How Long Does Steak Last in Fridge? Does it Go Bad?

Who doesn’t love a well-cooked steak? It is one of the most beloved food items worldwide. Many people opt for steaks when arranging a gathering.

It tastes excellent and falls within everyone’s budget. Are you looking to do the same? Well, you will need to consider buying steak in bulk.

The main question is, how long does steak last in the fridge? Here’s all you need to know!

How Long Does Steak Last in Fridge?

Packaged steak can last in the fridge for up to 5 days. Usually, it has the same shelf life as beef, veal, chops, pork roasts, and lamb meat.

As presented by USDA, most poultry items, meat, and seafood can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

It depends entirely on the packaging. Raw steak with good wrapping is destined to last longer than one with poor packaging.

On the other hand, steak can also be frozen in a freezer. It requires a constant temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Does Steak Go Bad in the Freezer?

Generally, steak can survive in the freezer for up to 12 months (1 year). However, temperature changes can affect the freshness and quality of your meat.

Frozen steak can go bad if not stored properly. It requires a constant temperature and appropriate packaging.

If not provided, steak can definitely go rancid like all other food items.

Providing the right conditions will extend the lifespan of your steak for up to 6 to 12 months. It is recommended for those who want to preserve steak for longer.

Also Read: Does Chicken Go Bad

How to Tell if Steak is Bad?

Rancid steak feels slimy and has a bad smell. These are 2 common signs to tell if your steak has gone bad.

What are the other ways? Well, spoiled steak loses its meaty color. You will feel that its shades have become faded and dull.

Moreover, the juiciness is also lost with time. A dry steak is one you should never eat. It can have some severe effects on your stomach.

The simplest way is to discard it before the steak reaches its expiry date.

However, it is important to note that proper refrigeration can cause the steak to survive 3 to 5 days beyond the best-by date.

How Long Can Steak Stay in the Fridge After Thawing?

Thawed steak can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge with the right conditions.

Generally, thawing steak can prolong its time in the fridge. People often store thawed ones in the freezer. It is a better way to keep them safe for a long time.

However, it would be best if you always reheated the thawed steak before utilizing it. You can do it at a temperature of 40^oFahrenheit or higher.

How Long Does Steak Last in the Fridge Vacuum-Sealed?

Vacuum-sealed steak can last up to 10 days in the fridge. It is best to cook it within this period as it will lose its freshness over time.

Many steaks are packed in vacuum-sealed wrapping. These are pretty good for storing your steak in the fridge for longer. That’s because the packaging prevents moisture and air ventilation.

Even if you store leftover steaks, you should use similar packaging. You can opt for zip-top or sealed airtight bags.

How Long Does Cooked Steak Last in the Fridge?

Cooked steak is best consumed within 3-4 days. After that, it is affected by bacterial growth, causing your meat to turn rancid.

Cooked meat of any type is more prone to bacterial growth. It spoils quicker than raw meat. Keep the temperature of your fridge at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

This way, you can extend your cooked steak’s lifespan up to 4 days with maximum freshness.

How Long Does Defrosted Steak Last in the Fridge?

Defrosted steak can last anywhere from 3 to 4 days in the fridge. It depends mainly on the conditions you provide.

If you keep it in the right bag or container, you can extend the shelf life up to 5 or 6 days. The key is to prevent humidity and contain its freshness.

If you want to defrost your steaks, you can do so in hot water. It is the easiest and an effective method.

Why Do Steaks Turn Grey?

The steak turns grey due to the oxidation of iron inside it. It causes metmyoglobin, causing the meat to change its color.

Steak turning grey is quite common. But can you consume it? Well, the answer is yes! You can consume steak even if it has turned grey.

However, you should look for any signs of spoilage, like an unpleasant smell or slimy texture. If those are present, too, you should discard the grey steak.

What Does Spoiled Steak Smell Like?

If you know the smell of rotten eggs, that is exactly what spoiled steak smells like.

Smelling your steak is the easiest way to recognize whether it has gone bad. Usually, spoiled steaks develop a sour and rotten smell.

It is similar to the odor of rotten eggs or ammonia. If so, the safest bet is to discard your steak.

How Can You Tell if Steak is Spoiled?

Spoiled steak has an unpleasant odor, similar to that of ammonia.

Additionally, rancid steaks develop a slimy texture. It is the easiest way to identify whether your meat is edible or not. If you still can’t tell, look for dryness.

Bad steaks lose their juiciness as well as their colors. It usually happens when someone stores steaks for too long.

Bottom Line

And, that’s all to know before gathering a steak party at your home. It is safe to say that steak has the same expiry mechanism as most other poultry products and meats.

You can utilize your cooked as well as raw steak within a few days. After that, it loses its flavor and develops rancid properties.

In this guide, we have mentioned how you can distinguish a spoiled steak.

Always use suitable packaging, temperature, and the central shelf of your refrigerator.

Crystal Hafley

Crystal Hafley is a dedicated writer and content creator for WorstBrands, where she specializes in writing insightful reviews about kitchen appliances and fashion products.

With her expertise, Crystal provides readers with accurate and reliable information to help them make informed decisions about the brands and products they use every day. When she's not researching or writing, Crystal enjoys cooking and exploring the latest fashion trends.