Last Updated On: October 8, 2024

Does Your Steak Seem a Little Off? How to Tell if Steak Is Bad, According to Chefs

Steak is a surefire way to elevate any meal, but what happens when you’ve had it sitting in the fridge for a while?

Here’s how you can tell about if steak has gone bad, how long it lasts in the fridge, and more according to chefs and food experts.

How to Tell if Steak Is Bad: 5 Signs to Watch Out For

Here are five key indicators that your steak is past its prime:

It’s changed color

Steaks that have gone bad often develop a greenish-brown color.

Michael Senich, vice president and corporate executive chef for LongHorn Steakhouse, says to toss it if the steak has dramatically changed color.

It smells bad

If your steak smells like sulfur or ammonia, it’s time to throw it out, warns celebrity chef Kai Chase.

It’s sticky

A sticky or slippery texture is a major red flag, says Chase. Fresh raw steak should feel firm and slightly moist.

It’s moldy

Mold is a clear sign the steak should be discarded. As Elizabeth Shaw, RDN, points out, mold can lead to food poisoning, according to the USDA.

It’s past the sell-by or use-by date

The sell-by date indicates how long stores can display the steak, and it’s usually fine to eat a few days after. The use-by date, however, is your last chance to cook or freeze it, says Chase.

How to Tell if Raw Steak Is Bad

When raw steak has gone bad, it may smell like sulfur or ammonia, develop brown spots, and have a tacky texture. Senich adds that a greenish-brown hue can also be an indicator of spoilage.

How to Tell if Tuna Steak Is Bad

The signs of spoilage for tuna steaks are similar to beef steaks.

The FDA notes that fresh fish should have a mild smell—if your tuna steak smells overly fishy or like ammonia, it’s best to toss it. Discoloration and drying around the edges are also warning signs.

How to Tell if Frozen Steak Is Bad

According to the USDA, frozen steak stays safe indefinitely, but the quality can degrade over time. Freezer burn can lead to dryness, and if the steak is heavily freezer-burned, it may be best to discard it for quality reasons.

How to Tell If Cooked Steak Is Bad

Cooked steak can also spoil. Chase advises throwing it out if it has a rancid smell or a slimy texture. Mold is another clear indicator that it’s time to get rid of your leftovers.

How to Store Steak in the Fridge or Freezer

Proper storage can help preserve steak’s freshness. Raw steaks should be laid flat and wrapped tightly in an airtight container.

Shaw recommends placing the container on a plate or pan on the bottom shelf of your fridge to avoid contamination.

For cooked steaks, wait until they’re completely cooled before storing them in the fridge. Plan to eat the leftovers within two days, says Chase.

When freezing, place steaks in a zip-tight bag, remove the air and label them with the date for future reference.

For expert tips on keeping your meat fresh and safe, along with carnivore diet advice, visit our homepage.

About the author

Timothy Woods
CEO / Co-Founder
Timothy Woods holds a Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree from Jacksonville University and is CCC & GMU Certified. He's also the main man behind Carnivore Style. This food aficionado combines science and experience to spread the word about the carnivore lifestyle.
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