London Broil, despite its name, isn’t actually a specific cut of meat. It’s a method of preparing flank steak, or sometimes top round steak, known for its robust flavor and relatively lean profile. Grilling a London Broil on a food grill is a fantastic way to achieve a tender and juicy result with a beautiful sear. This guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the right cut to achieving that perfect medium-rare doneness.
Choosing and Preparing Your London Broil
Selecting the right cut of meat is paramount for a successful London Broil. You’ll typically find flank steak labeled as London Broil, though top round is sometimes used as a substitute. Flank steak is generally preferred due to its grain structure, which makes it ideal for marinating and slicing against the grain after cooking.
Understanding the Cut: Flank Steak vs. Top Round
Flank steak comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow. It’s a relatively thin, wide cut with pronounced grain. Top round, on the other hand, comes from the rear leg and is a thicker, leaner cut. While both can be used for London Broil, flank steak tends to be more flavorful and tender when properly prepared.
Consider the visual appearance of the meat. Look for a vibrant red color, indicating freshness. Avoid cuts that are dull or brown. The marbling, or intramuscular fat, contributes to flavor and tenderness. While flank steak doesn’t typically have abundant marbling, some marbling is preferable to none.
Preparing the Meat for Grilling
Preparation is key to maximizing tenderness and flavor. This involves trimming excess fat and, most importantly, marinating the meat. While a little fat is fine and adds flavor, excessive fat can cause flare-ups on the grill. Trim away any large, hard pieces of fat.
Marinating the London Broil is crucial for both tenderizing the meat and infusing it with flavor. A good marinade should contain an acid (like vinegar or citrus juice), oil, and seasonings. The acid helps to break down the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender.
Consider a simple marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl or resealable bag. Submerge the London Broil in the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Allow the London Broil to marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. However, avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acid can start to break down the meat too much, resulting in a mushy texture.
Before grilling, remove the London Broil from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help it cook more evenly. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will promote better searing.
Grilling the London Broil to Perfection
Achieving that perfect grilled London Broil requires attention to heat, timing, and proper technique. It’s all about searing the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Setting Up Your Food Grill
Preheat your food grill to high heat. You want a hot surface to create a beautiful sear. Ensure the grates are clean to prevent sticking. Lightly oil the grates with cooking oil to further prevent sticking. Use a high-heat oil like canola or grapeseed oil.
A two-zone grilling setup is ideal for London Broil. This means having one side of the grill at high heat for searing and the other side at medium heat for finishing the cooking process. This allows you to control the internal temperature and prevent the outside from burning before the inside is cooked to your desired doneness.
The Searing Process
Place the London Broil on the hottest part of the grill. Sear it for 3-4 minutes per side, or until a deep brown crust forms. Avoid moving the meat around too much during the searing process, as this can interfere with the development of the crust.
The Maillard reaction, the chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food its distinctive flavor, is what you’re aiming for during searing. A good sear enhances the overall taste and texture of the London Broil.
Finishing the Cook
After searing both sides, move the London Broil to the cooler side of the grill. Continue cooking until it reaches your desired internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature.
For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, aim for 135-145°F (57-63°C). Remember that the internal temperature will continue to rise slightly after you remove the meat from the grill, a process called carryover cooking.
Resting and Slicing the London Broil
Once the London Broil reaches your desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result.
This resting period is crucial. Cutting into the meat immediately after grilling will cause the juices to run out, leaving you with a dry and less flavorful piece of meat.
The most important step in serving London Broil is slicing it against the grain. The grain refers to the direction of the muscle fibers. Cutting against the grain shortens these fibers, making the meat much easier to chew.
Identify the direction of the grain on the London Broil. Using a sharp knife, slice the meat thinly against the grain at a 45-degree angle. This will ensure maximum tenderness.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
London Broil is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. From classic steak dinners to flavorful sandwiches, the possibilities are endless.
Classic Steak Dinner
Serve sliced London Broil with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. A flavorful sauce, such as chimichurri or a red wine reduction, can elevate the dish even further.
Consider serving with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus with parmesan cheese, and a side salad with a balsamic vinaigrette. The vibrant colors and textures will create a visually appealing and delicious meal.
London Broil Sandwiches
Thinly sliced London Broil makes a fantastic sandwich filling. Serve it on crusty bread with your favorite toppings, such as caramelized onions, roasted peppers, and provolone cheese.
A Philly cheesesteak-inspired London Broil sandwich is a great option. Top the sliced meat with sautéed onions, peppers, and melted provolone cheese on a hoagie roll.
London Broil Salads
Add sliced London Broil to your favorite salad for a protein-packed and flavorful meal. Arugula, spinach, or mixed greens are all great bases for a London Broil salad.
Consider a grilled London Broil salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, crumbled blue cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine.
Flavor Variations and Marinade Ideas
Experiment with different marinades to customize the flavor of your London Broil. Consider adding ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, or chili flakes for an Asian-inspired flavor.
