Is anyone else wondering how to reheat leftover steak so it at least resembles the taste it had when you made it? Or are you among the many people that say, “Leftover steak? What’s that?”
I get it. Who has leftover steak? The truth is, it happens. And some people even plan for it.
I researched three common methods, and in this article, you can decide if one of them will work for you. All claim their way will produce a great-tasting steak if done the way they tell you to do it.
Let’s face it, steak is one of the best meats out there when it’s cooked right, but not so much when it’s dry or overdone. Unless, of course, that’s the way you like it. But for the rest of us, finding the best way to reheat our leftover steak is the goal.
Table of Contents
How to Reheat Leftover Steak
| There really are several ways to reheat a steak without drying it out and making it tough to chew. For starters, let your meat get to room temperature. Once you decide on the method you will use, just follow a few steps. If pan searing, let your cast iron skillet get hot first, and then add your steak. If heating it in the oven and finishing with a quick sear, set your oven at a low temperature (200-250 degrees) and preheat your skillet. Lastly, if reheating your steak in a microwave, add some type of liquid and warm it on a medium setting. |
Does Everyone Like Steak?
Not everyone likes steak. I’ve met a few people who don’t. Until recently, I was one of those people. Growing up, the few times my mom made steak, she cooked it the way my dad liked it–very well done. It was tough, dry, and tasteless, and as a child, I could never swallow it. The meat just stayed in my mouth for what seemed like hours.
As an adult, I assumed I didn’t like steak. I also thought my choices were bloody or dry and tasteless. The sight of my husband’s steak when he made one made me feel ill (he likes his rare). Until I finally tried a steak that was cooked medium. It was tender and juicy, and had a delicious flavor.
Recently, I learned how to sear, and that has taken steak to a new level.
But back to reheating the leftovers.
The Best Method Will Include Cast Iron
According to Kitchn, cast iron is the best way to reheat any leftover meat. They find this method the best way to preserve the meat’s flavor and “even adds new layers of flavor with all that searing action.”
They suggest undercooking a portion of the meat with leftovers in mind. That way when you reheat it, you allow for it to cook a little more and still have your meat the way you want it.
Of course, this will take some forethought and intentionality. It’s saying that you intend to have leftover meat so you can have it for another meal. But, that’s not always the case with leftover steak; sometimes it just happens
A favorite way to make steak is to sear it in cast iron. So it makes sense that you would reheat the leftovers the same way.
Pan Searing on the Stove is a Favorite Method
According to The Bearded Butchers, steak is “one of the more troublesome things to reheat. It has a tendency to lose flavor, dry out quickly, and become tough to chew.”
I had to laugh when I read that because it sounded just like the way my mom made steak on purpose.
However, the majority of people don’t like their steak that way. So, here is how to reheat it and have that seared flavor on the outside while keeping it juicy and flavorful on the inside, just like you made it to begin with:
- Set out the leftover steak 30 minutes before reheating to allow it to get to room temperature.
- Preheat your skillet on medium-high heat and let the pan get hot.
- If you’re reheating a more fatty steak, you won’t need to add any oil to the pan. Otherwise, add a bit of fat or oil before heating the steak.
- Place the steak in the pan and sear each side for 1-2 minutes.
- If you are using a meat thermometer, look for an internal temperature of 130 degrees. However, using a thermometer is not necessary.
The Oven and Sear Method Takes the Longest
Another method is to slowly heat your steak in the oven before searing it on the stove. This way takes longer, but according to The Bearded Butchers, it is the best way:
- Preheat the oven to 200 or 250 degrees.
- Place the steak on a rack over a cookie sheet and put it in the oven for 20-30 minutes.
- If you are using a meat thermometer, you are looking for an internal temperature of 110 degrees.
- Remove the steak from the oven and finish reheating it in a pre-heated cast iron skillet on the stove (medium-high).
- Only add a little oil to the pan if your steak doesn’t have much fat.
- Sear on each side quickly and look for an internal temperature of 130 degrees if using a thermometer.
Sometimes Your Only Option is the Microwave
If you associate the microwave with dry and tough steak, don’t count it out just yet! According to Taste of Home, with a few simple tips, your steak will still be juicy:
- Put your steak in a deep microwave-safe dish.
- Add some gravy, meat juices, or beef broth.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Cook on medium heat for 90 seconds, turning the steak every 30 seconds.
Another Idea for Leftover Steak
Have you considered finding another way to use that leftover steak? What about cutting up the meat and making another meal out of it? I’m thinking in a salad or stirfry would both be good choices. Steak sandwiches might sound good. Or how about Steak Fried RYY? I must admit, it looks pretty tasty!
Steak Fried RYY (best way to use leftover steak!)
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it! Three different methods for reheating leftover steak.
To be honest, I haven’t had leftover steak yet. And if I ever do, I will probably use the pan searing method. It’s what makes the most sense to me. I also would cut up the meat and use in another meal. In fact, I may plan to have leftovers next time I make steak!
I hope you have found this article on how to reheat leftover steak to be helpful in some way. Please feel free to leave a comment below with any thoughts or questions.
And if you are looking to get a cast iron skillet to help with your reheating, check out my Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet Review.