Many people encounter the problem of dryness when they reheat steak in microwave. Avoid doing it in the wrong way, here is what you need to know about the heating process for steak that has already been cooked.
How do you reheat steak in the microwave? To reheat steak in a microwave, place it on a microwave safe place and nuke for 1 minute. Flip the steak over and continue reheating for another minute or until the internal temperature of the steak reaches 74°C or 165°F.
The leftover steak was delicious when it was first prepared, so if you do not want it to go to waste then you can reheat it without making it dry, bland and tasteless. The process begins with proper storage in the refrigerator, but if you reheat it in the wrong way the steak will dry out and become chewy.
This article covers everything you need to know about using a microwave to heat steak. Covered below are the answers to frequently asked questions, microwave tips and also the best way to reheat steak in a microwave.
Can you reheat steak in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat steak in the microwave oven. Use a microwave safe plate and nuke on reheat setting for about 2 minutes until the steak reaches an internal temperature of 74°C or 165°F.
We all know that reheating steak in the microwave oven is the simplest and quickest option available. However, you will have to know some tips regarding the process so that you avoid overcooking the meat.
It is recommended to not reheat it for a long time as more time spend in the microwave will eventually make the steak dry out and become bland. If you overcook the meat, then it will be stiff, chewy and lose its flavor.
There are many methods to reheat steak, but microwaving is by far the quickest option.
Is it safe to reheat steak in the microwave?
Reheating steak in the microwave is safe if you follow a few necessary precautions. Steak is a perishable food that must be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking and should be reheated to an internal temperature of 74°C or 165°F before serving.
Improper food handling and food safety practices can lead to rapid bacteria growth, and the microorganisms multiplying on the steak could lead to potential food borne illness
When using a microwave oven, then follow the necessary methods and useful tips as reheating it in the wrong way can make the food potentially hazardous.
Adjusting the power setting of the microwave oven is an important step. A medium power level or reheat setting in the microwave is preferred as this will safely warm the meat without completely overcooking.
How long do you reheat steak in the microwave?
Reheat steak in the microwave for 1½ to 2 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C or 165°F. The goal is to warm the steak throughout without completely overcooking it.
The timing is very much an essential factor to follow. You should not put steak, or any kinds of food items for that matter, in the microwave oven for too long of a time.
Exceeding the recommendedtiming will make the steak dry and rubbery. So, adjust the microwave power level to reheat and set the timing at a minute and add 30 second increments until the steak is heated.
Overall, the timing will vary based on the size of the steak, number of pieces and wattage of the microwave appliance. Keep a watchful eye on the heating process and use short time durations to check back on the doneness every 30 seconds.
How do you know when steak is reheated in the microwave?
Reheated steak will be tender, soft, steaming and give the aroma of cooked meat. However, the internal temperature must register 74°C or 165°F for the steak to be safely reheated.
It is recommended to use short microwave intervals in order to check back frequently to best determine the doneness. Flip the steak over after each timespan to promote even heating on both sides.
In this way, reheat steak in the microwave oven easily and quickly. There is no need to light up the gas range and spend too much time reheating leftover steak, simply reheat steak in the microwave oven without spending much time at all.
How to Store Cooked Steak
According to the USDA, leftover steak is a perishable food that must be handled safely. Food safety guidelines recommend that leftover steak cooled and stored below 40°F within 2 hours of being cooked.
The meat should be properly cooled before storing in cold storage. If not, condensation will built up and cause the meat to become soggy with liquid.
It is unsafe to leave the cooked steak at room temperature, or in the temperature danger zone of 40°F to 140°F, for longer than 2 hours. Food borne bacteria thrive in this range and will multiply quickly causing a potentially hazardous condition.
Cooked steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days when kept in an airtight container. Sealing the steak and preventing air exposure will enhance the shelf life of the cooked steak.
If you do not have an airtight container, then wrap it with heavy-duty aluminum foil, cover with plastic wrap or place it in a ziploc bag. Covering is key to proper storage so the reheated steak tastes great when you microwave it.
Do not just place in the fridge unprotected. If the steak is left uncovered, it will dry out and absorb flavors from within the fridge
If the cooked steak is stored the right way, it will maintain its taste, texture and quality. As a result, it can be safely reheated in a microwave for a quick and easy meal prep.
Tips to reheat steak in the microwave:
Successfully reheating steak in the microwave is easy, but a few techniques will greatly improve the outcome. Start with proper storage to preserve the quality of the meat, then follow these tips for the best results.
Here are microwave tips to reheat steak in the microwave oven:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl or plate to reheat the steak.
- Use the reheat setting on the microwave.
- Place a damp paper towel or microwave cover over the meat to make it moist and tender.
- Nuke for 2 minutes when reheating.
- Flip the steak over on the other side at the halfway timer.
- A microwave crisper pan will give a crust to the steak when reheating.
- Do not overheat the steak as the doneness will change, especially if it was originally served medium-rare.
Best way to reheat steak in the microwave:
If the cooked steak is stored properly in an airtight container inside the fridge, the freshness will be maintained for easy reheating in a microwave. Proper storage is key to get quality results when it comes time to reheat the meat.
The best way to reheat steak in the microwave oven is easily achievable by following some basic tips:
- Allow the steak to come to room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes before reheating.
- Place the cooked steak on a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the meat moist and tender.
- Use the rebate setting in the microwave.
- Nuke for a minute.
- Flip the steak over and continue reheating for 30 second intervals until the internal temperature reaches 74°C or 165°F.
- Try not to overheat the steak when reheating otherwise it may make the steak dry and tasteless.
Microwave Reheating Steak: Final Thoughts
Leftover steak is a delicacy that is worth savoring, there is no need to throw it away. These are some techniques that you need to follow if you want to reheat a steak in the microwave oven.
Start by storing the steak properly so that the quality is maintained as best as possible. Cool the steak and refrigerate in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
When its time to reheat the steak, let it come to room temperature for 10 minutes or so before microwaving. This way the temperature transition is minimized and the steak doesn’t have to start off cold.
Use a microwaveable plate, glass and ceramic dishes are typically microwave safe materials. It is advisable to stay away from plastic plates when reheating steak in the microwave as the plastic may melt when coming in contact with the fat drippings.
Set the microwave power level at medium heat or use the reheat setting to reheat steak. Using high temperature setting may cause the meat to overcook quickly
Microwave for a minute, flip the steak over, and continue nuking for 30 second increments until the internal temperature gets to 74°C or 165°F. In general, it should take about 2 minutes in total.
If the steak is microwaved for too long then it will dry out and become extremely tough to chew. So, controlling the temperature and using the microwave tips shared above will give you the best results when it comes time to reheat the steak in a microwave.