Knowing how long steak can stay in the fridge will not only keep it fresh, flavorful, and safe to eat but is also crucial for ensuring food safety and preserving its quality. Whether your steak is raw, cooked, thawed, or marinated, understanding how long steak can stay in the fridge prevents spoilage and foodborne illness.
So, how long can steak stay in the fridge? Let's discuss everything you need to know about steak storage, including signs of spoilage and what bad steak smells like.
How Long Can Steak Stay in the Fridge?
Generally, steak stays fresh in the fridge for about 2-3 days if you ensure it is stored properly below 40°F (4°C). However, the storage time for steak depends on whether it's raw, cooked, thawed, or marinated.
- Raw steak: 3–5 days in the fridge
- Cooked steak: 3–4 days in the fridge
- Thawed steak (from frozen): 3–5 days in the fridge
- Defrosted steak (cold water or microwave method): Cook immediately.
- Marinated steak: Up to 5 days, but best within 2–3 days
Let’s explore each type of steak storage in more detail.
How Long Can Raw Steak Stay in the Fridge?
When stored properly, fresh uncooked steak can stay in the fridge for 3–5 days before cooking. To store it best, keep it in its original packaging or wrap it in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag.
- Also, place it on the lowest shelf of the fridge to prevent any juices from contaminating other foods.
- If you’re not planning to cook your stage within 3-5 days, freeze it. Steak can stay for about 6-12 months when stored in the freezer.
Tip#1
The "sell-by" date on a steak package is a guideline, not an expiration date. If stored properly, raw steak is usually good for a few days beyond the sell-by date.
If the steak’s sell-by date has passed but it still looks and smells fine, it’s likely still safe to eat within the 3–5 day window.
How Long Can Cooked Steak Stay in the Fridge?
After cooking, steak should be stored in the fridge within two hours to prevent bacteria growth.
Cooked steak can stay fresh for 3–4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly. The proper way to store steak in a refrigerator is to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss.
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When taken out of the fridge, reheat your stake to 165°F (74°C) before eating. This helps kill any bacteria and makes your steak safe for eating.
Tip#2
If you won’t eat the leftovers within four days, freeze the cooked steak for up to 2–3 months.
Best practices for storing cooked steak
- Let the steak cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Reheat to 165°F (74°C) before eating.
How Long Can Thawed Steak Stay in the Fridge?
Fridge thawing is the safest method to preserve your steak because the steak never reaches unsafe temperatures. If you’ve thawed frozen steak in the fridge, it remains safe to eat for 3–5 days before cooking.
However, if the steak was thawed using cold water or the microwave, it must be cooked immediately and should not be stored again.
- Keep the steak in its original packaging or an airtight container to prevent moisture loss.
- Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap or butcher paper to prevent excess moisture loss.
How Long Can Defrosted Steak Stay in the Fridge?
If the steak was previously frozen and defrosted in the fridge, it follows the same rule: 3–5 days before it must be cooked.
However, if defrosted using cold water or the microwave, it should be cooked right away to prevent bacterial growth.
How Long Can Marinated Steak Stay in the Fridge?
Marinated steak can stay refrigerated for up to 5 days, but for the best flavor and texture, it is advised to cook it within 2–3 days.
Marinades with acidic ingredients (lemon juice, vinegar) can break down the meat fibers over time, making it mushy if left too long.
If you’re unsure when you’ll cook the marinated steak, freeze it instead—it can last up to 3 months frozen in marinade.
How to Tell If Steak Is Bad
Not sure if your steak is still safe to eat? Here are clear signs that steak has gone bad:
- Slimy or Sticky Texture – Fresh steak should be firm and slightly moist, not sticky.
- Discoloration – Brownish coloring is normal, but gray, green, or blue hues indicate spoilage.
- Foul Odor – A sour, ammonia-like smell is a red flag.
- Mold Growth – If you see mold, toss it immediately.
As a general rule, when in doubt, throw it out!
What Does Bad Steak Smell Like?
Spoiled steak has a distinct, unpleasant smell that’s hard to miss. If your steak smells:
- Sour or tangy (like vinegar or spoiled milk)
- Rotten eggs or sulfur-like
- Ammonia-like (similar to cleaning products)
…it’s time to toss it. Fresh steak should have a mild, meaty scent. If the smell makes you cringe, don’t risk eating it!
Storing Your Steak Properly
Proper storage is key to keeping steak fresh and safe. Follow these guidelines to ensure you’re enjoying your steak at its best:
- Raw steak: 3–5 days in the fridge
- Cooked steak: 3–4 days in the fridge
- Thawed steak (fridge method): 3–5 days before cooking
- Defrosted steak (cold water/microwave): Cook immediately
- Marinated steak: Up to 5 days (best within 2–3 days)
If you notice a slimy texture, discoloration, or a foul smell, don’t risk it—when in doubt, throw it out!
2 Best Refrigerators for Preserving Your Steak
Commercial Solid Door Reach-In Freezer 18.7 cu. ft. Capacity
Designed for smaller kitchens, this solid reach-in refrigerator has a total capacity of 18.7 cu.ft, enough space to hold steaks, other kinds of meat, seafood, desserts, and even frozen foods for your home or business.
Here are some new features:
- Adjustable temperature range of -11 to 14°F
- An auto defrost design to prevent frost or ice buildup.
- 5 adjustable shelves, with each capable of holding up to 88 lb.
- A smart door that automatically closes when opened to 90°
- A Cubigel compressor and copper evaporator for fast and even cooling
- Certified for safety and quality by ETL, ETL Sanitation, and DOE
81'' Commercial Solid Door Reach-In Refrigerator 61 cu. ft. Capacity
This solid-door commercial reach-in refrigerator is perfect if your commercial kitchen deals in steaks, and other perishable items like eggs, milk, vegetables, and fresh produce.
Here are some main features:
- A total volume of 61 cu. ft., and a temperature range of 32-50°F
- A stronger Cubigel compressor and copper evaporator
- An auto-defrost design that prevents frost or ice buildup.
- 15 adjustable shelves, with each capable of holding up to 88 lb.
- LED lights light up, allowing you to empty or stock up your refrigerator with ease.
- Certified for safety and quality by ETL, ETL Sanitation, and DOE
More from Wilprep
These are just a few of the commercial display refrigerators in Wilprep’s collection. If you are still undecided about which model best suits your business needs, you can refer to Wilprep’s official website for more options.
Wilprep’s collection of commercial refrigerators contains a variety of models, including display refrigerators and open-air models to suit the needs of diverse businesses.
In addition to top-quality refrigerators, Wilprep offers other kinds of kitchen equipment to take your business to the next level.
Check out Wilprep’s commercial convection ovens, commercial gas ranges, and even soup kettles.
