{"id":6301,"date":"2022-09-29T15:46:44","date_gmt":"2022-09-29T15:46:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/?p=6301"},"modified":"2023-09-21T16:37:31","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T16:37:31","slug":"how-long-does-cooked-steak-last-in-the-fridge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/how-long-does-cooked-steak-last-in-the-fridge\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does Cooked Steak Last in the Fridge? (Complete Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cooked steak will stay good in your refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. <\/strong>If you need to store it longer, stick it in the freezer, where it will be safe to eat indefinitely but should be eaten within 3 or 4 months for best quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In culinary school, we covered how long food can be safely stored. We also talked about identifying spoiled meat and best storage practices. I\u2019m filling you in on everything I learned!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, I will detail the best ways to preserve your leftover steak and reheat cooked steak<\/a> that has been in the fridge. Let’s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n

\"How<\/figure>\n\n\n

How Long Does Cooked Steak Last in the Fridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Cooked Steak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cooked steak can last for 3 – 4 days in the fridge<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After 4 days, the chances of undetectable bacterial growth are high. This poses a health risk to you and your family. If your steaks have been in the fridge for over 4 days, your best bet is to dump them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, beyond five days at 40\u00b0F, the leftover steak will have a slightly off smell. Any off odor is your nose telling you that the meat is starting to go bad. Even if it doesn’t smell, steak that\u2019s getting long in the tooth can cause food-borne illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raw Steak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Raw steak behaves in much the same way as cooked beef. It will last a maximum of 5 days in the fridge.<\/strong> When you get home from the grocery store, you should place all meat in the refrigerator or freezer before dealing with your other groceries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The longer raw steak sits out at room temperature, the more chance bacteria have to grow and proliferate on the meat. Do not let raw meat sit on the counter at room temperature for longer than 2 hours<\/a> or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90\u00b0F.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Raw<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

What is the Safest Way to Store Cooked Steak?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Store It Immediately<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cooked steak and cooked meat, in general, contain a wealth of microbes. The longer this food sits out at room temperature, the more these pathogens proliferate. This is what spoils your food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food sitting at room temperature is at the optimal temperature to facilitate microbial activity. <\/strong>Don\u2019t let the meat sit out any longer than necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As soon as you are done with the meal, get in the habit of packing up your food and storing it in the fridge or freezer. The longer the cooked steak sits at room temperature, the greater the amount of bacteria growth on the steak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monitor Temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Check your fridge. The temperature should be set to 40\u00b0F or below.<\/strong> Store cooked steak at this temperature as soon as you can. At this temperature, cooked steak can last 3 to 4 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The USDA recommends<\/a> a temperature of 40\u00b0F or lower as the optimal temperature to store leftover cooked steak in the fridge. At this temperature, microbial activity slows down significantly, allowing the cooked steak to remain safe for consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use Airtight Containers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How you store leftover steak will affect how long and how well your steak lasts in the fridge. The most important factor apart from temperature is air-tight containment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you choose to use a Ziploc freezer bag, plastic wrap, or freezer paper, ensure you are using an airtight container.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air is the enemy of fresh food. <\/strong>Once air enters the packaging, it will facilitate microbial activity, and the bacteria in the meat will continue to grow and reproduce, spoiling the leftover food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An airtight container will keep the food sealed and air out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Best Way to Keep Steak Cold?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best way to keep steak cold is to refrigerate or freeze it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n