How to reheat steak? Well, there are a few different methods. You can do it in the oven, on the stovetop, in the microwave, in the air fryer basket, or using the sous-vide method, which is the least used method but one of the best ones.
It’s essential to bring steak to room temperature before reheating. It’s also vital to reheat steak at a low temperature, be it in the oven, microwave, or skillet. Reheating steak fast in a scorching environment can dry it out, making it tough and chewy.
In this article, you’ll find five different ways to reheat without losing much of the flavor and tender texture.
5 Different Ways To Reheat Steak
- How to reheat steak in the oven
- How to reheat steak in the microwave
- How to reheat steak on the stovetop
- How to reheat steak in the air fryer
- How to reheat steak sous-vide method
How to reheat steak in the oven
The best way to reheat steak is in the oven. It’s effortless and does not take long. However, it’s a two-step process that involves a cast-iron skillet. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it properly:
- Bring cooked steak to room temperature;
- Preheat your oven to 275° Fahrenheit;
- Place a wire rack over a baking sheet. It will allow the hot air to circulate around the steak, reheating it slowly throughout;
- Place the baking sheet onto the middle rack in the oven and reheat the leftover steak for about 15-25 minutes, depending on the steak’s thickness;
- Preheat the cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a few tablespoons of high smoke point oil (light olive oil);
- Take the steak out of the oven once the temperature is about 110°-115° degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature. Place the steak in a scorching hot skillet and sear for one minute on each side;
- Let steak rest for 5 minutes. It’ll help for the steak juice to redistribute throughout the meat’s interior.
How to reheat steak in the microwave
The quickest way to reheat steak is in the microwave. Microwave has a bad reputation since it dries out food quickly. However, you can enjoy a juicy steak without drying it out by following these simple steps:
- Bring steak to room temperature. It can take quite a while, depending on the steak size. So make sure to plan it. At least 20-30 minutes before reheating;
- Place steak onto a microwave-safe plate or in a microwave-safe container and pour some liquid inside. Ideally, it should be beef broth; however, if you do not have it pour a few tablespoons of lukewarm water (mix in some steak sauce for more flavor) into the plate or container;
- Cover the container either with plastic wrap, lid, damp paper towel, or another plate. Set microwave to medium power and heat the steak for about 15-20 seconds. Take the steak out to check the internal temperature. Microwave until the desired doneness. Flip the steak when putting back in the microwave;
- Leave the steak to rest. Do not cut into the steak right away; otherwise, the juices will end up on your plate rather than inside the steak.
How to reheat steak on the stovetop
The most convenient way is to reheat steak on the stovetop. The secret to making steak as juicy as possible is to cook on medium heat with a lid on. Follow a step-by-step guide:
- Let the steak come to room temperature;
- Put a pan on a stovetop over medium heat. Once the pan is hot enough to reheat the leftover steak add a few tablespoons of beef stock or water if you do not have beef broth;
- Place the steak in a pan and cover the lid. Flip the steak every minute to ensure even cooking;
- Once the steak is 20° Fahrenheit below the desired doneness, take it out and wipe the pan clean with a paper towel;
- Add a few tablespoons of cooking oil to the pan. It can be light olive oil, vegetable oil, or any other oil with a high smoke point. Wait until the oil starts to smoke before searing the steak. Place the steak in the pan and sear for 30 seconds to a minute on each side. Searing will help to form a nice golden brown crust on the steak’s exterior;
- Leave the steak to rest for about 5 minutes, depending on the steak’s size.
How to reheat steak in the air fryer
One of the easiest ways to reheat steak is in the air fryer. Unlike other methods reheating steak in an air fryer is a relatively simple process. The key here is not to overcook the steak. So make sure to follow a step by step guide below carefully:
- Bring steak to room temperature before reheating;
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit;
- Put the steak in the air fryer basket and reheat the leftover steak for about 4-6 minutes. The basket is perfect since it allows for the air to circulate around the steak, reheating it evenly throughout;
- Check on the steak every two minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature;
- Remove steak from the air fryer 5 degrees Fahrenheit below the desired doneness. Steak continues to cook when resting;
- Leave the steak to rest.
How to reheat steak sous-vide method
Reheating Steak Sous Vide Method is one of the most underused methods. It takes more time than microwaving steak, and you’ll need to have sous vide machine. Additionally, a vacuum sealer is a must since you have sous vide; however, sealable freezer bags will work as well. Follow a step-by-step guide on how to reheat steaks so they are juicy and tender:
- Bring steak to room temperature. It might take 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the steak;
- Place a steak with a knob of butter and some fresh herbs (optional) in the sealable freezer bag. Squeeze as much air as possible from the bag;
- Take a large pot that can comfortably accommodate a sous vide machine. If your sous vide fit nicely onto a smaller pot take a smaller one instead. Fill a pot with water and attach sous vide. Heat it to 120°F to 130°F;
- Place the sealed bag into the pot and cook the steak for about 5-10 minutes, depending on the steak’s thickness;
- This step is optional. Take the steak out of the bag and place it on a hot pan. Sear steak for a minute on each side. It’ll form a nice crispy exterior;
- Leave the steak to rest for a few minutes.
Tips For Reheating Steak Without Overcooking
- Reheat leftover steak on medium-low heat so that it does not overcook and become dry;
- A freshly cooked steak is always going to be more juicy and tender. It’s essential to choose a proper reheating method for each steak cut. For example, reheating lean steak cuts like filet mignon, skirt steak, and flank steak is a bit more challenging since these cuts do not contain a lot of marbling. Therefore when reheating, they can become dry and chewy. These cuts must be gently warmed to avoid overcooking. Oven, sous vide is the best place to do that. On the other hand, marbled beef cuts like ribeye steak are slightly easier to reheat since they contain more intramuscular fat, staying juicy and tender.
Note: Here are USDA guidelines on leftovers and food safety.
FAQ
Can you reheat steak in a frying pan?
You can reheat steak in a frying pan. However, you’ll need to do it gently and on medium-low heat with some liquid added to the pan. Once the pan with liquid is hot enough, place the steak in the pan and close it with the lid. Let it heat for a couple of minutes.
How do you make leftover steak tender?
To make leftover steak tender, you’ll need to choose a proper reheating method and do it correctly, so the steak doesn’t dry out. First, bring the steak to room temperature. Next, reheat a piece of meat on low heat for no more than 20 minutes, depending on the steak’s size and reheating method.
