A garnished steak cooking over a grill

How to reheat steak: 3 different methods

It's rare to have leftovers when a juicy steak is on the menu, but in case your family is feeling full or you want to meal prep for the week, the proper reheating methods are important. Read this helpful guide to heating up leftover steak without drying it out, so you can enjoy it the next day or repurpose it for another meal.

Can you reheat steak?

Yes, you can reheat steak. The best way to reheat steak depends on the size and thickness. For a juicy and tender result, reheat thicker cuts of steak similar to reverse searing—slowly warming your steak in the oven and finishing the process in a cast iron skillet on the stovetop. This results in a juicy and crisp steak. Smaller cut pieces—like steak strips or chunks—can be warmed quickly in a pan on the stovetop.

How to reheat steak in the oven

This simple reheating guide can help retain the juicy flavors locked into your steak from its first sear. Enjoy reheated leftover steak in multiple ways to add variety to your family dinners, and make meal prep a breeze.

Yields
  • 1 steak

Ingredients
  • Preferred neutral cooking oil (i.e.: canola or vegetable oil)

Tools
Reheat time
  • 30 minutes

     

Total time
  • 60 minutes

Person pulling ingredients from a fridge

Step 1: Remove steak from fridge

Place an oven-safe cooling rack on a baking sheet. Pull your steak from the refrigerator, place it on the  cooling rack and let it sit until it reaches room temperature, which may roughly take 30 minutes.The cooling rack helps your steak warm evenly in the oven so you don’t have to flip it.

Hand making a preheat selection on the oven

Step 2: Preheat

Set your oven to 250°F. This is a low, gentle setting that helps your steak retain its juices.

Dish heating in the oven under hot coils

Step 3: Warm up in the oven

Put the baking sheet in the oven and heat for 20-30 minutes. Start on the next step with a few minutes left on your oven timer.

Pan seared steak in a cast iron skillet with garnish

Step 4: Sear on the stovetop

In a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, add a few tablespoons of oil until it is nearly smoking. Remove the steak from the oven and place it in the skillet. Sear your steak for about 1 minute on each side, until the edges are crisp. Use a meat thermometer to monitor when the outer ¼ inch of the steak reaches 165°F, which indicates that it is finished.

Thinly sliced steak pieces in a skillet garnished with a lemon wedge

Step 5: Cool and serve

Cool for about 5-6 minutes before cutting and serving.

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How to reheat steak in an air fryer

To reheat steak in an air fryer, preheat to 350°F and place the steak directly into the basket. Depending on the thickness of the steak you can cook it for up to 5 minutes. Check your steak with a meat thermometer to ensure the inside is fully warmed. Your steak should be done when it reaches 100°-110°F.

Using a Whirlpool® Range with Air Fry is a great way to reheat steak without overcooking, reviving its flavor in the process.

How to reheat steak in the microwave

Place your steak on a microwave-safe dish with a damp paper towel loosely over it. Adjust your microwave settings to medium heat or 50% power and cook in 30-second increments, flipping your steak in between those increments. Do this for 90 seconds to 2 minutes.

The exact time for reheating steak in the microwave depends on the thickness of your steak, the wattage of your microwave and how well done you wish your steak to be. This method requires a little more effort in order to prevent drying out your steak.

How do you reheat steak without overcooking or drying it out?

The oven-to-stovetop method is a good way to avoid overcooking or drying out your leftover steak. Start by warming your steak in the oven at a low temperature and then briefly sear it on the stovetop for a minute on each side. This will help keep your steak juicy and crisp for you to enjoy the second time around.

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Enjoy more time with your loved ones with innovative appliances that take care of the work for you. With features on select models like Air Fry and Convection capabilities, Whirlpool® Ranges help take care of dinner so you can take care of the things that matter most. Explore Whirlpool® Ranges that meet the needs of your home and family. The right range from Whirlpool brand is just a click away.

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