How to Reheat Steak (The Best Way!)

Need to learn how to reheat steak for the first time? For the best results, here are 3 methods for your steak leftovers that result in a perfect reheat. With a little bit of patience, you’ll be enjoying it as if it just game off of the grill or out of the oven that day!

Garlic herb butter is melted on top of a steak.

How to Store Leftover Steak

In order for an easy reheating process, let’s quickly learn how to store your steak the right way. You’ll want to wrap it tightly using 1 of 3 methods:

Vacuum-sealed bag
Airtight container
Plastic wrap

The purpose of these methods is to ensure that no air will penetrate your steak. For extra measures, you can brush your steak with olive oil before storing it to hold in extra moisture.

How to Reheat Steak in the Oven

When reheating steak in the oven, you’ll need a cooling rack, baking sheet, and some aluminum foil to lock in moisture. For an extra moist leftover steak, finishing it off in a skillet after it’s heated through will give it that same juicy flavor with an extra crispy crust.

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Let your steak reach room temperature (at least 30 minutes).
Preheat your oven to 250°F.
Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet.
Put your leftover steak on the wire rack and loosely cover with aluminum foil.
Place your steak in the middle oven rack and heat until the internal temperature is 100-110°F (usually 20-30 minutes).
Heat a skillet to medium-high heat with butter or oil.
Once the skillet is hot, add the steak and sear it for a minute on each side.

A white plate is full of steak and potatoes for a quick dinner.

How to Reheat Steak on the Stove

With the stovetop, you’ll be using a simple sear method. In less than 10 minutes after your steak reaches room temperature, you can achieve perfectly seared and juicy steak with only a hot skillet and butter or little oil.

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	4 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Let your steak reach room temperature (at least 30 minutes).
Heat 1T olive oil or 1T butter in a medium-high heat skillet.
Place your steak on the hot skilled for 1-2 minutes.
Flip your steak and cook for 1-2 minutes on the other side.

How to Reheat Steak in the Microwave

The microwave method is easy, but it should be your last resort. It’s not the best option because it will quickly dry out your steak if it’s in there for too long. But, if you’re not wanting to wait it out with the oven or stovetop method, then this will be the quickest way.

Prep Time	30 minutes (optional)
Cook Time	3 minutes
Total Time	3 – 33 minutes

Let your steak reach room temperature (at least 30 minutes). This step is optional for this method.
Place your steak in a microwave-safe dish.
Place a damp paper towel over your steak.
- Optional: pour all extra steak juices on top, or whip up a quick steak sauce or thin gravy.
Cover your dish with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid to lock in moisture.
At a low or medium heat, heat your leftover steak in 30-second intervals, checking the internal temperature often with a meat thermometer until it reaches 110°F.

Perfectly cooked and flavorful steak from the air fryer.

How to Reheat Steak in the Air Fryer

The nice thing about the air fryer is that you don’t need to let your steak reach room temperature. Your steak will heat up quickly compared to a hot pan because of the hot air that circulates around the whole steak. You won’t even need to sear it on a pan afterwards because it crisps up in the air fryer!

Prep Time	2 minutes
Cook Time	5 minutes
Total Time	7 minutes

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
Place your steak in the air fryer basket.
Once your steak reaches an internal temperature of 110°F, take it out.
- Depending on the thickness of your steak, know that it takes 3-5 minutes per inch of thickness to have a juicy, evenly warmed reheated steak.
Let your steak rest before cutting into it.

How to Reheat Steak with the Faux Sous Vide Method

A sous vide method is not as common when it comes to reheating steaks, but it can be done! With a plastic bag submerged in water, your steak can reach it’s former doneness when you first ate it. This provides an even warming throughout your steak, no matter the thickness, and prevents it from drying out.

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	8 minutes
Total Time	38 minutes

Let your steak reach room temperature (at least 30 minutes).
Place your steak in a heat-safe bag.
Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing the bag.
Bring a pot of water to medium-low heat but not boiling (no more than 140°F).
Use tongs to place the steak bag in the water, and don’t let it touch the sides or bottom of the pot.
Keep it in the water until it’s warmed through. Depending on the thickness of your steak, this can take anywhere from 5-8 minutes of fully submerging your steak bag.
Give it a quick sear in a skillet if you like!

Tips for Reheating Steak

If your steak is already sliced, consider eating it cold in a wrap or sandwich because you won’t be able to keep the steak doneness the same.
Always use an instant-read thermometer to know the internal temperature of your steak. Check out this Steak Temperature and Doneness Guide for all the tips.
Don’t reheat your leftover steak straight from the fridge. Allow it to come to room temperature for an even cook.
Reheating your steak at a low temperature allows you to control the process, preventing a dry, rubbery steak.

Sliced steak is served with mashed potatoes.

Steak FAQ

How do you reheat a steak and keep it moist?

The best methods for a next-day, juicy steak include the oven for 20-30 minutes at a low heat of 100°F or in a hot skillet with butter or little oil for 1-2 minutes on each side.

Can you reheat steak and keep it medium rare?

Yes, as long as you slowly cook your steak the second time in the oven at 100°F and raise the temperature over time until it’s medium rare, or put it on your grill at 125°F for a sear on each side.

Is it safe to reheat steak in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat steak in the microwave, but pour some kind of liquid (extra sauce, gravy, dressings, steak sauce) over the top to prevent it from drying out.

Can you reheat steak without drying it out?

Reheat steak using a low and slow heat from the grill or oven to prevent dryness.