How to Reheat Steak so It’s Tender and Juicy

Does the thought of asking Siri how to reheat steak make you cringe? If you need to turn up the heat on a piece of meat, then learning how to reheat leftover steak properly is a must. While reheating meat can have its downsides, knowing the top tips and tricks of how to reheat steak without drying it out can make your day-old dinner taste like it’s fresh off the grill. 

Best Way to Reheat Steak

If time is not an issue, then the best way to reheat a steak is in the oven. The mistake that typically happens — especially when you’re in a hurry — is that you heat up your steak quickly, rather than letting it warm up slowly. “Reheating your steak in the oven is the most foolproof method to ensure your leftovers are as flavorful and tender as they were the night before,” says Courtney Rada, chef and host of Carnivorous on Genius Kitchen. 

Before you tackle this method, make sure you allow yourself enough time to figure out how to reheat grilled steak. Reheating your steak in the oven takes about 20 minutes (more on exactly how below). Plus, you need to sear it in a skillet over high heat for one to two minutes before serving. But the good news is, if you learn how to reheat cooked steak this way, you will have meat that is moist and full of flavor. 

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How to Reheat Steak in the Microwave

Cooking with a microwave is not necessarily the ideal method for reheating steak. But if you need to use a  time-saving technique, consider these tips from Rada, who is an expert when it comes to knowing how to reheat steak without overcooking it and how to reheat steak without drying it out. 

“If you’re cooking at home, make sure to save your juices from the night before, as these will be the key ingredient for making tomorrow’s leftovers taste as good as new,” explains Rada. The key here, she says, is to add as much moisture as you can back into the dish to keep your steak from turning into a hockey puck. Here, she shows us in four easy steps how to reheat steak in the microwave. 

1. Place the cold steak in a deep, microwave-safe dish.
2. Drizzle your meat with some leftover steak juices (or whatever your preferred steak sauce of choice may be).
3. Cover the steak with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
4. Microwave the steak on low to medium power in 30-second increments until your steak reaches desired temperature.

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How to Reheat Steak in the Oven

Reheating steak in the oven is the smart way to go — especially if you like steak that is moist, juicy, and bursting with flavor. With that said, the trick to heating it up without drying it out is to plan ahead. Since reheating steak in the oven takes longer than the stove or microwave, make sure your dinner plans include some extra prep work and time. 

In addition to being the top choice for retaining flavor, the oven method is also the gold standard when you have specific cuts of steak. For example, if you’re wondering how to reheat ribeye steak, many experts will tell you the oven is their first choice.  

Since Rada’s method is simple and straightforward, it should take you very little time to learn to heat up a perfect piece of meat slowly. Here’s how to reheat steak in the oven in seven easy steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Get a baking dish and place a sturdy wire rack inside of the baking dish. 
3. Place your leftover steaks on top of the wire rack and place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
4. Cook the steaks until the internal temperature reaches about 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. In general, this takes about 20 minutes.
5. Heat up a skillet with a small amount of butter or oil (or large amount if you’re feeling extra decadent).
6. Remove the steaks from the oven and place them directly into the heated pan.
7. Sear the steaks on each side until browned. This should be about one minute on each side.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

How to Reheat Steak on the Stove

Do you want your next-day steak to cut and slice like it did the night before? If so, Rada says learning how to reheat steak on the stove might just be the best method for you. She also believes that using this “sous vide” method of reheating leftovers is sure to get your filet back to its tender glory. Here, she goes over the basic steps you need to know about how to reheat steak on the stove.

1. Allow enough time for your meat to come to room temperature. When discussing how to reheat cooked steak, Rada says about 30 minutes outside of the fridge should do the trick.
2. Bring a pot of water to a low heat (about 130 degrees Fahrenheit). 
3. Place your leftover steak in an airtight freezer bag.
4. Immerse your freezer bag (with the steak in it) in the warmed pot. Make sure the steak is not leaning up against the edge of the pot.
5. Cook the steak until the meat is warmed through. This should take about five minutes. 
6. Sear the steak on a warmed skillet with a small amount of butter or oil. This gives your steak the perfect charred exterior.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

There you have it: Three straightforward, no-fuss methods for reheating last night’s steak dinner. Just grab your favorite wine and reheat a handful of crispy French fries or a leftover baked potato, and you have a mouthwatering meal ready to go! And now that you know the expert tips for keeping your steak tender and full of flavor, you’ll never have to worry about tossing out a prime cut of ribeye again. 

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