You worked hard on that T-bone steak, and it’s finally time to dig in.
However, you no longer have much of an appetite—the steak starts to cool, and you need a quick way to reheat it. What do you do?
Well, if you’re like most people, your first instinct is probably to throw it back into a pan or on top of a grill. But what if there was another option? Would that pique your interest? Fortunately, a microwave can get you that same hot, juicy taste without turning on any extra burners.
But one may want to know how to reheat steak in microwave.
Simply place your steak (whole or cut) on a microwavable plate and flimsily drape it with a moist paper towel. Then, press the reheat button and nuke for 30 seconds intervals, checking and flipping every time. Continue for about 90-120 seconds until the desired temperature is reached.
Your steak will be nice and hot in no time.
Today’s article will break down these steps and provide helpful tips for reheating steak in a microwave. We’ll also cover some common questions about microwaving steak that you might have.
Let’s get started.
Is It Safe to Reheat Steak in a Microwave?
Everyone loves a succulent, juicy steak and more so when cooked just right. However, there are times when you get home late from work or other commitments only to find that your steaks have gone cold.
What do you do? Can you reheat steak safely in a microwave?
While some may be skeptical about microwaving meat, rest assured that you can safely reheat steak in a microwave. Moreover, if done correctly, you get a tender piece of steak delicious as it was fresh off the grill.
However, it is crucial to follow specific safety guidelines before doing so. Like any other meat, steak can become contaminated with harmful bacteria if not handled properly or cooked thoroughly. These bacteria can cause food poisoning, leading to serious health complications.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that you reheat cooked meat until it is steaming hot or 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that harmful bacteria are killed, and your food is safe to eat.
Similarly, make sure that you only reheat steak that has been left not more than two hours at room temperature. It’s said that temptations are stronger when hunger strikes, so don’t let it get to that point. If your stake has exceeded these time limits, throw it away.
How Long Should You Reheat Steak in Microwave?
The secret to a good steak is all about timing. If you overcook it, your steak will be dry and tough. However, if it is undercooked, bacteria can grow and cause food poisoning.
So how long should you reheat steak in the microwave?
Generally, it will take about 90 to 120 seconds to reheat your steak. The goal is to heat it thoroughly without further cooking it. Do this in short bursts of 30 seconds to maintain control over the whole process.
You can use a meat thermometer to check if your steak has reached a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Alternatively, cut into your steak and make sure there’s no pink left inside.
However, the time can vary depending on several factors. They include the size and thickness of your steak, your microwave wattage, preferred doneness, and whether frozen or thawed.
For instance, a thicker steak will take longer to heat than a thin one. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, it will take longer than if you want it well done. Also, microwaves vary in wattage, so some may cook faster than others. And finally, frozen steaks will take slightly longer than thawed ones.
Overall, it’s best to keep an eye on your steak and adjust time accordingly. When you think it’s ready, cut into it, check for doneness, or use a meat thermometer.
Tips To Reheat Steak in Microwave
When it comes to reheating steak, there are a few things you have to bear in mind. It’s easy to ruin a perfect cut of meat by simply throwing it into a microwave and hoping for the best.
The following tips will help ensure that your steak is tender and juicy when you dig in.
- If your steak is frozen, thaw it first. This will prevent you from having a dried-out piece of meat when you’re done reheating. It will also cut down on time it takes for your steak to heat through.
Thawing can be accomplished by zapping your steak in the microwave or immersing it in cold water.
- Use a microwave-safe dish. While it may seem obvious, it’s important to use a dish designed explicitly for reheating food in your microwave. This will prevent you from having melted plastic all over your steak or harmful chemicals leaching into your meal.
- You’ll want to cover your dish with a moist paper towel before popping it into your microwave. This will help keep moisture inside your steak and prevent drying out while reheating. Make sure it’s loosely covering your dish so that steam can escape avoiding an explosion.
- Reheat your steak on low power and for a short amount of time. The goal is to heat your steak, not cook it. So don’t crank up that microwave’s power setting, or you’ll end up with a tough piece of meat instead of a tender one. Use the reheat button if your microwave has one.
- Flip your steak halfway through reheating. This will help ensure that your steak heats evenly and doesn’t have a cold center or overcooked edges.
