Reheating steak can be tricky. If not done properly, reheated steak can end up dry, chewy, and lacking in flavor. The good news is that with the right techniques, you can reheat steak and maintain its tenderness and juiciness. Here are some of the best methods for reheating steak using common kitchen appliances.
Reheating Steak in the Microwave
The microwave provides a quick and convenient way to reheat steak. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cut the steak into smaller, thinner pieces before reheating. This exposes more surface area and allows the steak to heat faster. Large, thick steaks don’t reheat well in the microwave.
- Arrange the sliced steak on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding.
- Cover the plate loosely with a paper towel or microwave splatter guard. This prevents moisture loss.
- Microwave on HIGH power in 30 second intervals until heated through, flipping and redistributing the pieces halfway through. Check for doneness.
- Allow the steak to rest for a minute or two after microwaving. This allows the temperature to equilibrate.
- Avoid overcooking the steak. Reheated steak can go from just right to dried out quickly in the microwave.
- For added moisture, add a pat of butter on top of the steak before microwaving. The melting butter bastes the steak during reheating.
How long should I microwave steak to reheat it?
- Thin sliced steak (less than 1/2 inch thick) – 45 seconds to 1 minute
- Thicker sliced steak (1/2 to 1 inch thick) – 1 to 2 minutes
- Take care not to overcook the steak. Check it frequently.
How can I keep the steak moist in the microwave?
- Slice steak thinly before reheating
- Cover with a paper towel or splatter guard
- Use short 30 second intervals, flip halfway
- Let it rest after microwaving
- Brush with butter before reheating
Reheating Steak in the Oven
The oven allows you to reheat steak to piping hot temperatures while keeping it nice and juicy. Here are some tips:
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Use a lower temperature to ensure even gentle heating.
- Place steak on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. The rack prevents steaming.
- Sprinkle steak lightly with water or beef broth before reheating. This adds moisture.
- Cover steak loosely with aluminum foil. This traps in steam and moisture.
- Heat steak for 10-15 minutes until hot throughout. Check it periodically.
- Avoid overcooking. Pull it out once it’s fully heated.
- Let steak rest for 5-10 minutes after reheating. This allows juices to redistribute.
What temperature should I reheat steak at in the oven?
- 250°F to 300°F is ideal. This slower, gentler heat prevents the steak from drying out.
Should I put water or broth on the steak before reheating it?
- Yes, adding a small amount of liquid provides added moisture and prevents the steak from drying out in the oven.
Reheating Steak in the Toaster Oven
A toaster oven provides quick, convenient reheating while browning the exterior:
- Preheat toaster oven to 350°F.
- Place steak on wire rack set on baking pan or directly on rack.
- Cook for 8-12 minutes until heated through. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Optional: Brush steak lightly with oil or butter before reheating for enhanced browning and flavor.
- Let steak rest 5 minutes after reheating for juicier results.
What rack position should I use to reheat steak in a toaster oven?
- Place the steak on the middle rack position so it’s closer to the heating elements. This allows efficient, quick reheating.
Should I preheat my toaster oven before reheating steak?
- Yes, always preheat the toaster oven fully before reheating steak. This ensures the steak reheats quickly and evenly.
Reheating Steak on the Grill
The grill allows you to reheat steak quickly while adding great seared flavor:
- Heat grill on high heat. Clean grates thoroughly first.
- Rub a little oil on the steak to prevent sticking.
- Place steak directly over heat. Sear 1-2 minutes per side.
- Move steak to indirect heat, close lid, and grill for 4-8 minutes until desired doneness. Check frequently.
- Optionally, brush with sauce or rub with spices/herbs right before searing for extra flavor.
- Let steak rest 5 minutes off heat before cutting to maximize juiciness.
How long should I sear steak on each side when reheating on the grill?
- 1 to 2 minutes per side over direct high heat is sufficient to get a nice sear.
Is it necessary to let steak rest after reheating on the grill?
- Yes, letting it rest allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier steak.
Q&A
Q: How do I know when reheated steak is fully warmed through?
A: Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Steak should reach 145°F when reheated. Slice into the thickest part of the steak to test doneness after reheating.
Q: Can I reheat steak directly from the refrigerator or should I let it come to room temperature first?
A: It’s best to reheat steak from refrigerated temperatures. Letting it sit out risks bacterial growth. Go straight from fridge to microwave, oven, or grill.
Q: Is reheated steak as healthy as fresh steak?
A: Yes, reheating does not significantly change the nutritional value or health benefits of steak. Just be careful not to overcook it when reheating, which can make it tougher.
Tips
- Cut steak into smaller pieces before reheating for faster, more even heating.
- Use a lower heat setting and reheat steak slowly to avoid toughening the proteins.
- Let reheated steak rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Add a pat of butter or brush with oil while reheating for added moisture and flavor.
- Don’t microwave steak too long. Check it frequently as it can overcook quickly.
Recipes
Reheated Grilled Steak Tacos
- Slice grilled steak thinly and reheat in a hot skillet with taco seasoning and sliced onions.
- Serve in warm corn tortillas with pico de gallo, avocado, and queso fresco.
Steak Salad with Warmed Dressing
- Slice grilled steak and assemble on a bed of mixed greens.
- Reheat balsamic vinaigrette dressing in the microwave or small pot.
- Pour heated dressing over salad just before serving.
Warm Steak Sandwiches
- Reheat sliced steaks in au jus gravy on the stovetop or oven.
- Pile reheated steak onto hoagie rolls topped with sautéed peppers and melted provolone cheese.
Here are some specific model recommendations for reheating steak:
Microwaves:
- Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven
- Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S
- Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave Oven
- Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL 1800W Microwave
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven
Ovens:
- GE JB650SKSS 30″ Electric Double Oven
- Bosch Benchmark Series HBL5351UC 30″ Electric Double Oven
- LG LDE4415ST Double Electric Wall Oven
- Frigidaire 30″ Electric Double Wall Oven FGET2765PF
- Whirlpool WOD77EC0HZ Double Electric Wall Oven
Toaster Ovens:
- Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven TOB-260N1
- Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro
- Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P Toaster Oven
- KitchenAid 12″ Digital Convection Toaster Oven KCO273SS
- Hamilton Beach 31401 Toaster Oven
Grills:
- Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
- Napoleon Rogue 425 Propane Gas Grill
- Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Cart Gas Grill
- Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D Smart Space Living 3-Burner LP Gas Grill
- George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill GFO240S
Reheating steak properly ensures you can enjoy a tender, flavorful steak meal even with leftovers. Follow these appliance-specific tips for reheating success.
