Should you pull steak out of the fridge before cooking?

Yes, it's generally recommended to pull the steak out of the fridge before cooking. Here are a few reasons why:

Even cooking: Steaks cooked straight from the fridge can be unevenly cooked, with a cold centre and an overcooked exterior. Allowing the steak to come to room temperature before cooking helps ensure more consistent doneness throughout.

Improved texture: When cooked from cold, the steak's muscle fibres tense up more, resulting in a tougher texture. Bringing the steak to room temperature relaxes these fibres, leading to a more tender final product.

Better flavour release: Cold steak tends to hold onto its juices more than room temperature steak. By letting it warm up, the juices start to flow more readily, enhancing the flavour and juiciness of the cooked steak.

Reduced cooking time: Starting with room-temperature steak can reduce the overall cooking time. Since the steak is already closer to the desired temperature, it requires less time on the grill or in the pan to reach the desired doneness.

However, it's important not to leave the steak out at room temperature for too long, as this can promote bacterial growth. A good rule of thumb is to let the steak sit for about 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. If the steak is particularly thick, you may need to leave it out for a bit longer.