How to tell if your steak has gone bad

Steak is that special treat we save for important family occasions. If it’s a date or a birthday, a nice piece of steak is probably on the menu. But good steak can also be quite expensive, so we want to make sure we store the meat properly and enjoy it at its peak freshness so we get the best quality and value for our meat investment.

Are there any signs that steaks are going bad?

Yes. Smell and feel are the biggest warning signs. “If it smells rotten, trust your gut. If it feels a little slimy… if in doubt, throw it away,” says Michael Vignola.

It’s important to look for signs of spoilage in the 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 steaks are unpleasant or sour smellA slimy or sticky textureand a dull or greyish colour. If the steak Mold or has an unusual appearance, it should be thrown away,” says Justin Owens.

How to store raw steak

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

“If I’m cooking a raw steak the same day, I like to put it on a plate with a paper towel underneath and wide open in my refrigerator,” says Vignola. That way, it dries out a little — or blooms — becoming redder and developing a little crust on the top from the air-drying process, which gives the steak a better sear.

How to store cooked steak

“After cooking, I like to store everything in ziplock bags,” says Vignola. If you want to reheat the steak, try not to cut it all the way open. “It’s easier to reheat it in a hot pan than in the microwave,” notes Vignola.

How to store steak in the freezer

A steak can be stored in the refrigerator if it will be used in the next few days, otherwise it should be placed in the freezer if it needs to be stored for a longer period of time.

“If you have a freezer bag, that would be my first choice for storing steaks in the freezer. Vacuum seal it and remove all the oxygen. Or squeeze all the air out of a ziplock bag, wrap a paper towel around the outside, and then wrap aluminum foil around it,” says Vignola. This allows frost to stick to the towel and not the steak, preventing the steak from freezing.

Leave steak at room temperature

Always take your steaks out to cool to room temperature, ideally an hour before cooking. But be careful. “If a steak sits between 40 and 140 degrees for a few hours, you’re in the danger zone,” says Vignola. That’s when bacteria start to grow.

Storing marinated steak

A great steak marinade can take a dinner to the next level, and steaks can be preserved in their marinade. However, you should be careful with your marinade. “The saltier and more acidic the marinade, the more likely your steak will dry out and become tough,” says Vignola.

Best Steaks for Marinade

I recommend marinating tougher pieces like Flank steak, skirt steakor Coat Hanger Steak for a minimum of 12 hours/a maximum of 36 hours,” said Vignola.

Duration of marinating

The length of time you marinate depends on the type of steak, but be careful about keeping the steak in a marinade for too long. “If a marinade is very acidic, it can chemically cook the steak (like ceviche), which will affect the texture. If stored for a long time, the marinade can actually accelerate spoilage,” says Eric Rowse.

Can I freeze cooked steak?

Yes, you can freeze cooked steak. Results vary depending on the type.

• If it’s a whole muscle meat and leftover roast like a prime rib, then definitely. “You can freeze it whole or slice it thinly and use it for sandwiches later,” says Vignola.
• On freezing smaller pieces of steak: “I’ve never done that personally, but I can’t imagine it would be a problem. However, it won’t stay pink when thawed,” adds Vignola.