Reheating leftover medium rare steak can seem daunting, but with the right techniques, you can enjoy your medium rare steak again without overcooking it. There are a few things to keep in mind when reheating medium rare steak to ensure it stays juicy and tender.
Can You Reheat Medium Rare Steak?
Yes, you can safely reheat medium rare steak as long as you follow proper food safety guidelines. The USDA recommends reheating leftover steak to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria that may have developed. However, this high temperature would overcook a medium rare steak.
The good news is that steak can be safely eaten at lower temperatures since it’s whole muscle meat. As long as the steak was freshly cooked to a safe internal temperature originally (145°F for medium rare), then reheating it to 125°F-130°F should kill any pathogens while maintaining the medium rare doneness.
How to Reheat Medium Rare Steak
Here are some tips for reheating medium rare steak:
- Use the oven or skillet, not the microwave. The microwave can make steak rubbery and unevenly cooked.
- Slice the steak before reheating. This allows it to reheat faster.
- For the oven, preheat it to 250°F-325°F. Place steak slices on a baking sheet and heat until warm throughout, 5-15 minutes.
- For the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a bit of butter or oil, then the steak slices. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 125°F-130°F to maintain medium rare doneness.
- Avoid overcooking. Reheating steak too long will result in a dry, tough piece of meat.
- Let steak rest for 5 minutes after reheating so the temperature equalizes.
What is the Best Way to Reheat Medium Rare Steak?
The best way to reheat medium rare steak is in a hot skillet or pan on the stovetop. Here are the detailed steps:
- Slice the cold steak into strips or medallions about 1/2 inch thick.
- Preheat a cast iron skillet or stainless steel pan over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Add just a teaspoon or two of butter or oil to lightly coat the pan bottom.
- When the fat is shimmering, add the steak slices in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until lightly browned.
- Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes on the second side until warmed through.
- Remove from heat and check temperature, aiming for 125°F-130°F for medium rare.
- Let steak rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This stovetop reheating method gives an excellent sear while gently bringing up the internal temperature. The steak slices retain their juiciness and texture.
Tips for Reheating Medium Rare Steak Perfectly
Follow these tips for flawless results when reheating medium rare steak:
- Start with high-quality steak like ribeye or filet mignon. Lower quality cuts won’t reheat as well.
- Chill steak properly before storing. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Wrap steak tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Limit storage time to maintain quality. Steak is best within 3-4 days in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer.
- Thaw frozen steak overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Dry steak well before reheating to prevent steaming.
- Preheat pans, skillets or trays before adding steak to get a nice sear.
- Heat gently and test temperature frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Let steak rest after reheating so juices redistribute evenly.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Some common mistakes when reheating medium rare steak include:
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Overcooking in the microwave | Use the oven or stovetop instead of the microwave |
| Reheating at too high of a temperature | Keep temperatures low, around 250°F for oven and medium-low for stovetop |
| Not slicing steak before reheating | Always slice steak before reheating for quicker, more even heating |
| Not allowing steak to rest after reheating | Let steak sit 5-10 minutes after reheating so juices redistribute |
| Reheating steak past recommended storage times | Only reheat steak within 3-4 days (refrigerated) or 6 months (frozen) |
Being mindful of these common mistakes can help you avoid overcooked, dry reheated steak.
How Long Does Reheated Medium Rare Steak Last?
Once reheated, medium rare steak won’t keep as long since the nutrients start to break down. Here are some time limits for consuming reheated medium rare steak:
- At room temperature: Reheated steak should only sit out for a maximum of 2 hours before eating or refrigerating.
- In the refrigerator: Eat within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
- In the freezer: Reheated steak can be frozen again for 2-3 months.
Make sure to tightly wrap or seal the reheated steak. Monitor it closely and discard if you notice any off smells, textures or colors.
Visual Guide for Reheating Medium Rare Steak
Here is a simple visual guide to reheating medium rare steak:
| Step | Photo |
|---|---|
| 1. Slice steak into 1/2 inch strips. | |
| 2. Heat cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. | |
| 3. Add small amount of oil and steak slices. | |
| 4. Cook 2-3 minutes per side. | |
| 5. Check temperature and rest before serving. |
FAQs
Is it safe to reheat medium rare steak?
Yes, as long as the steak was freshly cooked to a safe internal temperature (145°F for medium rare) and promptly refrigerated. Reheating to 125°-130°F will kill any bacteria. Proper food handling is key.
Can you reheat steak in the microwave?
It’s not recommended. The microwave can cause uneven cooking and make steak tough. Use the oven or stovetop to gently bring up the internal temperature.
How do you keep steak moist when reheating?
Slice steak before reheating, use a lower temperature, cook for as short a time as possible, and let steak rest after reheating. This helps retain natural juices and moisture.
What is the best cut of steak for reheating?
Tender, well-marbled cuts like ribeye, filet mignon, New York strip and sirloin hold up best to reheating. Lean cuts can become tough and dry.
Can you reheat steak twice?
It’s best to only reheat steak once for food safety. The nutrients start breaking down, so steak won’t taste as good reheated a second time. Cook the amount you’ll eat in one sitting.
Conclusion
Reheating medium rare steak without overcooking it is definitely possible. The keys are using a gentle reheating method like the oven or stovetop, monitoring temperature carefully, slicing steak prior to heating, and not reheating more than once. With proper techniques, you can safely enjoy steak again after storing it while maintaining texture, tenderness and juiciness. Just be sure to follow food safety guidelines and consume reheated steak within recommended time limits.