How do you reheat flank steak for tacos?

Flank steak is a flavorful and relatively inexpensive cut of beef that is commonly used for tacos. While flank steak tastes delicious when freshly grilled or pan seared, leftovers can dry out when reheated. The good news is that there are several easy methods to reheat flank steak so that it stays tender and juicy for tacos.

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Can you reheat cooked flank steak?

Yes, you can absolutely reheat previously cooked flank steak. The key is to use a moist cooking method and avoid overcooking the steak. Flank steak tends to get tough and chewy if reheated using dry heat methods or cooked for too long.

How do you reheat flank steak in the oven?

The oven can be used to reheat flank steak as long as care is taken not to dry out the meat. Here are some tips for reheating flank steak in the oven:

Preheat oven to 300°F.
Place the flank steak in an oven-safe dish and add a few tablespoons of beef broth or water to the dish. The liquid will help keep the meat moist.

Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in steam and prevent drying.
Heat for 10-15 minutes until hot throughout.
Check thickness and increase oven time if needed.

Once heated through, remove foil and place under broiler for 2-3 minutes to re-crisp the outside.

How long do you cook flank steak in the oven?

When reheating cooked flank steak in the oven, you generally want to cook it for 10 to 15 minutes to heat it through without drying it out. Use the tips below as a guide:

Steak Thickness	Oven Reheating Time
1/2 inch thick	10 minutes
3/4 to 1 inch thick	12-15 minutes

Check for doneness after 10 minutes and continue cooking if needed until piping hot internally. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

How do you reheat flank steak on the stove?

The stovetop allows you to reheat flank steak quickly while adding extra moisture. Here are two easy methods:

On the stovetop in broth:

In a skillet, add a few tablespoons of beef broth, wine, or water.
Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Add the flank steak and cover the pan.
Gently simmer for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Uncover and let any remaining liquid reduce to a sauce consistency.

Pan seared:

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add a teaspoon of oil or butter.
Quickly sear the flank steak for 1-2 minutes per side until hot.

Slice and serve immediately.

How do you reheat flank steak in the microwave?

The microwave can be used to quickly reheat slices or pieces of flank steak:

Place the steak pieces on a microwave-safe plate.

Cover with a damp paper towel to add steam.
Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute until heated through.
Take care not to overcook the meat in the microwave or it will toughen.

How do you keep flank steak moist when reheating?

Here are some tips to keep flank steak moist and tender when reheating:

Use a cooking method that adds moisture such as the oven or stovetop with broth.
Cover the steak to trap in steam and heat.

Reheat at lower heat for a gentle warm through.
Allow steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after reheating to redistribute juices.
Avoid prolonged cooking times which can make the meat dry.

Slice against the grain after reheating for tender texture.

Can you reheat flank steak in a slow cooker?

Yes, a slow cooker can be used to gently reheat slices or pieces of cooked flank steak. This method keeps the meat tender and moist.

To reheat flank steak in a slow cooker:

Place steak pieces in the slow cooker.
Add 1⁄2 cup of beef broth or water.
Cook on low heat for 1-2 hours until heated through.

Shred or slice steak and serve with tacos.

What temperature should flank steak be when reheating?

Cook flank steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F to 145°F when reheating. This will sufficiently heat through leftover steak without overcooking the meat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature after reheating.

How do you reheat flank steak without overcooking it?

The key to avoiding dry, overcooked flank steak is to use quick, gentle reheating methods. Follow these tips:

Use lower heat like an oven at 300°F or stovetop on medium.
Reheat for short cook times, checking frequently.
Add moisture by steaming or simmering in broth.

Warm through until 140-145°F internally.
Let steak rest 5 minutes after reheating.
Avoid high heat methods like grilling or broiling.

Can you reheat cooked flank steak more than once?

It’s best to avoid reheating cooked flank steak more than once. Each additional reheating can dry out the meat further. For best results:

Cool leftover steak within 2 hours and refrigerate.
Store cooked steak for up to 4 days.

Only reheat once before serving.
To reheat again, use in a recipe like stir fry or fajitas.

What is the best way to store leftover flank steak?

Properly storing leftovers is key to preserving flank steak’s quality and texture. Follow these storage tips:

Let steak cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then refrigerate.
Place steak in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
Remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Refrigerate for 3-4 days maximum.
For longer storage, freeze steak pieces for 2-3 months.

Can you freeze cooked flank steak?

Freezing is a great way to preserve leftover flank steak. To freeze cooked steak:

Cool steak completely before freezing.
Cut into smaller pieces or slices across the grain.
Place pieces in freezer bag or airtight container.

Remove air and seal container.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw in fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

Reheating flank steak doesn’t have to lead to dry, leathery meat. With proper cooking methods and temperatures, leftover steak can be enjoyed in tacos, fajitas, stir fries and more. The keys are to reheat gently using moist methods, avoid overcooking, and slice against the grain. With the right care, flank steak will still be juicy and delicious when serving up your favorite Mexican dishes.