In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long does raw tuna steak last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of raw tuna steak. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled raw tuna steak.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does raw tuna steak last in the fridge?
Raw tuna steak lasts in the fridge for 1-2 days while cooked tuna steak lasts for about 3-4 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be kept in plastic zipper bags on one of the refrigerator’s shelves.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for raw tuna steak’s expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep raw tuna steak at?
Raw tuna steak should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your raw tuna steak at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
How long does raw tuna steak last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, raw tuna steak lasts for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, raw tuna steak left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and raw tuna steak left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long does raw tuna steak last in the freezer?
Raw tuna steak lasts for 2-3 months in the freezer while cooked tuna steak lasts for about 4 months if stored in an airtight plastic freezer bag, although it is best consumed within 1-2 months for the best quality and taste.
As a result, freezing the raw tuna steak extends its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the raw tuna steak.
How to defrost frozen raw tuna steak?
You can quickly defrost frozen raw tuna steak by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed raw tuna steak can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before cooking and consuming it.
If you’re defrosting frozen raw tuna steak in a bowl of cold water, the microwave, or on the counter, you should utilize it right away after cooking it till its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to vacuum seal raw tuna steak?
You may even vacuum seal your raw tuna steak at home to extend its shelf life. It involves placing the raw tuna steak in a plastic zipper bag, eliminating the air, then nearly sealing the bag with a small amount of space remaining while lowering it into water.
After that, start pressing out the bubbles starting from the bag’s bottom and work your way up to the sealed end, closing the bag’s seal.
A vacuum sealer pump can also be used to easily vacuum seal raw tuna steak at home.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated tuna steak?
Once the previously cooked refrigerated/frozen tuna steak has been reheated, it should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the tuna steak goes above 40 degrees Fahrenheit when reheated and we know that bacteria develops rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, bacteria will make their way into your tuna steak, and reheated tuna steak should never be refrigerated, rather it is better to consume it completely or otherwise discard the reheated leftovers properly.
What are different ways to spot spoiled raw tuna steak?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your raw tuna steak has gone bad. To determine if raw tuna steak has gone bad, look at its appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your tuna steak or if it has discolored (brown, green, or gray), it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy tuna steak since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Texture
If you touch the tuna steak and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw it out.
Smell
If you smell something sour or ammonia-like while sniffing your tuna steak, it’s time to throw it out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting cooked tuna steak with a foul odor, but if you are brave (and silly) enough, you will notice a significant change in the texture and mouthfeel of the spoiled raw tuna steak. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your raw tuna steak and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
How to properly store tuna steak?
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the tuna steak within 2 hours it is cooked in airtight containers to extend its shelf life while keeping its quality.
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of prepared raw tuna steak, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. Cooked raw tuna steak that has been frozen at 0°C is safe to use for extremely long periods.
- Raw tuna steak should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow it to cool quickly.
You can read how to make tuna steak here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long does raw tuna steak last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of raw tuna steak. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled raw tuna steak.