Ever found yourself wondering how long to grill a London broil on your gas grill? You’re not alone. Many home cooks face the challenge of getting that perfect sear while ensuring the meat stays tender and juicy.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding London Broil: London broil refers to both a cooking method and a cut of beef, often flank or top round steak, best suited for marinating and grilling.
- Marinating Importance: Marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor and tenderness. A marinade should include acid, oil, and spices.
- Cooking Techniques: Utilize both direct and indirect heat methods on a gas grill; sear for 4-5 minutes on each side and then finish with indirect heat until the desired internal temperature is reached.
- Cooking Time Guidelines: For a 1-inch thick steak, grill for a total of 10-18 minutes depending on preferred doneness: medium-rare (130°F) in about 10-12 minutes, medium (140°F) in 12-15 minutes, well-done (160°F) can take up to 18 minutes.
- Resting and Slicing: Allow the London broil to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling to keep it juicy, and slice against the grain for enhanced tenderness.
- Serving Suggestions: Complement your grilled London broil with grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, or fresh salads, and pair with sauces like chimichurri or BBQ sauce for added flavor.
Understanding London Broil
London broil refers to a cooking method and a specific cut of beef. This term often describes flank steak or top round steak, which is marinated, grilled, and then sliced against the grain. Understanding this cut helps in preparing perfectly grilled meat.
What Is London Broil?
London broil typically involves marinated cuts of beef grilled at high heat. The meat is known for its rich flavor and chewy texture. Cooking it properly is crucial to ensure tenderness. Marinating can enhance flavor and help tenderize the beef. Aim for a marinating time of at least 4 hours, although overnight yields the best results.
Ideal Cut of Meat for Grilling
For grilling, choose flank steak or top round steak. These cuts work best due to their balance of flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. Select a cut that’s at least 1 inch thick, ensuring even cooking and a better sear. Look for cuts with visible marbling, which signifies flavor and juiciness.
Preparing the London Broil
Preparing a London broil effectively sets the stage for a delicious meal. Key steps include marinating and seasoning to maximize flavor and tenderness.
Marinating Your Meat
Marinate your London broil for at least 4 hours, with an overnight soak being even better. A good marinade typically contains acid, oil, and spices. For example, you can mix soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and black pepper. Place the meat in a resealable bag or a shallow dish, ensuring it gets fully coated. Refrigerate during the marinating period to enhance flavor absorption.
Seasoning Tips
Seasoning should complement the marinade while enhancing flavor. For a simple approach, use salt and pepper generously on both sides before grilling. If you prefer, add spices like paprika, cumin, or a touch of cayenne for extra kick. Use fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for added aroma. Always remember to allow the meat to come to room temperature before placing it on the grill to ensure even cooking.
Grilling Techniques
Grilling a London broil on a gas grill requires specific techniques for optimal results. The right methods enhance flavor and tenderness, ensuring a delicious meal.
Direct vs. Indirect Heat
Using direct heat involves placing the London broil directly over the flame. This method creates a nice sear. For a thicker cut, use indirect heat by placing the meat to the side of the flames. This technique cooks the meat more gently, allowing for even doneness.
- Preheat the gas grill to high for direct heat.
- Sear each side of the steak for 4-5 minutes.
- Move the steak to cooler areas of the grill for indirect cooking.
- Close the lid and continue grilling until reaching the desired internal temperature.
- Check temperatures: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—130°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
- Rest the meat: Allow the London broil to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling. This helps retain juices.
- Slice against the grain: Cutting against the grain improves tenderness. Identify the direction of the grain and slice perpendicular to it.
- Avoid flipping frequently: Flip the steak only once to maintain a good sear and prevent drying out.
- Grease the grill grates: Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking and achieve clean grill marks.
How Long to Grill a London Broil on Gas Grill
Grilling a London broil on a gas grill requires precise timing for optimal results. Follow these guidelines to achieve a perfectly cooked steak.