- Check your steak’s temperature before eating it. Just because you’ve reheated your steak doesn’t mean it is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your steak has reached a safe internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before digging in.
A Step by Step Process on How to Reheat Steak in the Microwave
Now that we’ve established you can reheat steak in a microwave, let’s get into how. It might seem like an easy enough task, but there are some steps you should follow.
Here is how to reheat steak in a microwave:
Step 1: Defrost your steak
The step is optional, but if you’ve frozen your steak, then it’s a good idea to thaw it before reheating. You can leave it out on a plate for 30 minutes or run cold water over it.
Step 2: Place Your Steak on a Microwave-safe Plate
You’ll want to use a microwave-safe plate or bowl. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should withstand high temperatures and not melt when you heat your steak in the microwave.
Step 3: Cover Your Steak Plate Flimsily with a Moist Paper Towel
If you don’t want your steak drying out, you must cover it with a moist paper towel. You don’t want it too wet, or it will steam and make your steak soggy. Leave some space between your plate and paper towel so that steam can escape.
Step 4: Nuke Your Steak on Low for 90-120 Seconds
Place your plate of steak in the microwave and set it to low, or use the reheat button if available. Nuke at 30-second intervals making sure to flip your steak each time so that both sides heat evenly.
It will take anywhere from 90 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on your steak thickness and how powerful your microwave is.
Step 5: Check Your Steak for Doneness and Enjoy
Once your steak is heated, check its temperature with a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature of cooked meat is 74 degrees Celsius. If it’s not done yet, put it back in for another 30 seconds. Take it out when it’s ready and serve immediately to avoid bacteria growth.
Faqs On How to Reheat Steak in Microwave
What is the best way to heat leftover steak?
There are various ways to reheat steak, each with its benefits and drawbacks. If you’re looking for a fast and easy way, consider using your microwave. An oven or stovetop can take longer but will better preserve your steak’s flavor. A skillet is a good alternative if you don’t have access to an oven or microwave.
Is it bad to microwave steak?
Microwaving is one of the safest ways to reheat steak. It’s quick, easy, and will leave your steak tasting just as good as when you first cooked it. Make sure, however, not to overcook your steak and that it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consumption.
Can you reheat steak in a frying pan?
Yes, you can reheat steak in a frying pan. Use low heat to achieve a soft texture, and make sure that your steak is not too thick; otherwise, it will take longer to cook through.
Add butter for extra flavor, then cover with foil to distribute heat evenly. Flip it periodically until cooked to the desired temperature.
Does reheating meat in the microwave make it tough?
The toughness of the meat depends on how you reheat it and not necessarily whether or not you use a microwave. Make sure that you reheat your steak at short time intervals and use low power levels. Don’t forget to cover with a moist paper towel to prevent drying out while heating.
How do you keep the meat moist while reheating in the microwave?
Wrapping your defrosted steaks loosely with a damp paper towel before reheating will help prevent moisture loss. Also, don’t microwave for too long or at too high a temperature – both can dry out the meat. Finally, rotate halfway through so that different meat parts heat up evenly.
Is it safe to reheat medium-rare steak?
It is safe to reheat medium-rare steak in the microwave, as long as you cook it thoroughly. Use a thermometer to make sure your meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating.
Should you cover food when reheating in the microwave?
First, covering promotes even heating and aids in keeping moisture inside the food so that it does not dry out during heating. Second, you must cover your food if it contains liquid or sauce that may splatter during heating. Finally, covering kills harmful bacteria by trapping steam and preventing their spread.
Closing Thoughts
Steak is a delicious, savory meal that’s enjoyed by many. But sometimes, life gets in the way, and you’re left with leftover steak you need to reheat quickly. However, if not careful, you can end up with a tough, rubbery piece of meat that’s less than appetizing.
The good news is microwaving your steak can help save time and ensure it stays tender and juicy. However, you should avoid making common mistakes, such as reheating at too high a power or for too long a time. Additionally, check on your steak often and turn it over every few seconds.
With that said, a ready-to-eat steak has an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. So make sure to use a food thermometer to check your steak’s temperature before serving. And that’s how you achieve a tender, juicy steak as delicious as it was when first cooked.
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