Can Cube Steak Go Bad : What You MUST Know

Cube steak, often prized for its tender texture and versatility in dishes like country-fried steak, steak sandwiches, and even stir-fries, is a meat that deserves some extra attention when it comes to storage and spoilage. Whether you’ve picked up a fresh cut from your local butcher or grabbed a pack from the grocery store, knowing how to properly handle and store cube steak is key to ensuring you get the best flavor and texture.

But what happens when you forget to cook that last package in the fridge or leave it out just a little too long? How do you know when your cube steak has turned? Let’s dive into all things cube steak, from how to store it to recognizing the signs of spoilage.

Can Cube Steak Go Bad?

Yes, cube steak can absolutely go bad. Like all meat, cube steak is highly perishable, especially because it’s often a cut of beef that’s tenderized using a mechanical process (hence the name "cube steak"). This tenderizing process creates more surface area, which can make the steak spoil more quickly compared to other cuts of beef.

Whether you’ve bought it fresh or frozen, proper storage is essential. If cube steak is improperly stored or left too long in the wrong conditions, harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli can begin to multiply, posing a serious food safety risk. Beyond bacteria, you might also experience a breakdown of the meat’s flavor, color, and texture, which will be signs that it’s no longer safe or appetizing to eat.

Shelf Life For Cube Steak

The shelf life of cube steak depends on various factors like how it’s stored, whether it’s fresh or frozen, and even the quality of the steak when it was purchased. Here’s a breakdown:

• Fresh Cube Steak (Refrigerated)

  • If you’re storing it in the fridge, fresh cube steak typically lasts 3 to 5 days.
  • This assumes it was stored in an airtight package or tightly wrapped, ideally at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).

• Frozen Cube Steak

  • When stored in the freezer, cube steak has a much longer shelf life, typically around 6 to 12 months.
  • While freezing can keep it safe beyond this time frame, the quality (texture and flavor) may deteriorate as the months pass.

• Vacuum Sealed Cube Steak

  • If cube steak is vacuum-sealed, its shelf life can extend even further, possibly up to 1 to 2 weeks when refrigerated, and 12+ months when frozen.

The biggest factor in maintaining the best quality is the consistency of the cold chain – meaning, once you’ve purchased it, don’t let it sit out on the counter for extended periods or bounce in and out of varying temperatures.

Common Signs Of Spoilage

Knowing how to spot the signs of spoilage will save you from potentially dangerous foodborne illnesses. Here are the key red flags that your cube steak has gone bad:

• Off Or Sour Smell

  • Fresh meat should smell clean and meaty, with no noticeable odor. Once it starts to sour, it will produce a distinct, foul odor.
  • If it smells like ammonia or has a rancid, sour smell, it’s no longer safe to eat.

• Discoloration

  • Fresh cube steak has a deep, bright red color. If the steak begins to turn a brown or grayish color, this is a sign that it’s breaking down.
  • While color changes can also occur naturally due to oxidation, any greenish tint or extremely dark spots are a clear indication that the meat is spoiled.

• Slimy Texture

  • When meat starts to spoil, it often develops a slimy, sticky coating. This is a result of bacterial growth and should be a major warning sign.
  • When you touch the steak, it should feel firm and moist but not sticky or slimy.

• Changes In Shape Or Liquids

  • Cube steak should maintain its shape, even when thawed. If it starts to feel mushy or squishy, it could be a sign of bacterial activity.
  • Excessive liquid pooling around the steak in its packaging is another indication that it’s not safe to eat.

• Tough Or Brittle Feel

  • If you notice the meat feels unusually tough or difficult to cut or chew, it could be due to improper storage or aging.

How To Store Cube Steak?

Storing cube steak properly is the best way to extend its shelf life and ensure it stays fresh. Here are some best practices:

• Refrigeration

  • Store cube steak in the coldest part of the fridge (usually the back). If it’s in its original packaging, it’s fine, but if it’s opened, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  • Make sure the temperature in your fridge is consistently below 40°F (4°C). If you don’t have a thermometer in your fridge, it might be time to get one. A cold fridge will slow bacterial growth and preserve the steak longer.

