When reheating steak, it’s easy to overcook it, and you can quickly go from medium rare to well done. If leftover steak is not properly reheated, it can become chewy and dried out. This post will teach you how to reheat steak while keeping it tender, juicy, and delicious. Microwaving, air fryer, oven, and even sous vide are all options. The outcomes may surprise you. Continue reading for more information.
The Problem with Reheating Steak
The most common problem with reheating grilled or pan-seared steak is that it becomes dry. However, the reason it usually dries out is that most people focus on quickly heating up their steaks rather than taking the time to properly warm them up again.
Another issue is that reheating leftover steak (or any food) incorrectly can make you sick. Food poisoning can occur when food is left at room temperature for an extended period of time, which can happen if it is not properly reheated.
It’s critical to spend a little extra time – and follow these helpful tips – to learn how to reheat steak properly and achieve the desired flavor and texture.
Use a Thermometer
An instant-read thermometer is the best way to check the temperature of a steak. The widespread belief is that poking a steak with a meat thermometer will cause it to lose juices. However, a steak is not a water balloon. Yes, you will lose some juice at the puncture site. However, overcooking causes juice loss throughout the steak. Finally, the best way to keep a steak juicy is to not overcook it, even if that means poking a small hole in it.
7 Ways to Reheat Steak
Here are six reheating methods for steak that will keep it flavorful, tender, and juicy.
1. How Do You Reheat a Steak Without Drying It Out?
The key words here are low and slow: If you zap your steak with extremely high heat (as in the microwave), it will overcook and dry out. To keep your steak moist, brush it with a little beef broth or water before placing it in the oven. Of course, it will never be as juicy as it was the first time you cooked it, but it will still be delicious!
2. How to Reheat Steak on the Stovetop?
Panfrying steak on the stovetop results in a well-seared, flavorful steak.
To reheat the steak in a saucepan, heat the steak in the pan with a teaspoon of butter and oil over medium heat. Put a lid on the pan.
Wait a few seconds for the meat to heat up before flipping it every minute until it’s done to your liking. This should take 2 – 3 minutes if you like your steak medium-rare.
While your steak may not be as juicy as it was when first cooked, it will still be tender and flavorful. Dice it up into bite-sized pieces to use in fajitas, enchiladas, quesadillas, or steak and eggs. You can also eat it on its own with a delicious pan sauce.
3. How to Reheat Steak on the Grill?
This method will impart some BBQ flavor to your steak, especially if you use a charcoal grill. Preheat the grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Sear the steak for one minute on each side on direct heat at medium-high. After that, move the steak away from the flame to create indirect heat. Cook the steak until the internal temperature reaches 110°F after closing the grill for a few minutes.
4. Best Way to Reheat Steak in Oven
To keep a juicy steak, reheat it slowly in the oven first, then finish on the stovetop. Preheat the oven to 275°F and set a wire cooling rack over a large baking sheet. When you cook your steak on a cooling rack, hot air circulates around the steak, resulting in more evenly heated meat.
Warm your steak in the oven on top of the cooling rack until the internal temperature reaches 110°. Depending on the thickness of your steak, this will take 20 to 30 minutes.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Sear your steak for about 1 minute on each side. This should bring your steak up to 130°F, or medium rare. If you prefer your steak to be slightly more “done,” keep flipping it.
5. Best Way to Reheat Steak in Air Fryer
Currently, the majority of individuals own an air fryer. It’s become a very popular kitchen appliance that allows you to avoid using the oven entirely. It works by circulating air around the food so that it crisps up on all sides while cooking evenly.
You can see why this would be an excellent method of reheating your steak. You can essentially combine the oven and searing methods!
To reheat your steak in the air fryer, begin with steak that has been brought to room temperature. Place the steak in the basket of the air fryer. Cooking oil should be sprayed or coated on the steak. Add a dollop of butter to the top of each steak for extra flavor.
Cook at 350°F until the steak reaches 110-130°F, depending on the doneness you prefer. This should take 3-8 minutes. To avoid overcooking, check it every 2 minutes.
6. Best Way to Reheat Steak in Microwave
You can also use the microwave to reheat leftover steak. However, you must exercise extreme caution to avoid drying it out by heating it for an extended period of time.
Dampen a paper towel and place it loosely on top of your cooked steak on a microwave-safe plate.
Set your microwave to medium power and cook the steak for 30 seconds. Cook for another 30 seconds on the other side. Depending on the thickness and size of your steak, repeat this process for 90 seconds to 2 minutes. This incremental heating keeps the steak from overheating and ensures a juicy result.
7. Reheat Steak Sous Vide
The Sous Vide method is excellent for both cooking and reheating steak. Begin by placing your leftover steak in a freezer bag along with a small pat of salted butter. Allow the steak to come to room temperature, about 20-30 minutes, by pressing out as much air as possible. The sooner the steak is removed from the refrigerator, the faster it will reheat.
Next, put water in a large stockpot and connect a Sous Vide as directed by the machine. The water temperature should be between 120°F and 130°F—warm enough for steam to rise from the pot (note that the water should not reach a simmer). Cook for about 5-8 minutes, or until the meat is gently warmed through, with the airtight bag in the pot away from the edges. This gentle cooking method keeps your meat juicy and prevents it from drying out.
If you want a crisp exterior, pat your steak dry and pan-sear it for 60 seconds on each side.
Tips for Reheating Steak
● Allow the steak to come to room temperature before reheating: You can accomplish this by leaving it on the counter for 10 to 30 minutes (depending on the size and thickness of your meat).
● Check for doneness with an instant-read thermometer: When the internal temperature of your steak reaches 110°F, it is done.
● Go low and slow: Reheating your steak slowly and thoroughly will result in dry, rubbery meat. Even if you use a microwave, set it to 50% or lower power.
● Avoid overcooking: To keep your steak moist and tender, check it frequently.
Butter and Toppings for the Perfectly Reheated Steak
The best option for reheating a steak is always the one that is best for you! Regardless of which method you use, adding your favorite steak toppings will ensure a delicious meal.
The toppings should be the same as for a freshly cooked steak. A slab of grass-fed butter to go on top of your favorite steak, or steak sauce on the side. You can even add a few more seasonings during the reheating process.
Just because the steak is being reheated does not mean it cannot receive the same special treatment as the first time. Save some of the first-time side dishes or create something new and exciting to serve with your steak.
How to Store a Steak
When storing raw or unopened steak, keep it in its original packaging in the fridge until ready to use. If there is a gap in the packaging through which air can enter, replace the steak in an airtight glass container.
Place raw steak in the freezer to extend its shelf life. To avoid freezer burn, wrap the original packaging in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or freezer paper. Raw steak will keep its quality and flavor for 6 to 12 months if properly stored.
Cooked ground beef or steak should be refrigerated in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in heavy-duty plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If stored properly, it will easily last 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Make sure to freeze cooked steak to extend its life even further. Place it in a freezer bag or an airtight container and freeze it. If properly stored, it will keep its flavor and quality for about 2 to 3 months.
Final Words
When you handle leftover steak correctly, you can reheat it safely and conveniently. You can reheat a whole steak or just a few pieces in the oven, air fryer, or on a pan and it will turn out perfectly. Simply follow our instructions above to complete the task!
In addition, take care to store your steak properly and discard cooked steak that has been refrigerated for three to four days but has not been consumed.
