If you’re lucky to have a grill this summer, having tips for grilling and finding cheap cuts of beef is essential. Leftover steak from a backyard bash can be reheated in various ways to prevent it from drying out. The author, who spends most of their days testing meal kits and meat subscriptions, shares their skills in reheating food. Reheating noodles, rice, or pizza is relatively easy, but reheating a steak can be tricky. It is important to cook the steak correctly the first time to ensure it tastes great when reheated the next day.
The author tested three methods for reheating a grass-fed rib eye steak that had been cooked to medium rare the night before. The methods included using a cast-iron skillet, an air fryer, and an air fryer wrapped in aluminum foil. The key to reheating steak is to allow it to come to room temperature before reheating to ensure it warms through faster without overcooking. The first method, using a cast-iron skillet, resulted in a perfectly reheated medium rare steak with an enhanced crust. The second method, using an air fryer on the bake setting, also produced tender and juicy meat without the crust enhancement.
The third method involved wrapping the steak in aluminum foil before reheating it in the air fryer. This method resulted in a slightly tougher steak with a diminished crust, likely due to steam building up inside the foil. Reheating steak the same way it was originally cooked, such as in a cast-iron skillet or on a grill, is the best way to achieve juicy results with an enhanced crust. While using a cast-iron skillet may be messier, it produces the best reheated steak. Cleaning an air fryer after reheating steak is much easier than cleaning a cast-iron skillet.
Avoid reheating steak in the microwave as it will dry out the meat and heat it unevenly. The USDA recommends consuming cooked beef within three to four days if kept refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less. To ensure the steak is easier to reheat without drying out, consider cooking it less on the first cook. Using a sneaky trick professional chefs use to determine steak doneness and slicing it thinly with a sharp knife can help improve the texture if the steak is overcooked. Taking these tips into account can help make the most of leftover steak and enjoy it again the next day.