• Freezing

  • To freeze cube steak, you’ll want to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. You can either:

    • Vacuum seal the steak for the best long-term storage.
    • Use heavy-duty freezer bags or plastic wrap and then wrap it in foil or place it in a second bag for double protection.
  • When freezing, label the meat with the date so you know how long it’s been stored. Thaw frozen cube steak in the fridge, not at room temperature, to avoid bacterial growth.

• Avoid Room Temperature

  • Don’t leave cube steak sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F/32°C). Room temperature encourages rapid bacterial growth, and it can become unsafe quickly.

• Don’t Refreeze Thawed Meat

  • Once cube steak has been thawed, you should cook it within 1 to 2 days. Avoid refreezing it unless it has been cooked first.

Expert Tips

Here are some tips to maximize the freshness and flavor of your cube steak:

• Always Use a Meat Thermometer: When cooking, especially if you’ve stored the meat for a while, using a meat thermometer ensures the steak reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), which will help kill off any harmful bacteria.
• Freeze in Portions: If you don’t plan on using all of your cube steak at once, consider portioning it out before freezing. This way, you only thaw what you need, minimizing waste.
• Don’t Overcook: Cube steak tends to be a tougher cut, so overcooking it can turn it dry and tough. Cooking it low and slow, or pan-frying it with a quick sear, will yield better results.
• Use Freezer Paper: For those who freeze their cube steak, wrapping the meat in freezer paper before placing it in plastic or foil will add an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.
• Check Your Refrigerator’s Temperature: Many fridges can fluctuate in temperature. If it’s been a while since you’ve checked the temperature, take the extra step to ensure it’s at the correct level for food safety.

FAQs

How Long Can Cube Steak Last In The Fridge?

Cube steak can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days if stored properly in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil. It’s important to ensure that the fridge is at or below 40°F (4°C).

Can Cube Steak Go Bad After Being Frozen?

Cube steak can be frozen for up to 6 to 12 months without a significant loss in quality. However, over time, freezing can cause freezer burn, which can affect the taste and texture, even though the steak remains safe to eat.

What Are The Signs That Cube Steak Has Gone Bad?

Signs that cube steak has gone bad include a sour smell, slimy texture, or a change in color (turning gray or brown). If the steak feels unusually sticky or tacky, it is likely spoiled.

How Can You Tell If Cube Steak Is Spoiled Without Smelling It?

Apart from the smell, you can check for color changes, unusual textures, or if the meat feels slimy to the touch. The steak may also exude a sticky, tacky film, which is a sign of spoilage.

Can Cube Steak Spoil In The Freezer?

Cube steak can technically spoil in the freezer if it is not stored properly, particularly if exposed to air and moisture, leading to freezer burn. However, it can last for months if stored in a vacuum-sealed bag or tightly wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil.

Is It Safe To Eat Cube Steak After Its Expiration Date?

While the expiration date on cube steak packaging is a guideline, it’s important to check for signs of spoilage (smell, color, texture). If the steak shows any signs of being spoiled, it’s best not to eat it, even if it’s slightly past the date.

Can Cube Steak Go Bad If It Was Left Out Overnight?

Yes, cube steak can go bad if it is left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, so leaving steak out overnight significantly increases the risk of foodborne illness.

How Should Cube Steak Be Stored To Prevent It From Going Bad?

Cube steak should be stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in the coldest part of the fridge. If you need to store it longer, freeze the steak to preserve its quality.

Can Cube Steak Be Cooked If It’s Gone Bad?

No, you should not cook or eat cube steak if it shows signs of spoilage. Cooking does not kill all bacteria or toxins that may have developed in spoiled meat, so consuming it could lead to food poisoning.

What Should You Do If You Accidentally Eat Bad Cube Steak?

If you suspect you have eaten spoiled cube steak and begin to experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, as these may be signs of foodborne illness.