Recommended Cooking Times
- Thickness Matters: For a cut that is 1 inch thick, grill each side for 4-5 minutes over high heat.
- Medium-Rare Doneness: Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F, which typically takes about 10-12 minutes total.
- Medium Doneness: For medium, target an internal temperature of 140°F to 145°F, usually around 12-15 minutes of grilling.
- Well-Done Finish: To reach well-done, cook until the internal temperature hits 160°F or higher, which may take 15-18 minutes.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak without touching bone or fat.
- Internal Temperature Guide: Reference the following temperatures for desired doneness:
- Rare: 120°F to 125°F
- Medium-Rare: 130°F to 135°F
- Medium: 140°F to 145°F
- Medium-Well: 150°F to 155°F
- Well-Done: 160°F and above
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling. This helps retain juices and enhances overall flavor.
By adhering to these cooking times and methods for checking doneness, you’ll achieve a juicy and flavorful London broil every time.
Serving Suggestions
Enhancing your London broil experience includes selecting ideal side dishes and pairing it with delicious sauces.
Best Side Dishes
- Grilled Vegetables: Choose zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. Season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling alongside your London broil.
- Baked Potatoes: Prepare with butter and sour cream. Add chives or bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Caesar Salad: Combine romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing for a crisp and refreshing side.
- Corn on the Cob: Grill with butter and a sprinkle of salt. Serve hot for a sweet and smoky complement to the beef.
- Rice Pilaf: Cook with herbs and broth. This light dish can absorb the juices from the meat beautifully.
- Chimichurri: Mix fresh parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. This vibrant sauce enhances the beef’s flavor with freshness.
- Balsamic Reduction: Simmer balsamic vinegar until thickened. Drizzle over the sliced London broil for a sweet and tangy kick.
- Steak Sauce: Consider classic options like A1 or HP for a traditional pairing that adds rich, savory notes.
- Horseradish Cream: Blend horseradish with sour cream for a zesty dip that adds heat and creaminess.
- BBQ Sauce: Use a smoky or sweet version to bring out the charred flavors from the grill.
By pairing your London broil with these sides and sauces, you create a balanced and flavorful meal that impresses guests.
Conclusion
Grilling a London broil can be a delicious adventure when you follow the right steps. With the perfect marinade and a little patience you can achieve that tender juicy steak everyone loves. Remember to keep an eye on the internal temperature and let it rest before slicing for the best results.
Pair your grilled London broil with tasty sides and sauces to elevate your meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends this dish is sure to impress. So fire up that gas grill and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of your perfectly grilled London broil. Happy grilling!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I grill a London broil on a gas grill?
To grill a London broil, sear each side for 4-5 minutes over high direct heat for medium-rare. For medium, cook for 12-15 minutes total, and for well-done, aim for 15-18 minutes. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
What is London broil?
London broil refers both to a cooking method and a specific cut of beef, typically flank steak or top round. It involves marinating the meat, grilling it, and then slicing it against the grain for tenderness.
Why is marinating important?
Marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat. It’s best to marinate for at least 4 hours, with overnight being ideal, using a mixture of acid, oil, and spices.
What temperature should the grill be preheated to?
Preheat your gas grill to high heat for optimal searing. This helps achieve a nice crust on the steak before cooking it more gently over indirect heat.
How do you know when London broil is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 130°F to 135°F for medium-rare, 140°F to 145°F for medium, and 160°F and above for well-done.
Should I let the meat rest after grilling?
Yes, allowing the meat to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling helps retain juices, making the steak more flavorful and juicy before slicing.
What side dishes go well with London broil?
Ideal side dishes include grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, Caesar salad, corn on the cob, and rice pilaf. These complement the rich flavors of London broil.
What sauces pair well with London broil?
Sauces such as chimichurri, balsamic reduction, steak sauce, horseradish cream, and BBQ sauce enhance the flavors of London broil and make for a delicious meal.
