London broil is a fantastic and versatile beef dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Often misunderstood as a specific cut, London broil is actually a method of preparing leaner cuts of beef like top round or flank steak to achieve maximum tenderness and flavor. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about How To Cook London Broil to juicy, flavorful perfection every time.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, mastering how to cook london broil will add a delicious and budget-friendly steak option to your culinary repertoire. This recipe focuses on creating a flavorful marinade and using the right cooking techniques to transform a potentially tough cut of beef into a tender and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into the secrets of making the best London broil you’ve ever tasted!
What Exactly is London Broil?
Despite its name, London broil isn’t a specific cut of beef like a ribeye or tenderloin. Instead, it refers to a cooking method applied to typically leaner and less expensive cuts of beef. The most common cuts used for London broil are:
- Top Round Steak: This is the most traditional cut for London broil, being lean and readily available.
- Flank Steak: Another popular choice, flank steak is known for its rich flavor but can be tough if not cooked and sliced correctly.
- Sirloin Steak: Sometimes sirloin is also labeled as London broil, offering a balance of flavor and tenderness.
The “broil” in London broil refers to the original cooking method – broiling in the oven. However, grilling is also an excellent way to cook London broil, imparting a smoky char and enhancing its flavor. The key to a successful London broil, regardless of the cut, lies in marinating and slicing against the grain.
The Secret to Tender London Broil: The Marinade
Because London broil typically uses leaner cuts of beef, marinating is absolutely crucial. A good marinade does two key things:
- Tenderizes the Meat: Marinades usually contain acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or soy sauce. These acids help to break down tough muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender steak.
- Adds Flavor: Marinades infuse the beef with layers of flavor, making each bite more delicious and complex.
This recipe features a robust and flavorful marinade that perfectly complements the beef.
London Broil Marinade Recipe
This marinade is quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl or a gallon-sized resealable freezer bag, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, salt, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Marinate the Beef: Place your London broil steak in the marinade. If using a bowl, ensure the marinade evenly coats the meat. If using a bag, seal it and remove excess air.
- Refrigerate: Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, and ideally up to 12 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the London broil will become.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook London Broil
Once your London broil has marinated, it’s time to cook it! You have two excellent cooking options: grilling or broiling.
Marinating Time
- Minimum: 2 hours
- Recommended: 12 hours
For the best results, plan ahead and marinate your London broil overnight or in the morning for dinner. If you’re short on time, even 2 hours of marinating will make a noticeable difference.
Cooking Methods: Grilling and Broiling
Both grilling and broiling are high-heat cooking methods that work well for London broil.
How to Grill London Broil
Grilling adds a fantastic smoky flavor to your London broil and creates beautiful grill marks.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Remove from Marinade: Take the London broil out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the used marinade.
- Grill: Place the London broil on the preheated grill.
- Cook Time: Grill for approximately 7-8 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Check Temperature: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to check the internal temperature. Refer to the steak temperature guide below.
- Rest: Once cooked to your liking, remove the London broil from the grill and let it rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
How to Broil London Broil
Broiling is a convenient indoor method that mimics grilling’s high heat.
- Preheat Broiler: Preheat your oven broiler to medium (around 450°F or 232°C). Position an oven rack about 4-6 inches from the broiler element.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Remove from Marinade: Take the London broil out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the used marinade.
- Broil: Place the London broil on the prepared baking sheet.
- Broil Time: Broil for approximately 7 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness.
- Check Temperature: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to check the internal temperature. Refer to the steak temperature guide below.
- Rest: Once cooked to your liking, remove the London broil from the oven and let it rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing.
Steak Temperatures for Perfect Doneness
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your London broil is cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Here’s a guide to steak internal temperatures:
- Rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium-Rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Medium-Well: 150°F (66°C)
- Well Done: 160°F+ (71°C+)
Remember to remove the steak from the heat a few degrees before your target temperature, as it will continue to cook as it rests (“carry-over cooking”).
Resting and Slicing: Key to Tenderness
- Resting: Allowing your London broil to rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking is essential. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm while it rests. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and preventing them from running out when you slice.
- Slicing Against the Grain: This is the final and crucial step to ensure tenderness. “Grain” refers to the direction of the muscle fibers in the meat. Look closely at your London broil to identify the direction of the grain. Slice perpendicular to the grain, across the fibers, into thin slices. This shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak significantly more tender to chew.
Tips for the Best London Broil
- Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness: Don’t skip or shorten the marinating time if possible. It’s the key to a flavorful and tender London broil.
- Don’t Overcook: London broil is best served medium-rare to medium. Overcooking will make it tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking.
- Slice Thinly Against the Grain: Slicing correctly is just as important as cooking correctly. Thin slices against the grain will maximize tenderness.
- Experiment with Marinade Variations: Feel free to customize the marinade with different herbs and spices to create your own signature flavor. See flavor variation ideas below.
- Rest Before Slicing: Always let your London broil rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Serving Suggestions for London Broil
London broil is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic Sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots), corn on the cob, green beans.
- Salads: A fresh salad like Mediterranean couscous salad or a simple garden salad complements the richness of the beef.
- Grains: Quinoa, rice pilaf, or couscous are excellent grain options.
- Potato Dishes: Potato pancakes, au gratin potatoes, or roasted potatoes are all delicious pairings.
- Homemade Steak Sauce: Elevate your London broil with a homemade steak sauce for extra flavor.
London Broil Flavor Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these marinade variations:
- Savory and Sweet: Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the marinade for a touch of sweetness and depth.
- Herb Infusion: Boost the herbal notes by adding 1/4 cup of fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and chives to the marinade.
- Garlic Lover’s Delight: Double the amount of fresh garlic and add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for an extra garlicky punch.
FAQs About London Broil
Q: What cut of meat is London broil?
A: London broil is not a specific cut, but a method of preparing leaner beef cuts like top round, flank steak, or sirloin.
Q: How do you tenderize London broil?
A: Marinating is the best way to tenderize London broil. The acid in the marinade breaks down muscle fibers, making it more tender.
Q: Can I cook London broil in the oven?
A: Yes, broiling is an excellent oven method for cooking London broil. Follow the broiling instructions outlined above.
Q: How long should I marinate London broil?
A: Marinate for at least 2 hours, and ideally up to 12 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Q: What temperature should London broil be cooked to?
A: For medium doneness, cook to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Conclusion
Mastering how to cook london broil is easier than you might think! With a flavorful marinade, proper cooking technique, and attention to slicing against the grain, you can transform this budget-friendly cut of beef into a delicious and impressive meal. Whether you choose to grill or broil, this recipe will guide you to London broil perfection every time. Enjoy!
