!
How To Reheat Steak In A Microwave
Whether to defrost frozen food or reheat leftovers quickly, a microwave is a great option. Despite its convenience, reheating leftovers in the microwave often dries them out – no exception with steak.
If you plan to bring the leftover steak to your workplace, reheating it in a microwave might be your only choice. Don’t worry. We have a clever little trick to ensure that the meat will not go dry and tough.
Here is what you need to know when reheating steak in a microwave.
1. Place the steak in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Pour some meat juices or gravy all over the meat.
3. Cover loosely with plastic wrap.
4. Put it in the microwave on medium power.
5. Flip the meat every 30 seconds several times until it is thoroughly heated, and it regains its tender and juicy texture.
6. Finally, let the meat rest for about five minutes before serving.
Delicious Ways To Turn Leftover Steak Into Tasty Meals
If you are an adventurous home cook, you might want to upcycle your leftover meat into flavorsome meals, such as:
– Stir-fries with broccoli and other vegetables
– Rice and noodle dishes
– Pizza toppings
– Steak salad with fresh vegetables
– Tasty fillings for sandwiches, tacos, burritos, and stuffed peppers
If you want to use leftover steak for tacos or other tasty fillings where the meat will be cut into smaller chunks, you can chop it before reheating. Add other ingredients and cook them into your favorite meals. You can check these delicious steak sides.
FAQs
Can you reheat steak in an air fryer?
Yes. Simply put it in the air fryer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes for each side, and serve. Don’t use high temperatures to avoid drying out the meat.
Can you reheat steak twice?
In terms of safety, there is no limitation to how many times you can reheat leftovers as long as it is done at the correct temperatures. The main issue is the quality decreases each time the meat is reheated. It is best to reheat for each serving and keep the remaining in the fridge.
How do you store leftover steak?
As a rule of thumb, refrigerate highly perishable items, such as steak, within 2 hours after cooking. To preserve its moisture, wrap each piece of meat tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Transfer it to a shallow airtight container and place it in the fridge.
How long does cooked steak last in the fridge?
According to the USDA, leftovers should be kept refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days to maintain safety. If you want to enjoy them at a later date, freezing leftover steak is a great option. Wrap each piece tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, place in a heavy-duty freezer bag, and freeze for up to 4 to 12 months.
Summary
Reheating leftover steak seems like a trivial task. You can reheat it in the oven, in a cast-iron skillet, or in a microwave. But, it can go wrong easily, and you end up with tough, chewy meat.
Follow our tips to warm up leftover steak the right way and bring back yesterday’s glory, so you can enjoy it until the last bite!
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
