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How to Reheat Steak: A Complete Guide

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Determining how to reheat steak can be a bit of a challenge. When done incorrectly, the result can range from unpleasant to completely inedible, as overcooking steak can cause it to become dry, tough, and rubbery, while not heating it long enough means leftover steak that is still cold in the center.

However, with a suitable method and proper monitoring, you can successfully reheat steak and enjoy it just as much the second time. I’m talking tender, juicy steak that is just as robust and beefy as when made fresh. These methods will work on a Rib Eye, New York Strip, Filet Mignon, Tomahawk or any type of steak that you prefer.

How To Reheat Steak

Below you’ll find several methods for reheating steak, each with pros and cons, to help you choose the best method. But before we get into how to reheat steak, we must talk about storage. The reason? Improper storage will ruin your chance of properly reheating steak, rendering even the best method useless.

How To Store Leftover Steak

First, let’s cover what not to do with leftover steak. Number one is don’t leave cooked steak uncovered in the refrigerator. It will dry the meat out, and the beef may absorb other flavors from the fridge. Air is the enemy of leftover storage.

Secondly, avoid storage methods like wrapping cooked steak in foil and popping it in the refrigerator. Although convenient when you want to reheat steak in the oven, foil will not and cannot provide an airtight seal, no matter how hard you try. The same goes for parchment or wax paper.

In a perfect world, we would vacuum-seal the meat. The thing is, everyone doesn’t have a vacuum sealer handy, which is fine. Instead, store leftover steak in an airtight container. A food-safe zipper bag will also do as long as you squeeze the air out.

Whatever you choose, remember to store steak (and any other perishable food) within two hours if left at room temperature and within 1 hour on hot days where the temperature exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This is for food safety reasons. Going beyond this point means bacteria developing on the food and other nasty things you don’t want to associate with a delicious steak.

Can I Reheat Steak Straight Out Of The Fridge?

A huge part of how to reheat steak is taking the proper steps before reheating. This way, you set yourself up for success. Allowing leftovers to come to room temperature is one of those steps because taking steak from one temperature extreme to another can easily result in overcooking. Alternatively, you may end up with a steak that is hot on the outside and cold in the center. To bring steak to room temperature, sit it on the counter for approximately 30 minutes before you reheat it.

How To Reheat Steak

Now that we’ve covered how to store leftover steak and why reheating it straight out of the fridge isn’t a good idea, let’s explore some of the best practices for reheating steak to help you get the most out of your leftovers.

Microwave

Microwaving is one of the quickest and most convenient methods of reheating steak. To microwave steak:

  1. Wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Microwave it on medium power in 30-second intervals, flipping the steak after each interval until it reaches an internal temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Reheating should take 1 ½ to 2 minutes. If you do not have a probe thermometer, taste it to check the temperature.

The microwave method is ideal for thinner cuts of steak, as thicker cuts may become tough and chewy in the microwave. When working with super thin cuts, set the microwave to low instead of medium to prevent drying. If you opt for this method, remember that, although an easy, quick, and convenient option, it isn’t the best.

Microwave Tips

  • Let the steak come to room temp before reheating so that it cooks evenly.
  • Add a splash of jus or beef broth to the plate.

Air Fryer

The air fryer is another quick and convenient method with the added benefit of preserving any exterior color developed during cooking. Like the microwave, it runs the risk of drying out the meat. The air fryer has its advantages, including circulating air for even reheating. To reheat steak in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Although not required, lining the basket with a parchment paper round makes for easy cleanup. Then, place the steak in the basket and air fry for 6-8 minutes. Flip the meat halfway through cook time.

Air Fryer Tips

  • Bring leftover steak to room temp before reheating to help prevent overcooking.
  • Avoid adding oil to the air fryer for reheating steak.

Stovetop

Reheating steak on the stovetop is an excellent option, especially for thicker cuts of steak. It’s like, one of the top two methods in the how to reheat steak handbook because it gives you more control over the temperature and is easy to monitor. Moreover, steak reheated on the stove experiences less moisture loss. To reheat steak on the stove:

  1. Heat a few teaspoons of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the steak and cook, occasionally flipping, until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F.

Stovetop Tips

  • Cook your steak low and slow. Reheating steak too fast and at high heat will dry out your meat.
  • Let steak come to room temp before reheating to avoid overcooking.
  • Adding a pat of butter to the pan helps get a nice sear on your leftover steak.

Oven

Reheating steak in the oven is a good option if you have extra time and are looking for a more hands-off approach. To reheat steak in the oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and loosely wrap the steak in aluminum foil.
  2. Place the wrapped steak in the oven and heat for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F.

This method is best for larger cuts of steak, as it allows for even heating throughout. This practice is not recommended for thinner cuts because it is very easy for them to become dry and tough. The oven method also works well when trying to reheat a steak that’s become a little dry. Since you’re heating the steak in an enclosed foil packet, you can replace some moisture loss with a splash of water, beef broth, or stock. This trick can transform a day-old piece of beef.

Oven Tips

  • Let steak come to room temp before putting in the oven.
  • Place the pan in the oven to heat it up before placing the steak on the pan.
  • Add some butter to your foil packet for extra moisture and flavor.

Sous Vide

Sous vide is a modern cooking technique that involves cooking food in a temperature-controlled water bath. You can perform this technique with a sous vide machine (or a pot of water), a thermometer, and a heat-safe clip. To reheat steak using a sous vide machine:

  1. Preheat your water bath to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Seal the steak in a vacuum-sealed bag and place it in the water bath.
  3. Once submerged in the water bath, heat for 5-7 minutes.

This method works well for thick or thin cuts of steak, as it allows for precise temperature control, and that preciseness produces excellent results.

If you don’t have a fancy sous vide machine (most do not), bring a pot of water with a thermometer fixed to the side. As instructed above, the water should be about 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the steak in a food-safe bag, squeeze as much air out as possible, and seal. From there, submerge it in the water, keeping the bag away from the pot’s sides, and heat for 5-7 minutes.

The only disadvantage of this method is the lack of exterior color. Bagged or not, meat submerged in water isn’t going to surface with a golden brown crust. Fortunately, this is an easy fix, and that fix is a quick sear. To sear a reheated steak, first, remove it from the bag and pat it dry. Then, heat a skillet over medium-high heat (add a drizzle of oil or butter if you wish), add the steak once hot and sear for 45 seconds to 1 minute per side. Super simple!

Knowing how to reheat steak correctly will bring new life to leftovers. Whether you prefer the convenience of the microwave or air fryer, the control of the stovetop, the hands-off approach of the oven or the precision of sous vide, there is a method for you (and your steak).

Here are some leftover steak ideas for once you’ve reheated your steak.

Learn about cooking steaks on a steak stone at home.

Find More Reheating Tips!

Monique McArthur
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