Steak is one of the most mouth-watering and satisfying options on any menu. Cooking it at home isn’t a daunting task at all, but it is the kind of dish you should handle with care.
If you’ve prepared a big dinner and have to deal with leftover steak, don’t be in a rush to pop it in the microwave. People often make the same mistake and eventually end up with a tough, tasteless piece of rubber.
Steak is a kind of dish that is extremely easy to overcook while reheating. If you are a fan of a medium rare steak, you should be particularly careful as you can quickly go well-done.
Properly reheating may take a bit of patience, but it’s worth it. With the right techniques, your steak can be both juicy and delicious. So, what is the best way to reheat leftover steak?
How to Reheat Steak in the Microwave?
Reheating leftover steak in the microwave oven is the easiest and quickest option available. However, as we’ve already mentioned, you shouldn’t just pop it there and lose sight of it for two minutes. A microwave oven can quickly turn your juicy steak into tough and tasteless chewy bits. So check out some useful tips.
First, take a microwave-safe plate and place your steak there with a barely damp paper towel on top to avoid drying out.
Then, set your microwave to medium heat and cook the meat in 30-second intervals. Flip the steak in between to avoid overcooking.
Depending on the size and thickness of your leftover steak, continue this procedure for 90 seconds to 2 minutes.
Voila! Following these simple instructions, you’ll end up with a juicy and full-of-flavor reheated steak.
How to Reheat Steak in the Oven?
Though reheating steak in the oven is a bit time-consuming, you’ll get a tender, juicy, and teeming flavor piece when doing it slowly.
To start with, preheat your oven to 275°F and put a wire cooling rack or a grill rack over a baking sheet.
Next, place your steak on top of the rack and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. It will keep the heat trapped inside the dish. Thus you’ll cook steak faster without drying it.
After that, warm your meat in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 100-110°F on a meat thermometer. Depending on the thickness of your steak, it may take about 20 to 30 minutes.
While the steak is heating in the oven, swirl a tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Now it’s time to remove your steak from the oven and put it straight into the heated skillet. Let it sear for 30 seconds on each side until your steak turns brown. Bon appetit!
How to Reheat Steak on the Stovetop?
Reheating steak on the stovetop is one more proven method that guarantees great results. Also, it’s rather time-saving compared to the oven.
First, don’t rush to reheat your steak straight from the fridge. Let it for 10-30 minutes to come to room temperature.
Next, take a nonstick or cast-iron skillet and preheat the pan on medium to low heat to avoid overheating.
Then, moisten your pan with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil, butter, or simply leftover steak juice to prevent it from sticking.
Cover it with a lid to add some additional moisture, and slowly heat your steak up, reducing the heat to low.
Wait and check every three minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, you can take the extra step and sear your steak to get that crisp golden crust around it. Just clean the skillet and bring it to medium-high heat, adding a tablespoon of oil. Place your steak there and sear it until crisp, about a minute per side.
Finally, rest the steak for a few minutes to retain the juice, and get ready to slice it. Now, serve and enjoy your flavorful meat!
How to Reheat Steak Using the Sous Vide Method?
One more great way to reheat steak is using the sous vide method. It’s rather a gentle way of cooking food. To implement it, you need a zip-top bag.
To start with, put the steak in a zip-top bag, add a little butter, and squeeze out as much air as possible. Additionally, you can also add some chopped onions, black pepper, salt, and minced garlic to enrich the taste of your meat.
Then, seal the zip-top bag securely, and leave it for at least 30 minutes to let your steak come to room temperature.
After that, take a large saucepan and fill it with simmering water (120°F to 130°F.) Attach the sous vide machine according to the given instructions.
Continue heating your steak for about 5 to 7 minutes, placing the bag away from the pot’s edges.
If you prefer steak with a crispier exterior, then pat it until it is fully dry and sear it in a pan on high heat for about 60 seconds on each side using paper towels.
The sous vide method is a gentle way of cooking that will ensure you get a juicy result and prevent your meat from overcooking.
How to Store a Steak Properly
Proper storing of your beloved steak before heating is a part of success. There are two ways of storing your favorite leftover juicy T-bone or ribeye steak – fridge and freezer.
When storing in the fridge, start by letting your steak cool adequately. Due to food safety reasons, don’t let it cool down for more than two hours. After that, cut or slice your meat as you wish and seal it well in an airtight container. This will prevent the steak from drying out.
Always remember the rule of thumb when storing cooked steak in the fridge: use it within three days of storing. You may be able to keep it for a week, but doing it longer may lead to food poisoning.
Freezing is the safest way to store leftover steaks. The biggest advantage of the freezer is that you may store your cooked steak there for up to three months.
Use a vacuum sealer with a freezer-specific wrap, or cover the steak in a layer of freezer paper if you don’t have the first. Then put the meat in a zippered plastic freezer bag. Before sealing the bag, try to squeeze out as much air as possible.
Also, before putting your leftover steaks in the freezer, make sure they are lying flat. Create enough space around them for adequate air circulation.
The Bottom Line
Steak is a rather costly, yet still mouth-watering affair, so treating it with exceptional care is essential. If you’re done with leftovers after a festive meal, consider yourself lucky!
However, reheating your beloved meat so that it remains as juicy, flavorful, and crisp as freshly cooked one demands some knowledge. It’s very easy to end up with a tough, tasteless piece of rubber.
Also, remember that properly storing your steak is the first and most important step in ensuring that it will have the right taste and texture.
Follow our useful tips above and choose your favorite method of reheating. In all processes, it’s vital to keep your steak moist and avoid overheating. So always stay vigilant and enjoy your favorite meat!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
