You’ve planned a delicious steak dinner, but upon opening the fridge, you met an unexpected sight: your steak has turned gray.

Now, we’ll explore the reason why steak can change color, what it means for its safety, and how you can make an informed decision about whether to cook it or toss it.

Factors That Cause Steak to Turn Gray

Several factors can cause steak to turn gray. One common reason is oxidation, which occurs when the meat is exposed to air.