Steak is probably the most satisfying and, of course, the most expensive dish on the menu. But once the party is over, does it feel heart-wrenching to throw away those extra and precious steak leftovers? Well, once you have learned how to store and reheat steaks the right way, you can relive the memory of this delicious dish for days to come. You can also incorporate the leftover steak pieces in your favorite soup, fajitas, quesadillas, pasta, and salads, and make simple dishes turn super flavorful.
Leftover steak is best reheated in an oven or an air fryer. You can also reheat steak in a microwave or a stovetop. Reheating a steak takes about 20-30 minutes in the oven and about 3-5 minutes in the air fryer. Searing will help to reintroduce a crunchy crust. Always rest the steak for about 5 minutes before serving.
For reheating steaks, the goal should be to use a technique that will make the leftover steaks taste as close to the freshly cooked ones. Here are some simple ways to reheat steak without it becoming dry and chewy.
How Long Does Cooked Steak Last In The Refrigerator?
Steak leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and up to 4 months in the freezer.
How To Reheat Steak In Oven
For the best results, use the combination of an oven and a stovetop to retain the maximum juices of the meat and also get that perfect ‘seared’ taste. Here’s how to reheat steak in an oven without drying or overcooking it:
Step 1: Remove the steak from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 250 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on the thickness of the steak).
Step 3: Place the steak on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Next, place the steak on the cooling rack and warm it in the oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 110 degrees Fahrenheit (or 43.3℃).
Step 5: Searing is optional, but it will enhance the flavor and give a nice crust to the reheated steak. For searing, heat a cast-iron skillet over a medium-high flame and add a teaspoon of olive oil. Add the steak and let it sear for around 2 minutes on each side until crisp. For medium-rare doneness, the steak should be heated at 130 degrees Fahrenheit (or 54.4℃).
Step 6: Let the reheated steak rest for around 5-10 minutes before serving.
How To Reheat Steak In Air Fryer
Using an air fryer is the quickest way to reheat steak. This method helps retain maximum flavor and juices, and due to the circulating air, it also yields a crisp outside.
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176.66℃).
Step 2: Place an average-sized steak in the air fryer basket and let it heat for about 3 to 5 minutes. Thinly sliced steaks will take around 2 minutes. You can also brush some garlic butter or choice of sauce to improve the taste.
Step 3: Remove the steak from the basket, cover it with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
How To Reheat Steak In Microwave
Microwaving is another easy method to reheat steak, especially if you are short on time. However, if not done right, it can quickly turn the meat stiff and draw out all the flavorful juices. With the right setting, the meat remains juicy, and a crusty exterior may also be retained. Here’s how to reheat steaks in a microwave:
Step 1: Remove the steak from the fridge and let it sit on the countertop for about 20-30 minutes.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe container, add some broth, leftover steak juices, pan drippings, or beef stock, and place the steak in it.
Step 3: Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid and set the settings of the microwave to 50% power for 30 seconds. Open the microwave, flip the steak, and let it microwave at intervals of 30 seconds.
Step 4: Rest the meat for about 5 minutes before serving. Do not microwave any further.
How To Reheat Steak On Stovetop
The secret to reheating cooked steak on a stovetop is using leftover beef broth. The broth helps the steak to stay tender and juicy. While there are multiple ways of reheating steak on a stovetop, this one produces the best results:
Step 1: Add a few tablespoons of beef broth to a non-stick skillet and place the pan on medium heat.
Step 2: Once the broth starts to bubble, add the leftover steak and let it cook for around 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Flip the steak, cover the pan with a lid, and let it heat evenly for two more minutes.
Step 4: If you want a crisp outer layer, you can sear the steak for a couple of minutes or until the broth completely dries out. Monitor the pan closely so that the steak does not get overcooked.
How To Enhance The Taste Of Reheated Steak
Reheated steaks can often be flat in flavor and therefore, it is best to add a little bit of seasoning right before removing it from the source of heat. Use homemade steak sauce, readymade seasoning, or flavored butter to enhance the taste of reheated steak.
What To Do With Leftover Steak?
You can repurpose your favorite steak by making a variety of delicious dishes, including pasta, nachos, salad, and so much more. Once you have reheated the steak, just slice the meat or cut small chunks and then use it to add an extra punch of flavor to regular dishes. Try out these simple and easy recipes with leftover steak:
Rice Noodle Beef Salad
This hearty salad is full of zesty and umami flavors. To prepare this salad, take a large bowl and mix julienne carrots, sliced cucumbers, roughly chopped lettuce, and fresh coriander. Meanwhile, slice the leftover steak into thin pieces. In a small bowl, mix honey, sesame oil, salt, and fresh lime juice, and give it a nice stir. Add the salad dressing to the bowl and keep the salad in the fridge for about ½ an hour. Next, introduce the cooked rice noodles and steak slices to the salad mix. Garnish with some chili flakes and serve.
Steak Chili
The flavor of steak chili is outstandingly rich and mouth-watering. To prepare steak chili, start by searing big chunks of leftover beef/steak in olive oil and adding some minced onion, garlic, celery, and caramelized tomato paste. Once it becomes slightly dark, add chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour the beef broth and little honey and let it simmer for around 2 hours. Serve it hot!
Leftover Steak Soup
As simple and satisfying as it can be, a bowl of steak soup is simply prepared by dipping leftover thinly cut/ diced steak into a thick broth of mushroom, vegetables of choice, and fresh parsley – all spiced up with salt, pepper, and a punch of roasted garlic and butter. The soup is best prepared in a slow cooker.
Leftover Beef Pasta
To prepare a delicious beef pasta, add some chopped garlic, onion, chili flakes, and thyme to a pan and toss it until a strong aroma is released. While stirring continuously, add some wine and cook it until the liquid is reduced to half. Next, add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and leftover beef, and cook it for another 20-30 minutes. Once the sauce is simmered to half, add cooked pasta. Make sure your pasta gets an even coating of the sauce. Serve with grated parmesan cheese.
There are several other ways to reheat or repurpose cooked steak, but we found these to be the best methods. Remember that these methods are only applicable when the steak was cooked at a minimum of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (according to the USDA guidelines) and stored within 2 hours of cooking.
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Scot has loved smoking food in his free time for the last few years. Each major holiday or off-weekend, Scot spends days testing and prepping new recipes for perfection.