Having leftover steak from a previous meal can be a great thing. Steak is delicious, but cooking a fresh steak every time you want one can get time consuming and expensive. Being able to reheat leftover steak means you can enjoy steak again without all the effort of cooking a new one. Even better, reheated steak can be used in a whole new dish! One of the best ways to use leftover steak is to make steak and eggs. The savory umami flavor of beef combines perfectly with fluffy scrambled eggs. By reheating the steak properly, you can give new life to your leftovers and make a mouthwatering steak and egg dish.
Should you reheat leftover steak?
Many people are hesitant about reheating leftover steak, wondering if it will dry out or lose flavor. However, as long as you reheat it properly, leftover steak can be just as delicious as it was the first time! The key is to reheat it gently, without overcooking. As long as you avoid reheating it multiple times, steak can reheat very well. Just slice it thinly against the grain before reheating for the most tender results.
Here are some of the benefits of reheating leftover steak:
- Saves money – No need to buy more steak when you have leftovers
- Saves time – Faster than cooking a new steak from scratch
- More versatile – Lets you use steak in new dishes like steak and eggs
- Minimizes waste – Avoid throwing out leftover steak by repurposing
As you can see, reheating steak instead of cooking new steak is an excellent idea. Now let’s look at the best ways to reheat your leftover steak.
How to reheat leftover steak
The proper technique for reheating leftover steak depends on whether you want to serve the steak by itself or use it in another dish. Here are some recommend methods:
For enjoying leftover steak on its own:
Oven: Preheat oven to 300°F. Place steak on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This slow, gentle heating prevents the steak from drying out.
Skillet: Heat 1 tsp oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add steak slices and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to boost flavor.
Microwave: Place steak on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a paper towel, and microwave on 50% power for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. Check frequently to prevent overcooking.
For adding leftover steak to a dish like steak and eggs:
Simmer in sauce: Add slices of steak to a hot skillet with simmering sauce, like ketchup, salsa, or gravy. Gently simmer for 3-5 minutes to warm steak.
Quick sauté: Heat 1 tsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak slices and sauté for 1-2 minutes just until heated through.
In cooked dishes: Slice steak and add it to things like scrambled eggs, hash, or pasta right before serving. The residual heat will warm the steak.
No matter which reheating method you use, remember to slice the steak against the grain before heating for the most tender, mouthwatering results!
How to make steak and eggs
Once you’ve mastered reheating leftover steak, it’s time to use it in a delicious steak and eggs dish! This brunch favorite combines the savory richness of steak with fluffy scrambled eggs. Follow these steps:
Ingredients:
- Leftover steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- Eggs
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Milk or cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Onion, diced (optional)
- Cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack (optional)
Instructions:
- Reheat leftover steak using one of the methods above. Slice into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- Whisk eggs in a bowl with a splash of milk or cream for extra richness.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tsp butter or oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, if desired.
- Add reheated steak slices to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in eggs. Use a spatula to gently scramble the eggs until cooked.
- Right before the eggs are finished, add cheese and let it melt into the eggs.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Cooking the steak right in with the eggs infuses them with delicious beefy flavor. Feel free to add any other ingredients you enjoy like bell peppers, mushrooms, or hot sauce!
Tips for reheating steak for steak and eggs
To get the very best results when making steak and eggs with leftover steak, keep these reheating tips in mind:
- Always reheat steak over gentle heat. High heat will dry it out.
- Cut steak against the grain before reheating for tenderest texture.
- Choose a reheating method that keeps moisture in the steak.
- Only reheat steak once for best quality.
- Season steak with a little salt, pepper, or sauce while reheating.
- Cook eggs gently to avoid tough, rubbery texture.
- Stir eggs frequently while scrambling for small, soft curds.
- Pull pan off heat just before eggs are completely set.
Following these simple guidelines will give you juicy, flavorful leftover steak and fluffy, creamy eggs. Adjust cooking times and temperatures as needed based on the amount of steak and eggs you are reheating and cooking.
Common questions about reheating steak for steak and eggs
If you are new to using leftover steak for steak and eggs, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries:
What is the best way to reheat leftover steak?
Gently simmering slices of steak in sauce, sautéing in a hot skillet, or baking in the oven are all excellent reheating methods. The key is using lower heat to prevent overcooking.
Can you reheat steak in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat leftover steak in the microwave carefully using 50% power and checking it frequently. This can make for quick reheating but may dry out the steak if over-microwaved.
Is it safe to reheat leftover steak?
As long as steak has been promptly refrigerated after cooking and is reheated to 165°F, it is safe to reheat steak that is up to 4 days old. Reheat thoroughly until hot all the way through.
How do you keep reheated steak from being dry?
Cut steak against the grain before reheating for tenderness. Use gentle heat and reheat for as short a time as possible. Add sauce or broth during reheating to keep steak moist.
What is the best cheese for steak and eggs?
Popular choices include cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, provolone, and mozzarella. Go for a cheese that melts well. Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang.
Conclusion
As you can see, reheating leftover steak to use in an amazing dish like steak and eggs is easy and delicious. Just make sure to store steak properly after initially cooking it. Then reheat the steak gently either on its own or combined into eggs or other dishes. Following the tips above helps provide you with maximum flavor and tenderness when repurposing leftover steak. Give this money-saving, waste-reducing trick a try soon and enjoy steak twice!