How Long Can Steak Stay in the Fridge—and How Can You Tell When It's Gone Bad?

Ever purchased steak and left it in the fridge only to forget about it? Life gets hectic, and it happens to the best of us. But when you pull that steak out, you might not remember how long it’s been sitting there. It could be longer than you think!

Before you prepare your steak with Chef John's signature recipes or your own family favorite, let's explore how long steak can safely be stored in the fridge and how to spot signs of spoilage.

How Long Can Steak Be Stored in the Fridge?

The lifespan of steak in the fridge depends on whether it's raw or cooked, how it's stored, and the conditions it was kept under.

Beef steak lasts longer than ground beef because the grinding process exposes more surface area, which accelerates spoilage.

How Long Can Raw Steak Stay Fresh in the Fridge?

Raw steak can maintain its best quality for 3 to 5 days in the fridge, kept at 40°F or lower. This temperature slows down spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria.

How Long Can Steak Marinade Be Stored in the Fridge?

Steak marinade enhances both the tenderness and flavor of the meat. For the best taste, the USDA recommends cooking marinated steak within 6 to 24 hours. If left too long, marinated steak may develop a mushy texture. While unseasoned raw steak can last 3 to 5 days, marinated meat has a shorter window for optimal freshness.

How Long Can Cooked Steak Be Kept in the Fridge?

When stored correctly, cooked steak can be safely enjoyed within 3 to 4 days by reheating it in the microwave, oven, stovetop, or using the sous-vide method.

How to Store Leftover Cooked Steak

Keep leftover cooked steak in an airtight container in the fridge, or freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, place the frozen steak in the refrigerator overnight.

How to Store Raw Steak Properly

As mentioned earlier, raw steak can remain fresh in the fridge for 3 to 5 days after purchase. It’s best to leave it in its original packaging and store it on the bottom shelf to avoid any juices dripping onto other foods.

Can You Freeze Steak?

Yes, freezing steak is definitely an option!

When freezing raw steak, keep it in its original packaging. For added protection, wrap it with freezer wrap or heavy-duty foil to minimize air exposure, prolong storage, and reduce the risk of freezer burn.

You can also store raw steak in an airtight container or a food-safe sealable bag. Vacuum sealing can further extend the meat’s shelf life. Don’t forget to label your steak and follow the first-in, first-out rule for freshness.

While frozen uncooked steak can technically last indefinitely in its sealed packaging, it is best consumed within 4 to 12 months from the date of purchase. After this period, the steak may lose its optimal freshness, flavor, and texture.

How to Safely Thaw Steak

Once defrosted, steak can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. It’s best to cook it within this window. If the steak is thawed and marinated, follow the 6- to 24-hour guideline for cooking.

For steak in a sealed food-safe plastic bag, the cold water thawing method is effective—simply change the water every 30 minutes. According to the USDA, a one-pound steak may thaw in about an hour.

You can also use the microwave to thaw steak. Just be sure to remove it from its packaging and place it in a microwave-safe dish before defrosting.

Like the cold water method, if you thaw steak using the microwave, cook it immediately to avoid bacteria growth, as meat should not remain in the 40°F to 140°F “danger zone” for long.

How to Know When Steak Has Gone Bad

Fresh raw steak should appear moist (not overly wet) with a rich red color and distinct white marbling. Once cooked, it should remain juicy, tender, and firm to the touch.

Here are the clear signs to determine if your steak has spoiled, whether it’s raw or cooked.

• There’s slime on the surface, discoloration, or gray spots
• The steak seems dry, with no juices
• There’s a sour, unpleasant, or off-putting smell 
• Fuzzy green, white, or gray-looking mold is growing on the meat.

After handling raw steak, whether it’s spoiled or not, always wash kitchen surfaces, utensils, and dishes with hot, soapy water. To fully sanitize, use a cleaner or run them through the dishwasher to prevent harmful bacteria from contaminating your kitchen.