Ah, the taste of a perfectly grilled steak or pan-seared steak, fresh off the stove or grill, is truly something special. But what about the next day when we have to reheat those leftovers? You might be asking yourself, “How to reheat steak so it stays tender and tasty?” Do we have to eat a steak that’s become tough and flavorless? No way!
Just like you, I had my share of leftover steak disasters. Once, after a weekend family barbecue, we had a few delicious steaks left. To my surprise, when I tried to reheat them the next day, I ended up with tough, overcooked meat. It was then I realized how critical it is to reheat steak correctly to preserve its juicy deliciousness.
So, if you’ve ever wondered about the best way to reheat steak without losing its flavor and tenderness, you’re in the right place.
I had thick, left over grilled pork chops and followed your advice of reheating them in the Air Fryer. The lowest temp I could set it on was 300, so I heated it for 7 minutes. They came out so tender and moist- just like off the grill! Thanks so much for your great tip!
Linda
Why This Reheating Method Works
I have tested many reheating methods, and there is only one that works really well. This method of reheating steak has three major perks:
- It’s simple: You don’t have to be a pro to follow these steps. Even beginners can successfully use this technique.
- Retains steak’s flavor and juiciness: You worked hard to grill or pan-sear your steak to perfection. Don’t let all that effort go to waste when reheating. This method ensures that your steak remains as delicious as when it was first cooked.
- Great for meal planning: If you’re a busy person who likes to plan meals ahead, this reheating method allows you to enjoy steak throughout the week without compromising on taste and texture.
Tip!
If your leftover steak is already sliced, you might want to consider not reheating it at all. Sliced steak can be challenging to reheat without overcooking it, resulting in a tougher texture. Instead, consider serving your sliced steak cold. It’s a refreshing and equally delicious way to enjoy your leftovers!
What is the best way to heat up leftover steak?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reheat steak without overcooking it, keeping it juicy and delicious.
Before you even turn on the heat, allow your steak to reach room temperature. Taking it straight from the fridge to the heat can lead to uneven reheating and overcooking, leaving you with a steak that’s hot on the outside but cold in the center. To avoid this, let your steak sit out on the counter for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature before you start reheating.
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C), or 100°C fan oven.
- Place your wire rack on a sheet pan. This allows the air to circulate around the steak for even heating.
- Lay your unsliced steak on the wire rack.
- Heat your steak in the oven for about 20 minutes (for a 1.5″ thick steak). Your goal is to get an internal temperature of 110°F (43°C) for medium rare if your steak was previously cooked to this stage and not more, or 145°F (63°C) as per the recommendation of the FDA for medium steak. Use your meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- Remove from the oven, and serve immediately. And voilà! You have successfully reheated your steak in the oven without drying it out.
Notes and Useful Tips
- Steak Selection: When it comes to reheating steak, the type of cut you’re dealing with can make a big difference. Fattier cuts like ribeye or sirloin tend to reheat better than leaner cuts like filet mignon, because the fat content helps keep the steak moist and juicy even when reheated
- Undercooking intended leftovers: When cooking steak with the intention of having leftovers, a useful tip is to undercook the steaks you plan on reheating. For example, if your ideal steak is medium-well, then cook the steaks to medium.
- Alternative Uses for Leftover Steak: If you have leftover steak but don’t want to simply reheat it, there are plenty of other ways you can repurpose it. Consider making a steak salad with fresh veggies and a tangy dressing, or a hearty steak sandwich with some grilled onions and a dollop of your favorite sauce. Leftover steak can also be sliced up and tossed into a stir-fry for a quick and easy dinner.
- Safety Tips: It’s important to handle leftovers carefully to prevent foodborne illnesses. Avoid reheating your steak more than once, as this can increase the risk of bacteria growth. Additionally, make sure your steak is reheated to a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C), which is the minimum safe temperature recommended by the USDA. Use a food thermometer to check this before eating.
- Storing: Remember to store steak (and any other perishable food) in the fridge within two hours if left at room temperature, and within 1 hour on hot days where the temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C). This will prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful pathogens.
- Sauces: Leftover steak is even better with a fresh batch of my mushroom sauce for steak! It takes just a few minutes to make on the stove.
FAQs
While it’s not the best way to reheat steak, using the microwave is the quickest way. To keep the steak from drying out, use a microwave-safe bowl and a damp paper towel on top, reheating in short intervals and flipping each time.
An air fryer can reheat steak quickly (it is a similar method to the oven). Preheat the air fryer to 250°F (121°C), put your steak in the air fryer basket, air fry for 10 minutes then check the internal temperature of the steak.
If done properly, your reheated steak should taste nearly as good as when it was fresh off the grill or pan. Some flavor changes are inevitable, but following the above method will get you as close as possible.
Consider serving your steak cold if it’s already sliced. This will prevent overcooking and retain its flavor. Try my Steak Salad recipe, it’s so good!
That’s all there is to it! Don’t let your delicious steak leftovers go to waste or lose their appeal in the reheating process. With a little patience and the right technique, you can enjoy a near-perfect steak even the next day!
Now that you know the best way to reheat steak, go ahead and give it a try. And don’t forget to rate, review, and pin this method on Pinterest. Enjoy your steak – the second time around!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
How to Reheat Steak
Equipment
- Oven-safe wire rack
- sheet pan
- Oven
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- Leftover Steak unsliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C), or 100°C fan oven.
- Place your oven-safe wire rack on a sheet pan to allow air to circulate around the steak evenly.
- Lay your unsliced steak on the wire rack.
- Place the steak in the oven for about 20 minutes (for a 1.5" thick steak). You're aiming for an internal temperature of 110°F (43°C) for medium rare if your steak was previously cooked to this stage and not more, or 145°F (63°C) per the recommendation of the FDA for medium steak. Use your meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- Remove the steak from the oven and serve immediately.
Notes:
- Always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Remember, if your steak is already sliced, consider serving it cold to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
Troy Wilmot says
Excellent! I reheated some two-day old excellent quality eye fillet following this method and it really was as good as when it was first cooked. Thanks.
Little Sunny Kitchen says
That’s great! Thank you so much for the feedback!