How long do you let a steak from the fridge come up to temperature, and when do you salt it?

Question

Before cooking a steak, you're supposed to let it sit out at room temperature. You're also supposed to salt it. What is the proper timing for these steps? How long do you let the steak come up to temperature, and how long before you cook it do you salt it?

Answer 1

In this thread, Lorenzo notes that steaks may end up raw in the center if you only leave 'em out for 10-15 minutes to come up to temperature. I recommend 30 mins, but it will probably vary on what room temperature actually is for you.

From Weber's Way To Grill, which recommends salting right when you take them out of the fridge, here's Mr. Purviance's take on why you should consider salting early:

It's true that salt draws moisture toward itself, but over the course of 20 to 30 minutes that's a good thing, because the salt begins to dissolve into that little bit of moisture. When the steak hits the hot grate... [you] create a delicious crust. Any moisture you might lose is well worth the flavor of that crust.

Answer 2

I don't salt my steaks / marinades until after they've been served - just put salt and pepper on the table. Salt does add to the flavour, but it also sucks out moisture. By skipping the salt the steaks stay juicier and the meal is more friendly for those of us with high blood pressure.

Answer 3

I leave them out at least 15 minutes. Salt the down side just before cooking and then the upper side just before turning it. The flavor penetration is very different from salt added after cooking and the meat stays juicy.

Answer 4

I usually marinate my steaks, so take 'em out about 2 hrs before and toss them in a zip-top bag coat 'em with a fair bit of worsteshire, then add in some soy sauce, seal, massage it, and leave it on the counter.

Needless to say, I don't add any extra salt, but I do pat 'em dry before cooking.

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Also, I'd think that what temperature you keep your home at might be a factor (which tends to be a cultural thing) My kitchen might be anywhere from 65F to 90F depending on the time of year.

Answer 5

I usually take it out of the refrigerator an hour prior to cooking and salt 30 minutes prior to cooking. I think I heard these numbers from a Good Eats episode, but I could be totally mistaken on where I picked up this habit.