Now, I know what you're thinking: "But what about all the bacteria and food poisoning and all that jazz?" Well, let me put your mind at ease – as long as you've been storing your steak at a safe temperature (below 40°F), the risk of foodborne illness is relatively low. Of course, that's not a free pass to eat expired steak willy-nilly, but it does mean you can breathe a sigh of relief if you've only gone a day or two past the sell by date.
So, how long can you really keep steak in the fridge? The answer is, it depends on the type of steak and how well it's been stored. Generally speaking, if you've got a beef steak with a low risk of contamination (think grain-fed and vacuum-sealed), you can safely store it for 3 to 5 days after the sell by date. But if you're dealing with a higher-risk steak (like ground beef or wild game), it's best to err on the side of caution and cook it sooner.
Now, I'm not saying you should start pushing the limits of steak storage just to see how long you can go. But if you've only gone a day or two past the sell by date, and you've stored that steak like a pro, you're probably in the clear. Just remember to always use your best judgment – if it looks bad, smells bad, or feels bad, it's time to say goodbye to that steak and hello to a new meal.
Refrigerating Steak Past Sell-By Date: Safe Storage Time Explained
