Raw steak is one of the commonest dishes in Western cuisine, and people around the world would love to cook it at home due to its simplicity and deliciousness. It is popular for its rich flavors and tenderness. Proper storage of raw steak in the fridge is important for maintaining its quality and freshness. Yet, when stored it in a fridge, there is has a limited life as well. So, how long is steak good in the fridge? Let’s explore!
Conditions of Keeping the Steak Fresh
When it comes to keeping raw steak, many conditions can help maintain its freshness and extend its shelf life.
1. Temperature Control
Maintaining the proper temperature is important for steak freshness. You should set a temperature at your perfect refrigerator around 40°F (about 4°C). For long-term storage, freeze at 0°F (about -18°C) or below. Besides, avoid temperature fluctuations is also important as well because it can result in moisture loss and texture changes.
2. Proper Packaging
Vacuum-sealing is perfect for keeping raw steak fresh. It prevents air from entering, preventing oxidation and freezer burn. If vacuum-sealing isn’t available, it is better to keep raw steak in its original packaging or tightly covered in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to avoid air and contamination.
3. Moisture Management
Manage moisture to preserve steak quality. Extra moisture encourages bacterial growth, while low moisture causes drying. Pat dry steaks before storage and use moisture-absorbing pads in the packaging when necessary.
4. Contamination Prevention
Storing raw steak separately from other foods is a crucial step towards ensuring food safety and preserving its freshness. By isolating the steak, the food can prevent cross-contamination, which can occur when bacteria from the raw meat come into contact with ready-to-eat or already-cooked items. By doing so, we minimize the chances of spreading harmful bacteria to other surfaces or ingredients during food preparation.
Working Mechanism of Fridge to Preserve Raw Steak
Refrigerator is one of the commonest solutions to store the raw steak at home. No matter you have white French door refrigerator, black side-by-side fridge or any other kind, here is a general explanation of how a fridge preserves raw steak:
- The compressor in a fridge circulates the refrigerant through coils
- Refrigerant absorbs heat inside the fridge, evaporating
- The compressor pressurizes and heats the gas
- Hot gas moves through condenser coils, releasing heat
- Refrigerant cools and liquefies
- Liquid passes through the expansion valve, decreasing pressure
- This liquid enters the evaporator, absorbing heat and continuing the cycle
- Cold air slows bacterial growth on steak
- Low temperature reduces enzymatic activities, slowing meat degradation
- Dry conditions in the fridge inhibit bacteria that grow in wet conditions
Best Before Date (BBD) about Raw Steak
Now let’s discuss the best before date (BBD) for raw steak in a fridge is recommended below:
- Fresh raw steak: 3-5 days when refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below
- Ground beef: 1-2 days due to increased surface area exposed to bacteria
- Vacuum-sealed steak: Up to 2 weeks but check the package date
Remember, these are general guidelines for raw steak in the fridge. Conditions like initial freshness, temperature changes, and proper storage can affect the steak’s life in the fridge. Always check for spoilage (odd smell, color changes) before eating, except for the date.
Shelf Life of Other Common Foods
Except for the duration of the raw steak in fridge, the following is more foods’ BBD:
| Food Items | Refrigerator Shelf Life or Best Before Date (BBD) |
| Ground Beef | 1-2 days |
| Chicken | 1-2 days |
| Fish | 1-2 days |
| Eggs | 3-5 weeks |
| Milk | 5-7 days |
Conclusion
Raw steak in the fridge has a BBD of 3 to 5 days, and it depends on proper storage and refrigerator. By knowing the conditions that affect the steak life, invest in a quality refrigerator from the best refrigerator manufacturer, and ensure the freshness of raw steak in the fridge. So, the next time you buy a cut of beef, you’ll know how to keep it at its best until it’s time to cook.
