A Foolproof Guide To Reheating Leftover Steak

Steak holds a revered place in the realm of gastronomy. Be it a ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon, steak captivates the senses with its rich flavor, tender texture, and scintillating aroma. From the hearty barbecued steaks of the American West to the delicate Wagyu beef of Japan, steak is enjoyed worldwide and is a beacon of well-prepared, high-quality meat. Considering that quality steak is usually on the pricier side, it is often a celebratory meal, but you don't need a special occasion to enjoy this succulent, juicy cut of beef.

As a dense, protein-filled dish, steak can also be quite filling, which means as crazy as it sounds, it is possible to have too much. In those scenarios, it's best to wrap up the steak and save it for later. Once you tuck your steak away in the refrigerator, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says you have three to four days to eat it before it starts to go bad. It would be a shame to watch good steak go to waste, which is why it pays to learn the best way to reheat this luxurious dish so you can enjoy it as if it was just cooked.

There are a couple of methods to reheat your steak, but popping it in the oven is probably the most reliable. Start by taking your leftover steak out of the refrigerator and set it on the counter so that it can slowly start to warm, which will take about an hour. Once your steak has neared room temperature, put it on a wire rack atop a baking sheet and slide everything into a 250-degree Fahrenheit oven. Let the steak cook for 20 to 30 minutes, and for the interior of the steak to get to 100 degrees, which is best verified with a meat thermometer. After the steak has warmed up, you're going to give it a sear by cooking it on a super hot cast iron pan coated with olive oil. Cook it for a minute on each side to recreate the crispy brown exterior of a freshly cooked steak.

If you're short on time, you can also reheat leftover steak in the air fryer, but depending on the size of your model you may have to cut the steak into chunks first. Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, put the steak into the basket, and cook for three to five minutes. Smaller pieces will need less time to cook, while thicker pieces will need more.

The technique you use to heat up leftover steak will determine the best way to eat it up. If you went to the trouble of slowly reheating the steak in the oven before searing it on the stove, then it is more than appropriate to enjoy the steak on its own, or perhaps alongside some creamy mashed potatoes and well-seasoned grilled veggies. On the other hand, if you already chopped up the steak to reheat it quickly in the air fryer, then those pieces of steak will be well suited as a smaller part of a bigger dish. For example, you could incorporate them into scrambled eggs, mix it into a salad, or use it as a base for fajitas.

To ensure that you're still able to eat your leftover steak days later, it's important to store it correctly in the first place. Never put steak into the refrigerator while it's still warm; let it fully cool to room temperature first. If you have a vacuum sealing system, that's your best bet for keeping steak at the highest quality. Otherwise, use a sheet of butcher or freezer paper to wrap up the leftover steak, and then put the parcel into a thick, resealable plastic bag. As you close the bag, squeeze out as much air as you can so you don't risk your delicious steak going bad.