How To Tell If Your Steak Has Gone Bad

Steak is the special treat we save for important family occasions. If it's date night, or someone's birthday, chances are there's a beautiful piece of steak on the menu. Good steak can also be pretty expensive, so we want to be sure we're storing that meat correctly and enjoying it at its peak freshness so we're getting the best quality and value for our meat investment.

Are There Signs Of Spoilage In Steak?

Yes. Smell and feel are the biggest red flags. "If it smells rotten, trust your gut. If it feels a little bit slimy... when in doubt, throw it out," says Michael Vignola. 

It's important to look out for the signs of spoilage in steak before searing it in your trusty cast iron or in the oven. "Oxidation, which is when the meat turns gray to greenish-gray after being exposed to air and picking up bacteria," adds Vignola.

"Some signs of spoilage in steak include an off or sour smell, a slimy or sticky texture, and a dull or grayish color. If the steak has any mold or an unusual appearance, it should be thrown out," says Justin Owens.

How To Store Raw Steak

Raw steak should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator. "Typically on the bottom shelf, in its original packaging, or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap," says Owens.

"If I'm cooking a raw steak that same day, I like to put it on a plate, with a paper towel underneath, wide open in my refrigerator," says Vignola. That way it dries out a little–or blooms–turns more red, and develops a little crust on top from air drying that will give you a better sear on the steak.

How To Store Cooked Steak

"Once cooked, I love to store things in Ziplock bags," says Vignola. If you're going to reheat that steak, try not to slice all of it. "It's easier to reheat in a hot pan versus a microwave," notes Vignola. 

How To Store Steak In The Freezer

A steak can be stored in the fridge if it'll be used in the next few days, but otherwise should go in the freezer if it's going to need to stick around for a while.

"If you have a food saver, that would be my top choice for storing steak in the freezer. Cryovac it and remove all of the oxygen. Or Ziplock bag, push out all of the air, wrap a paper towel around the outside, and then wrap tinfoil around that," says Vignola. This allows frost to attach to the towel and not the steak, preventing the steak from becoming frostbitten.

Leaving Steak Out At Room Temperature

Always take your steaks out to temper to room temperature, ideally an hour prior to cooking. However, be careful. "Once a steak is left out for a couple of hours between 40 & 140 degrees, you're in the danger zone," says Vignola. That is when bacteria starts to grow. 

Storing Marinated Steak

A great steak marinade can bring a dinner to the next level, and steak can be stored in its marinade. However you want to watch your marinade while you're at it. "The saltier and more acidic the marinade, the more likely your steak will dry out and become tough," says Vignola.

Best Types of Steak For Marinade

I recommend marinating tougher cuts such as a flank steak, skirt steak, or hanger steak for a minimum of 12 hours/maximum of 36 hours," said Vignola.

Length Of Marination

Length of marination depends on the type of steak. But beware storing in a marinade for too long. "If a marinade is highly acidic it can start to chemically cook the steak (like ceviche) which will affect the texture. For long term storage, the marinade can actually accelerate the spoilage process," says  Eric Rowse.

Can I Freeze Cooked Steak?

Yes, you can freeze cooked steak. Depending on what type, will produce different results.

• If it's a whole muscle and leftover roast like a prime rib, then absolutely. "You can freeze it whole or shave it thin and use it for sandwiches later on," says Vignola.
• As for freezing smaller pieces of steak: "I've never personally done it, but I don't imagine it would be a problem. However, it is not going to stay rosy red during the thawing process," adds Vignola.