How to Reheat Steak?

If you have leftover steak after dinner, don’t throw it away. Leftover steak can be delicious if reheated the right way. This guide will show you how to reheat steak, so your meat remains as tasty and juicy as possible.

Listed below are the six most common ways to reheat steak:

  • Reheat the steak using the Sous Vide,
  • Reheat the steak in the oven,
  • Reheat the steak on the stovetop,
  • Reheat the steak in some broth,
  • Reheat the steak in the Air Fryer,
  • Reheat the steak in the microwave.

1. How to Reheat Steak Using The Sous Vide?

To reheat a steak using the sous vide method, place the leftover steak in a sealed zip-top bag. Then preheat your sous vide precision cooker to 120-130 degrees. When the water bath reaches that temperature, drop the bag with the steak and cook it for 45 to 60 minutes. After removing the steak from the bag, drain it decently and prepare it for searing in a pan to reclaim its crispy crust. Finally, sear the steak quickly in a pan on high heat for approximately 10-30 seconds per side.

Sous vide is an interesting method of cooking food. It involves vacuum-sealing the food and immersing it in warm water. The heat of the water gently cooks the food. The result is a juicy and warm steak with a good crust. We love this method because you can’t overcook a steak when reheating with sous vide. This is most likely the best way to reheat a steak.

2. How to Reheat Steak in The Oven?

Preheat the oven to 250°F, place the steak on a cooling rack, then place it over a baking sheet in the oven. Keep the steak in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 110°F; this will take about 20-30 minutes. To finish, sear the steak quickly on the stove to give it a crispy crust.

The method of reheating steak in the oven, then finishing on the pan is one of the most popular. By reheating slowly, the steak retains its juices and tenderness. You can remove the steak from the wire rack once done and serve immediately, or optionally sear it quickly in a pan for a superior crust. Remember that the oven’s reheating time depends on the steak’s thickness.

3. How to Reheat Steak on The Stovetop?

To reheat the steak on the stove, start by heating a pan over medium heat along with a tablespoon of olive oil. Then add the steak, reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the steak slowly heat up to the right temperature (this can take up to 10 minutes). From time to time, flip the steak and use a meat thermometer to monitor its internal temperature so it does not exceed 110°F. 

As a result, the steak may not be very juicy, but it will still be warm, tender, and flavorful. Generally, this is one of the fastest and easiest methods of reheating steak.

reheat steak on the stove
two leftover steaks in a pan on the stove

4. How to Reheat Steak in Broth?

Reheating steak in broth has one significant advantage, it is straightforward. To begin, add some broth (no matter what kind) to the pan before adding the steak, and heat the broth for 1-2 minutes until it bubbles. Then, add your steak and cook it gently on medium heat, flipping it every minute. Cook it until you think it is ready to eat. Once done, remove your steak and serve immediately.

The best thing about reheating your steak in broth is that drying it out is no danger. The flavorful broth helps retain the meat’s moisture, which means you’re less likely to end up with a rubbery, tasteless piece of meat. However, be careful not to cook it for too long, as it can still overcook, and while it may still retain its juiciness, the flavor will dissipate.

5. How to Reheat a Steak in The Air Fryer?

To reheat leftover steak in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 320°F, place the steak in the basket and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side (the reheating time will depend on the steak’s thickness). The internal temperature of the steak should read about 110°F. You can use a meat thermometer if you want to avoid overcooking. 

The air fryer is another quick and convenient way to reheat a steak. The steak will not lose as much moisture and will have a crispy crust. You don’t need to sear it additionally in the pan.

6. How to Reheat Steak in The Microwave?

If you plan to reheat a steak in the microwave, you must be careful not to dry it out too much by heating it for too long. To reduce the risk of overcooking and dryness, place the steak in a microwave-safe container and add some pan drippings or broth. Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid, then set the microwave to medium heat, and cook the steak for 30 seconds. Then flip it and cook for a further 30 seconds; do thus until the steak is warmed.

The microwave method is the fastest and worst way to reheat steak. Unfortunately, steak reheated in the microwave is overcooked, dry, chewy, and has a soggy crust.

Reheating Steak FAQs

What is The Best Way to Reheat Steak?

The best way to reheat steak is by using the sous vide method. Sous vide (low-temperature slow cooking) is a method of cooking food in which the food is vacuum-sealed and immersed in warm water. The warm water cooks food while retaining flavor and texture. It’s also an excellent way to reheat steak. Another recommended method for reheating steak is the slow oven + quick pan searing method.

Is Reheating Steak Safe?

Yes, if you kept the leftover steak in the refrigerator and did not give it a reason to spoil. It’s also important to reheat it properly using one of the many methods described. In theory, a cooked steak is sterile inside. Reheating is re-cooking, which again kills potential bacteria on the outside of the steak.

Is Reheated Steak Good?

A reheated steak can be tasty, but it will never be as good as a freshly cooked steak. Depending on the reheating method chosen, it will lose more or less of its flavor, moisture, and tenderness. 

Don’t know what to do with leftover steak? It can be an ingredient in many recipes, for example, salads, fajitas, or sandwiches. Check out our list of leftover steak ideas.

Is Leftover Steak Good Cold?

Yes, cold leftover steak is generally considered tasty. However, remember that leftovers should be stored safely in the refrigerator and eaten as soon as possible (preferably the next day after cooking).

Photo of author

Written by: Adam Wojtow

Adam Wojtow, the founder of Steak Revolution, is a true steak enthusiast. His primary goal is to help others perfect their steak-cooking skills.