How Long Can Steak Sit Out? A Clear and Safe Guide

If you love steak, you may ask this question: how long can steak sit out before it goes bad?

It is a smart question.

Steak is raw meat.

If it stays at room temperature too long, harmful bacteria can grow.

That can make you sick.

In this guide, you will learn how long steak can sit out, what happens if it stays out too long, and how to keep it safe before and after cooking.

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How Long Can Steak Sit Out at Room Temperature?

Raw steak should not sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.

If the room is hot, above 90°F (32°C), steak should not sit out for more than 1 hour.

This rule comes from food safety experts.

Bacteria grow fast between 40°F and 140°F.

This range is called the “danger zone.”

When steak is in the danger zone, bacteria can double in number in as little as 20 minutes.

So if you are wondering how long can steak sit out on the counter, the safe answer is:

• 2 hours at normal room temperature

• 1 hour if it is very hot

After that, it is safer to throw it away.

What Happens If Steak Sits Out Too Long?

When steak sits out too long, bacteria grow on the surface. You cannot see them.

You often cannot smell them.

Even if the steak looks fine, it may not be safe.

Common bacteria that grow on raw beef include:

• Salmonella

• E. coli

• Staphylococcus

These can cause food poisoning.

Symptoms may include:

• Stomach pain

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Fever

Cooking can kill many bacteria.

But if the steak has been left out too long, toxins may already be present.

Some toxins are not destroyed by heat.

That is why time matters so much.

Can You Leave Steak Out Before Cooking?

Yes, but only for a short time.

Many cooks take steak out of the fridge before grilling.

This helps it cook more evenly.

Letting it sit out for 20 to 30 minutes is safe.

Some thick cuts may sit out for up to 1 hour, but do not go past the 2-hour limit.

If you are getting ready to grill, take the steak out while you heat the grill.

Season it.

Let it rest on a clean plate.

Then cook it.

For best results on the grill, heat matters just as much as time.

You can learn more about the right heat level in our guide on The Best Temperature for Searing Steak.

Proper searing gives you a great crust while keeping the inside juicy.

Do not leave steak out while you run errands or prepare many other dishes.

How Long Can Cooked Steak Sit Out?

Cooked steak also follows the 2-hour rule.

After you cook steak, it should not sit out longer than:

• 2 hours at room temperature

• 1 hour if above 90°F

This includes steak at a party, picnic, or backyard BBQ.

If cooked steak sits out too long, bacteria can grow again as it cools.

To keep it safe:

• Serve it hot

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

• Store in shallow containers so it cools fast

What About Steak Left Out Overnight?

If steak sits out overnight, it is not safe to eat.

It does not matter if it is raw or cooked.

Even if your kitchen feels cool, the steak has likely been in the danger zone for many hours.

Bacteria have had plenty of time to grow.

The safest choice is to throw it away.

It may feel wasteful, but your health is more important.

How to Store Steak the Right Way

To avoid problems, store steak properly from the start.

In the Refrigerator

• Keep steak at 40°F (4°C) or below

• Store it on the bottom shelf

• Use within 3 to 5 days

In the Freezer

• Freeze at 0°F (-18°C)

• Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn

• Use within 6 to 12 months for best quality

Good storage keeps your steak fresh and safe.

Safe Internal Temperature for Steak

Cooking steak to the right internal temperature also keeps you safe.

Here are basic safe temperatures:

• Medium rare: 130–135°F

• Medium: 140–145°F

• Medium well: 150–155°F

• Well done: 160°F

For food safety, the USDA recommends beef reach at least 145°F; then rest for 3 minutes.

A simple way to check this is by using a temperature guide chart near your grill.

The Easy Function Meat Temperature Guide is a handy magnet that sticks to your grill or fridge.

It gives you quick, clear temperature targets for beef, chicken, pork, and more.

This helps you avoid undercooking or overcooking your steak.

Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon Canada

Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon USA

If you do not have a thermometer, you can still check doneness.

Our guide on How to Check Steak Temperature Without 

Thermometer? explains simple touch methods you can use while grilling.

When you know both the time limit and the right temperature, you lower your risk of foodborne illness.

Does Marinating Change the Time Limit?

No.

Marinating does not make steak safe to sit out longer.

If you marinate steak:

• Do it in the fridge

• Do not marinate on the counter

• Throw away used marinade or boil it before reuse

Even in marinade, raw steak must stay cold.

Quick Safety Tips to Remember

Here is a simple way to think about steak safety:

• Keep it cold before cooking

• Keep it hot after cooking

• Do not leave it in the middle

If you are grilling outdoors, bring the steak out right before cooking.

Do not let it sit in the sun.

If you are serving guests, set a timer if needed.

Once food hits the 2-hour mark, it should go back in the fridge.

These small steps make a big difference.

Final Answer: How Long Can Steak Sit Out?

So, how long can steak sit out?

The clear answer is:

• No more than 2 hours at room temperature

• No more than 1 hour if it is very hot

• If left out overnight, throw it away

Steak is too good to waste.

But your health matters more than saving one cut of meat.

When grilling, always cook to a safe internal temperature and store leftovers quickly.

If you want an easy way to remember safe cooking temps for steak and other meats, you can click the image to check out our Easy Function meat temperature guide and explore our other helpful BBQ tools.

P.S. We regularly publish new recipes and grilling tips. Here’s the most recent one: (Discover How Long Can Cooked Fish Stay in the Fridge)