About This Grilled London Broil Recipe
London broil is a flavorful, relatively inexpensive cut of beef that’s perfect for grilling. It’s easy enough to make on a weeknight, but it also feels special enough for a weekend dinner party.
What’s interesting about “London broil” is that it’s actually a method of preparation rather than a specific cut of meat. Usually, butchers will use flank steak or top round to make London broil.
The key to a tender, juicy grilled London broil is to marinate the meat beforehand and to cook it just right.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know to make a perfect grilled London broil, including how to select the right cut of meat, how to prepare a flavorful marinade, how to grill the steak to perfection, and what to serve with it.
Understanding London broil: Cuts of meat and what to look for
So, what exactly is London broil? It’s a bit of a misnomer, as “London broil” actually refers to a method of cooking rather than a specific cut of beef. It typically involves marinating and then grilling or broiling a lean cut of beef.
The two most common cuts of beef used for London broil are flank steak and top round steak.
Choosing the right cut
Flank steak is the most popular choice. It’s known for its rich, beefy flavor and relatively thin shape. Because it can be a bit tough, it’s important to marinate flank steak to tenderize those muscle fibers.
Top round is a leaner and more affordable option. However, it can easily become tough if overcooked. Marinating is key, as is careful attention to grilling or broiling time.
When buying either flank or top round steak, look for a deep red color and minimal fat. Avoid meat with dark spots or discoloration. If you’re looking for enhanced flavor, consider organic or grass-fed options.
The essential marinade: flavor and tenderness
London broil is a relatively tough cut of meat, so marinating is essential. Marinating not only adds flavor, but it also helps tenderize the meat. The acids in the marinade help to break down those tough muscle fibers, resulting in a more pleasant eating experience.
Why marinate?
Marinating a London broil for as little as 30 minutes will help, but for the best results, marinate it for 4 to 12 hours. Some people like to marinate overnight. Keep in mind that ingredients like honey can change the texture of the meat if you marinate for longer than 12 hours.
Marinade ingredients and variations
Most marinades contain oil, an acid (like vinegar or citrus juice), soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Savory: Balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs
- Sweet: Maple syrup, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger
- Simple: Bottled Italian dressing
If you’re short on time, you can use balsamic vinegar and dry seasonings for a quick marinade. Pounding the meat to tenderize it can also help it absorb the marinade faster.
Grilling London Broil to Perfection: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to fire up the grill and make an amazing London broil? Here’s how to do it right.
Preparing for the Grill
First, take the steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to grill it. This helps the steak cook evenly.
Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 450-500°F. Make sure the grill grates are nice and clean, and give them a light oiling to keep the steak from sticking.
Grilling Instructions
Now for the fun part! Put the steak directly over the heat and sear it for about 4-6 minutes on each side. This creates that delicious crust we all love.
For those cool crosshatch grill marks, rotate the steak 45 degrees halfway through searing each side.
After searing, keep cooking the steak either directly over the heat or off to the side, depending on how hot your grill is. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and cook it to your liking.
Resting the Steak
Don’t skip this step! Let the steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes before you slice into it. This resting time lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
To keep the steak warm while it rests, tent it loosely with foil.
How to Grill London Broil to Your Preferred Doneness
To get your London broil cooked just right, you’ll need a meat thermometer. Stick the probe into the thickest part of the steak, making sure you don’t touch any bone.
Here’s a guide to internal temperatures:
- Rare: 125-130°F (52-54°C)
- Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 135-145°F (57-63°C)
- Medium-Well: 145-155°F (63-68°C)
- Well-Done: 155°F+ (68°C+)
One thing to remember: the internal temperature will keep rising a little bit (5-10°F) even after you take the steak off the grill. So, pull it off when it’s a few degrees below your target temp. This is called “carryover cooking.”
Slicing and serving
This is the key to making your London broil taste amazing. Here’s how to do it:
- Find the grain. Look closely at your steak and identify the direction of the muscle fibers.
- Slice against the grain. Use a sharp knife to cut the steak thinly against the grain. Cutting at a 45-degree angle will shorten the muscle fibers, making each bite more tender.
- Serve immediately. Arrange the slices on a platter. For extra flavor, add a pat of butter or drizzle some of the marinade over the top.
Enjoy!
Perfect pairings: Side dishes and wine recommendations
Grilled London broil is a versatile dish that goes well with all sorts of sides and complements a variety of red and white wines.
Complementary side dishes
You can’t go wrong with classic steakhouse sides like baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, salads, and corn on the cob.
Or, you can go for seasonal options like a cucumber-mint-watermelon salad in the summer or roasted root vegetables in the fall.
Wine pairings
For red wines, consider reaching for a bottle of Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, or Spanish Rioja. These wines have lower tannins than, say, a Cabernet Sauvignon, so they won’t overpower the grilled steak.
If you’d prefer white wine, an oaky Chardonnay can also pair nicely with the flavor of grilled London broil.
Conclusion
Grilling a flavorful London Broil is as easy as choosing a good cut of meat, marinating it well, grilling it to the right temperature, letting it rest, and slicing it against the grain.
Feel free to experiment with different marinades and side dishes to make it your own. However you prepare it, London Broil is a versatile, satisfying, and affordable meal!