Expert: John Langenfelder - 7/4/2009

Question
Why should I let my meat reach room temperature before grilling and how long will it take to reach room temperature?

Answer
Paul,

To me, letting your meat reach room temperature is a little misleading.  Getting the meat out and letting it sit for a half hour or so is more like what you need to do.  it takes the chill off the meat and allows the juices to flow. when they say room temperature they really mean the outside of the meat NOT the inside.  It would literally takes hours for the inside to come to room temperature and by then the meat could spoil.  The main reason is to cut down on cooking time and to allow the juices to start flowing when it starts to cook.  Personally, I think it is a useless, time wasting practice unless you get the meat out, then go start the grill.  If using charcoal, that may take a 1/2 hour but a gas grill may take 10 minutes.