The word “London Broil” has a dual meaning. It refers to both a cut of beef and a cooking method. It’s a lean cut of meat like flank steak or top round steak, known for its rich flavor and affordable price. To be succulent and flavorful, London broil must be cooked correctly. Here, we’ll explore the best way to cook London Broil using grilling and oven methods, integrating a flavorful marinade and a few essential tips to achieve perfect results.
The Marinade To Cook London Broil
Perfectly seasoned and juicy London Broil depends on a good marinade. For a well-balanced marinade, mix the following ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
Procedure
- Mix these ingredients thoroughly and place the cut of meat into a large resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the flank steak or top round steak to ensure it is thoroughly coated.
- After sealing and pressing out all the air, place the bag in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.
- This long marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and helps to tenderize it.
Grilling Method To Cook London Broil
Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to high heat. This will keep the meat will keep the meat moist and soft while ensuring a nice sear on the outside.
Remove from Marinade
Remove the cut of beef from the marinade and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. To achieve a better sear, pat it dry with paper towels to remove any extra marinade.
Grill the Meat
Place the meat on the grill. Depending on the thickness of the meat, cook for medium rare for around 5 to 7 minutes on each side. The internal temperature should reach about 130-135°F.
Rest the Meat
Once cooked, remove the meat from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. This makes the meat more soft by redistributing the juices throughout it.
Oven Method To Cook London Broil
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Set the rack so that the meat is about 4 to 5 inches from the grill.
Remove from Marinade
As with grilling, let the meat come to room temperature for 15 minutes and pat dry.
Broil Recipe
Lay the London Broil on a wire rack or broiler pan and place it on a baking sheet. Adjust the broiling time to 5 to 7 minutes per side. Watch closely to prevent burning. The interior temperature should be between 130°F and 135°F for medium rare.
Rest the Meat
Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips To Perfectly Cook London Broil
Cut Against the Grain
Always slice the London Broil against the grain. This method cuts across the muscle fibers, making each bite softer.
Check Internal Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is precisely right. Overcooking can make the meat tough.
High Heat
Both grilling and broiling use high heat to sear the outside of the meat and seal in fluids and flavor.
Resting
Never skip the resting step. It’s essential for permitting the fluids to redistribute and ensuring a juicy result.
If you want to savor delicious rice with your London broil steak, then learn to cook fluffy Jasmine rice and perfect Black rice to extract their flavorful aromas and taste.
Flavor Variations of London Broil
Experiment different variations of London Broil by varying the components in your marinade to more taste and depth to your recipe. You can add spices like paprika, cumin, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. A small amount of honey can lend a hint of sweetness, and a dash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
Herb-Infused Marinade
Ingredients
Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, fresh rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, black pepper, and lemon juice.
Method
Cook London broil by combining all ingredients and marinate the cut of meat for at least 12 hours. The herbs add an aromatic flavor that complements the richness of the flank steak or top-round steak.
Spicy Marinade
Ingredient
Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper.
Method
Mix the ingredients and marinate the cut of beef for at least 12 hours. The added heat from the hot sauce and red pepper flakes gives the meat a spicy kick. Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicier punch. On the other hand, if you like a savorier flavor, you can add onion powder or minced garlic.
Conclusion
The secret to perfect London broil is its preparation and cooking techniques. Whether you grill or broil your London Broil, the key is a good marinade, high heat, and proper resting time. By following these tips and incorporating the flavorful marinade, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy London Broil every time. A well-prepared London broil can be a memorable dish for amazing families and guests with its robust flavors and soft texture, whether it’s grilled or broiled in the oven. So, next time you’re looking for a delicious and cost-effective meal, remember these tips and enjoy the best way to cook London Broil.