A Southwestern-inspired marinade with lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and oregano can add a zesty and flavorful twist. For a Mediterranean flavor, try a marinade with lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and olive oil.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favorite flavor combinations. Rosemary, thyme, and parsley are all excellent additions to a London Broil marinade.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best preparation, grilling a London Broil can sometimes present challenges. Here are some common issues and how to address them.
Tough London Broil
The most common issue with London Broil is toughness. This is usually due to overcooking or improper slicing. Ensure you’re using a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and avoid overcooking. Always slice the meat thinly against the grain.
Marinating the meat for a sufficient amount of time is also crucial for tenderizing it. A good marinade will help break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender.
Dry London Broil
Dryness can also be an issue, often caused by overcooking or not allowing the meat to rest. Ensure you’re not cooking the London Broil beyond your desired internal temperature. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Basting the meat with marinade during grilling can help keep it moist, but be careful not to introduce too much moisture, as this can interfere with searing.
Uneven Cooking
Uneven cooking can occur if the London Broil is not of uniform thickness or if your grill has hot spots. Use a two-zone grilling setup to better control the cooking process. Move the meat around on the grill as needed to ensure even cooking.
If the London Broil is significantly thicker in one area, consider pounding it lightly with a meat mallet to even out the thickness before marinating.
Flare-Ups
Flare-ups are common when grilling fatty meats. Trim excess fat from the London Broil before grilling. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to extinguish any flare-ups that occur. Avoid using sugary marinades, as the sugar can burn and cause flare-ups.
By following these tips and techniques, you can consistently grill a perfect London Broil on your food grill that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Enjoy!
What exactly is London Broil, and what should I look for when buying one?
London Broil is a cut of beef that typically comes from the flank or top round. It’s known for being relatively lean and requires proper cooking to avoid becoming tough. When purchasing London Broil, look for a cut that is about 1-2 inches thick with a vibrant red color. Avoid pieces that appear brown or have a slimy texture, as these are signs of aging or spoilage.
Also, consider the marbling. While London Broil isn’t heavily marbled like a ribeye, some marbling will contribute to a more tender and flavorful final product. Don’t be afraid to ask your butcher questions about the cut and its origin; they can often provide valuable insights and help you select the best piece for grilling.
What’s the best way to marinate London Broil, and how long should it marinate for?
Marinating London Broil is crucial to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. A good marinade typically includes an acid (like vinegar or lemon juice) to break down muscle fibers, oil to help with moisture retention, and herbs and spices for flavor. Common ingredients include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, rosemary, and black pepper.
The ideal marinating time is at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight (8-12 hours) in the refrigerator. Avoid marinating for longer than 24 hours, as the acid can start to make the meat mushy. Place the London Broil in a resealable bag or container and turn it occasionally to ensure even marinating. Remember to discard the marinade after use to avoid cross-contamination.
What’s the key to grilling London Broil so it’s tender and not tough?
The key to grilling London Broil is to cook it over high heat for a relatively short period. This sears the outside, creating a flavorful crust, while keeping the inside tender. Overcooking is the biggest enemy, as it dries out the meat and makes it tough. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature carefully.
Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare or 135-140°F for medium. After grilling, it’s absolutely essential to let the London Broil rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
What’s the best grilling temperature for London Broil?
For optimal results when grilling London Broil, you want a high heat. Aim for a grill temperature between 450-500°F (232-260°C). This high heat helps to quickly sear the outside of the meat, creating a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Make sure your grill grates are clean and oiled before placing the London Broil on the grill. This will prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Preheating the grill is crucial to achieving the proper temperature and a good sear. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals to create direct and indirect heat zones, allowing you to adjust the cooking temperature as needed.
How long should I grill London Broil on each side?
Grilling time depends on the thickness of your London Broil and your desired level of doneness. A general guideline is to grill for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, flipping only once. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness; relying solely on time can lead to overcooking.
If your London Broil is thicker than 1.5 inches, you may need to increase the grilling time slightly. For a more well-done result, continue grilling for an additional 1-2 minutes per side, checking the internal temperature frequently. Remember that the meat will continue to cook slightly after it’s removed from the grill, so it’s best to err on the side of slightly undercooked.
What’s the correct way to slice London Broil after grilling?
Slicing London Broil correctly is crucial for tenderness. Always slice it against the grain, meaning you should cut perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers. This shortens the fibers, making the meat easier to chew. Identifying the grain direction can sometimes be tricky, so take a moment to examine the meat carefully before slicing.
Use a sharp knife and slice the London Broil thinly, about 1/4 inch thick. Slicing too thickly can result in a tougher eating experience, even if the meat is cooked perfectly. If you’re unsure which direction the grain runs, try making a small initial cut and observing how the fibers separate. Adjust your slicing angle accordingly.
What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled London Broil?
Grilled London Broil is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Classic options include roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes. A fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing can also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the beef.
For a heartier meal, consider serving it with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or grilled corn on the cob. A simple pan sauce made from the marinade or red wine reduction can also elevate the dish. Ultimately, the best side dishes are those that complement the flavors of the London Broil and suit your personal preferences.