If you haven’t had steak, one of the things you probably wonder about is the safety of eating such. In general, steaks are meant to be cooked rare or medium-rare. Thus, if you see a pink center, you may find it problematic and think that it can make you sick, which is why you may ask:
Can a rare steak make you sick? No, eating a rare steak will not make you sick. However, be sure you reach an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the bacteria in the steak that can cause some health problems. If your internal temperature is lower, it may pose some risks.
Steak is best when cooked medium rare and rare because they are tender and juicier than well-done steak. However, proper handling and cooking are always the keys to cooking a safe steak for consumption. As long as you do so, you can enjoy even a rare steak without worries.
This article will walk you through all the things you need to know about rare steak and the possible risks involved when eating such. This way, you can enjoy a rare steak without worries and make sure you understand how to avoid the risks.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
- Is it safe to eat rare steak?
- Is it safe to eat rare steak while pregnant?
- Is it safe to eat rare steak the next day?
- What happens if you eat steak too rare?
- What to do when you eat too rare steak?
- How rare is too rare steak?
- Why do I feel sick after eating rare steak?
- Can raw steak upset your stomach?
- Summary
- Resources
Is it safe to eat rare steak?
Yes, it is safe to eat rare steak, but only as long as you cook it thoroughly. In general, rare steak consumption poses some health risks, so the USDA doesn’t recommend such.
The thing about meat is that they contain harmful bacteria that can only get killed through proper and thorough cooking.
Thus, if you’re eating a rare steak, you should atleast get an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit at the center of your steak.
Such a temperature should be enough to kill any bacteria and viruses present in the food.
Is it safe to eat rare steak while pregnant?
No, it’s not safe to eat rare steak while pregnant. While you can always enjoy a rare steak, it’s not something a pregnant woman should indulge in since it poses a risk.
In general, pregnant women should follow good food safety habits. Thus, you should avoid rare steak and other undercooked meat and food throughout pregnancy.
For this reason, you should always make sure that the steak is cooked if you’re eating. If you want to retain the juiciness and softness of the meat, at least make it medium well or medium-rare.
Is it safe to eat rare steak the next day?
It is safe to eat rare steak the next day if you store it properly. In general, leftover steaks should be safe for consumption if you keep them in the fridge.
Such a steak should last for three days, given that you cook it properly and store it correctly.
If you don’t eat them within that time frame, you can always place them in the freezer. Still, it would be best to only eat a steak after cooking to enjoy it in the best way possible.
What happens if you eat steak too rare?
If you eat a steak too rare, you may ingest salmonella bacteria, resulting in several health risks. Among the problems you may have are fever, diarrhea, and an upset stomach.
The bacteria can spread from your intestines to the other parts of the body. Thus, always make sure you don’t eat a steak too rare. The best doneness for a steak should be medium-rare.
What to do when you eat too rare steak?
If you eat a steak that’s too rare, you should be alert and notice any signs or symptoms brought by such. After eating a steak, you can get away with it if nothing happens to you.
However, always make sure you stay hydrated. Also, make sure you contact a doctor or a healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms brought by eating a rare steak.
How rare is too rare steak?
A steak can be too rare when it only reaches a temperature below 125 degrees Fahrenheit or 52 degrees Celsius.
A medium-rare steak should have an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit or 57 degrees Celsius.
On the other hand, a rare steak should have an internal temperature of at least 125 degrees Fahrenheit or 52 degrees Celsius.
For this reason, going below the internal temperature of a rare steak means it’s too rare, and it poses some health risks.
Thus, let your steak cook longer until it reaches a proper internal temperature. This way, you can avoid the risks included in it and make sure you enjoy your steak safely.
Why do I feel sick after eating rare steak?
If you feel sick after eating rare steak, it can be due to food poisoning. Since a rare steak can have bacteria, consuming such can transfer that bacteria to you and cause some health problems.
If you feel sick after eating a rare steak, consult a physician or a healthcare provider to make sure you get immediate treatment and response.
Can raw steak upset your stomach?
Yes, a raw steak can upset your stomach. In addition, eating a raw steak can put you at risk of food poisoning since it may contain bacteria that are not killed because a rare steak doesn’t reach the ideal internal temperature.
Now, as long as you cook and prepare your steak correctly, you can enjoy it without worries. However, the risks involved are always there, so be prepared for such.
Summary
In a nutshell, you will not get sick from eating a rare steak. As a rule of thumb, make sure you reach a temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do this, you can ensure that bacteria in the steak that can cause health problems are killed. The lower your internal temperature, the greater the risk you can have.
Medium-rare and rare steaks are the best because they are more tender and juicy than well-done steaks. Nevertheless, proper handling and cooking are vital in preparing a safe steak for consumption. If you follow these steps, you can enjoy a rare steak without worrying.
Also Read:
- How to Remove Sausage Casing?
- Can You Eat Sausage Casing?
- Nutmeg and Cinnamon
- Why Is There Liquid in Peanut Butter?
- Is Ground Pork the Same as Sausage?
Resources
Image credits – Canva