The Best Way to Reheat Leftover Steak

The Best Way to Reheat Leftover Steak

It may be a relief to know you can enjoy a reheated leftover steak and still savor its flavor and juices. But it has to be done correctly using low heat and a slow cook time. A steak can be zapped in the microwave, but you risk making your steak extremely dry, bordering on a rubbery texture. Fortunately, there are several ways to reheat leftover steak without drying it out, including on the stove, in the oven, sous vide, air fryer, and more.

Is It Safe to Reheat Steak?

If you cooked your steak thoroughly the first time, with a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, according to the USDA, you should be fine reheating your steak. It is also essential to store your steak in the refrigerator and consume it within three to four days to avoid bacteria growth that could cause a foodborne illness.

How to Reheat Steak Without Drying It Out

Follow these steps to reheat your steak, so it is still juicy and tender:

Stove

Heat a pan or skillet on medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or oil. Place the steak in the pan and cover it with a lid. Allow the pan and steak to heat up for a few minutes, then begin flipping the steak every minute until you reach your desired doneness. We recommend medium-rare, which takes about 2–3 minutes. And enjoy, as there's no need to rest after!

Oven

Preheat oven to 250°F and place your steak on a flat baking tray. We recommend using a wire baking tray if you have one. Place steak in the oven and reheat for 20–30 minutes. Check often to ensure the steak is not drying out. Once your steak is done, remove it from the oven and serve it immediately. Consider adding sauce or butter to the top of the steak before serving to add juiciness and flavor to your leftover steak.

Sous vide

Allow your steak to come to room temperature (about 30 minutes on the counter). Then, place the steak and a small amount of butter in a sealable plastic bag or a vacuum-packed bag. Fill your sous vide container with water and set the sous vide to 120°F–130°F. Place the steak into the sous vide bath and cook for 5-8 minutes. You can sear your reheated steak on the stove for a crisper exterior if you prefer a well-seared steak.

Air Fryer

Allow your steak to come to room temperature (about 30 minutes on the counter). Preheat the Air Fryer to 350°F. Place the steak into the Air Fryer basket to reheat the steak; check every 2 minutes. The cook time will depend on steak thickness, so ensure the internal temperature reaches around 110°F–130°F.

Microwave

We don't recommend microwaving your steak, but if you are in a time pinch, this can be a last resort heating method. Set the microwave to low or medium heat. Cover the plate the steak is on with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in the steak. Heat in 30 seconds increments until the steak reaches your desired temperature (be careful not to overheat and dry out the steak).

Expert Tips:

Preserve as much natural juice as possible from your initial meal! We suggest refrigerating your leftover steak in that juice when possible. If you don’t have any natural steak juice, use broth, steak sauce, thin gravy, butter, or oil when reheating to prevent the steak from drying out. Next, warm the au jus in a saucepan and add your leftover steak. Heat until slightly warm. This will help prevent overcooking and add flavor back to your steak.
Use a thermometer to check internal doneness and avoid overcooking.

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