How to Cook Perfect London Broil Every Time

If you’re in the mood for a hearty and affordable dinner, a London broil is the perfect dish to prepare. This lean cut of beef is budget-friendly, easy to cook, and can feed a crowd. The term “London broil” actually refers to the cooking method, not the cut of meat- which can be top round, flank, or sirloin. This versatile dish can be cooked on the grill, in the oven, or on a stovetop, making it perfect for any season or occasion.

To start, select your cut of beef and season it generously with salt and pepper. You can also create a marinade with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and oil for added flavor. Allow your steak to sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. When it’s time to cook, sear the steak on high heat for a few minutes on each side, then transfer to the oven to finish cooking. The key to a perfect London broil is to not overcook the meat- it should be pink in the center and juicy. Slice the steak against the grain and serve with your favorite side dishes. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

If you’re looking to make a delicious London broil, then you have to start with the right cut of meat. While many different cuts can be used for this dish, the most common cut is top round steak.

Top round steak is a lean cut of meat that is perfect for grilling or broiling. It’s also relatively inexpensive, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly meal.

When selecting your top round steak, choose a piece that is at least 1-1/2 inches thick. This will ensure that your London broil is juicy and tender when cooked to perfection.

Marinating Your Steak

One of the essential steps in making a killer London broil is marinating your steak. A good marinade will add flavor and moisture to your meat, making it tender and juicy when cooked to perfection.

There are endless varieties of marinades from which to choose. However, a traditional marinade for London broil typically includes olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, honey, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Add your favorite herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile.

Place your top round steak in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the steak. Be sure to coat all sides of the meat evenly, seal the bag tightly, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Preparing Your Grill

Once your steak has marinated, it’s time to prepare your grill. Preheating your grill is critical for achieving the perfect sear on your steak and keeping the meat juicy.

Start by cleaning the grates of your grill thoroughly. Then, turn your burners to high and allow them to preheat for at least 10 minutes.

It’s also critical to oil the grates to prevent sticking. Use a paper towel dipped in oil to coat the grates lightly.

Cooking Your Steak

When cooking your London broil, high heat is essential for getting that perfect sear and locking in the juices. Start by placing your steak on the grill and cooking each side for about 5-6 minutes. If your cut of meat is thicker, add a few extra minutes per side.

Once your steak reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step is critical because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Slicing Your Steak

When slicing your London broil, it’s essential to cut against the grain. The grain of the meat refers to the direction of the muscle fibers, and cutting against the grain helps you to break down the muscle fibers and make the meat tender.

Start by locating the direction of the grain on your steak. Cut thin slices across the grain, and be sure to cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

London broil is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Here are some of our favorite serving suggestions:

• Serve your London broil with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a healthy meal.
• Pair your steak with a baked potato or mashed potatoes for a classic steakhouse meal.
• Make steak sandwiches with sliced London broil and your favorite toppings

Final Thoughts

With the right cut of meat, a delicious marinade, and proper grilling technique, you can make a mouthwatering London broil right in your own backyard. So fire up that grill and get ready to impress your guests with a dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Just remember to slice against the grain, and let your steak rest before serving for maximum flavor and tenderness.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we begin with the cooking instructions, let’s first talk about the ingredients you’ll need to make a delicious London broil.

1. London Broil Cut: This is the most important ingredient as it gives the dish its name. London broil cut is a type of beef that is made from flank steak. You can purchase this from any local butcher or grocery store.

2. Marinade: You will need a marinade to enhance the flavor of the beef cut. You can prepare the marinade at home using ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey.

3. Salt and Pepper: While marinating the beef, don’t forget to add salt and pepper as per your taste preference. These two ingredients will bring out the natural flavors of the meat.

4. Herbs and Spices: You can use a variety of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the London broil. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, cumin, and paprika are some popular choices.

5. Broiling Pan: You will need a broiling pan to cook the London broil. A broiling pan comes with a rack that lets the meat cook evenly and also allows the fat to drip down, giving the beef a crispy texture.

6. Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential to check the internal temperature of the meat. This is important to ensure the meat is cooked perfectly.

7. Aluminum Foil: You will need aluminum foil to cover the London broil while it’s resting after cooking. This helps the meat retain its juices.

8. Cooking Oil: You will need cooking oil to coat the broiling pan and prevent the meat from sticking to it.

9. Oven: You’ll need an oven to cook the London broil. A conventional oven works fine.

10. Cooking Brush: A cooking brush will come in handy when you’re applying the marinade to the beef cut. A silicone brush is ideal as it’s easy to clean and doesn’t shed.

Ensure that you have all these ingredients in your kitchen before you begin cooking the London broil. This will make the process smoother and enjoyable. Now that we have the ingredients out of the way, let’s proceed to the next section and learn how to prepare the London broil cut.

Marinating the London Broil

Marinating the London Broil is an essential part of the cooking process, as it helps to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat. Here are some tips to ensure that your London Broil is perfectly marinated:

The Marinade

The Marinade is the key to making a tender and flavorful London Broil. You can use a variety of marinades, depending on your taste preferences, but one of the most popular is a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, honey, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.

Marinating Time

Marinating time is important to ensure that the flavor penetrates the London Broil. A good rule of thumb is to marinate the London Broil for at least 12 hours, but no longer than 24 hours. You can leave the meat in the marinade overnight in the fridge, and turn it over halfway through the marinating process.

The Bag or Container

You need a container or bag to marinate the London Broil. It is best to use a ziplock bag, as it allows the marinade to coat the meat thoroughly and easily. You can also use a glass container with an airtight lid.

Prick the London Broil

Pricking the London Broil with a fork before marinating is an excellent way to increase the penetration of the marinade. This helps to tenderize the meat and allows the marinade to go deeper into the meat.

Massage the London Broil

Give the London Broil a gentle massage while marinating. This helps to promote the absorption of the marinade and enhances the flavor of the meat.

Remember, the marinade is the heart and soul of your London Broil, so make sure to take your time and create a delicious blend of flavors. Marinating is a simple way to take your London Broil to the next level and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.

Savor the Flavor of Your Homemade London Broil Today!

Now that you have read this step-by-step guide on how to make London broil, it’s time to set your oven and preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and start cooking! Don’t forget to marinate your meat and sear it well to lock in that scrumptious flavor. Thanks for joining me on this journey and giving your taste buds a treat. Stay tuned for more delightful recipes, and don’t hesitate to visit again later. Happy cooking!