You've Been Reheating Steak Wrong Your Whole Life

Reheating your steak the next day should not toughen it or dry it out, but if it does, it's probably because you're doing it wrong. Many foods taste better the day after their cooking because chemical reactions continue to occur as it stands overnight. According to the Institute of Food Technologists, proteins degrade, releasing acids that alter and enhance the taste. That wedge of carnivorous elixir from yesterday's barbecue is no exception — except if in an attempt to reheat it, the result is a morsel akin to leather rather than steak.

The truth is most techniques for reheating steaks cause them to lose moisture. This is the biggest mistake you can make when it comes to keeping your steak from drying out and becoming tough, which often happens when rushing the process (per My Chicago Steak). As such, lower temperatures work best for reheating steaks, irrespective of the method.

The microwave is the go-to kitchen appliance calling for minimal effort and quick results. It is possible to reheat a steak in a microwave oven without drying it out, but it will have to be done in 30-second bursts at a medium temperature with a damp piece of kitchen paper towel covering the meat (per All Recipes).

The stove also works, but it will require low heat with a bit of oil and some butter. According to Steak Revolution, just cover the steak with a lid and flip it every minute. The oven method, on the other hand, requires preheating to about 275 degrees Fahrenheit, a cooling grid, a baking sheet, and 20 minutes of cooking time (via Delish).

Last but not least is the sous vide method. It allows for even cooking throughout the meat using a resealable bag and hot water. Unlike boiling, none of the flavor is lost in the water. Not only is the sous vide the king of even and slow cooking, but it also makes for a great method of reheating steaks. Raise the water temperature to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, submerge the plastic for five minutes, and you will have a perfectly warmed steak no drier than when you first cooked it (via Tasting Table). Unlike the previously stated methods, this one does not allow dehydration as it traps all the steak's moisture in the bag, making it the ideal way to reheat your steak.