A steak can go bad if it is not stored properly. When storing steaks, make sure they are kept at a low temperature, such as in the refrigerator or freezer. You should also keep them separated from other foods, to prevent cross-contamination.
Additionally, you should never refreeze previously frozen meat, as this can cause harmful bacteria to develop and potentially make you sick.
If you’re not sure if your steak is still good, there are a few key signs to look for.
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1. Check the Expiration Date
One of the most obvious signs that a steak is bad is if it has an expiration date. If you’re unsure of the steak’s age, check the packaging for this information.
However, you should be able to know the difference between “use-by” and “sell-by” dates. “use-by” date means that the food should be eaten before this date, whereas “sell-by” indicates when a store should remove the product from their shelves.
2. Look at the Color and Texture
Good steaks should have a bright red color and be relatively firm to the touch. If your steak seems faded or is mushy or slimy to the touch, it may be past its prime and should be thrown out.
3. Smell the Steak
If your steak has taken on an unpleasant odor, it is probably bad. Meat that is spoiled will start to smell sour or metallic, so take a careful whiff before eating it.
4. Does it Feel Slimy or Wet
If your steak feels wet or slimy, it is a clear sign that it has gone bad. Slime and moisture are a sign that harmful bacteria have been growing on the surface of the meat, so you should throw out any steaks that feel this way.
5. Is it Dry or Discolored
Another sign that your steak has gone bad is if it is dry or discolored. If the steak looks grey or dull, this is a sign that it is no longer fresh.
6. Mold or Slime
If your steak has developed a grayish-white coating or fuzzy mold, it is definitely bad and you need to throw it out. Additionally, if there are small white spots on the surface of your steak, this may be an indication that harmful bacteria have grown on the meat.
7. Taste the Steak
If you’re still not sure if your steak is bad, go ahead and give it a taste. If it tastes sour or off, it is probably bad and you should throw it out.
How Long Does Steak Last?
Typically, the steak will last in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for 2-6 months. However, it is important to note that these are just general guidelines and may vary depending on the type of steak, how it was prepared, and how it was stored.
- Raw Steak: 3-5 days in the fridge
- Cooked Steak: 3-4 days in the fridge
- Raw Steak: 2-6 months in the freezer
- Cooked Steak: 2-6 months in the freezer
How to Keep Steak Fresh for Long?
Proper steak storage is key to preventing your steak from going bad. Steaks should be kept at a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, either in the refrigerator or freezer.
If you’re planning on eating the steak within a few days, it can be stored in the refrigerator. However, if you want to keep the steak for longer than that, it is best to freeze it.
To keep your steak fresh for as long as possible, you should also take care to store it properly when transporting or handling it. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping the steak separated from other foods and always wash your hands before and after touching the meat.
