Ever found yourself staring at a beautiful London broil, unsure how long to grill it? You’re not alone. Many home cooks struggle with timing, worried about overcooking or undercooking this delicious cut of beef.
Key Takeaways
- Understand London Broil: It’s both a cooking method and refers to specific cuts like flank steak, top round, and sirloin flap, requiring proper marination and preparation for the best results.
- Marination is Key: Use a marinade with acid and oil for at least 4 hours (up to 24 hours) to enhance the meat’s flavor and tenderness. A recommended marinade includes soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs.
- Grilling Times: Grill London broil for 6 to 8 minutes per side over high heat for medium-rare (130°F). Adjust the time based on desired doneness, using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Flipping and Basting: Flip the meat halfway through cooking to ensure evenness, and consider basting during the last few minutes to enhance flavor and juiciness.
- Resting and Slicing: Allow the meat to rest for 5 to 10 minutes post-grilling to redistribute juices. Always slice against the grain to maximize tenderness, aiming for 1/4-inch thick slices.
Understanding London Broil
London broil refers to both a cooking method and a specific cut of beef, typically flank steak or top round. This method involves marinating the meat, grilling it quickly over high heat, and slicing it thin against the grain for optimal tenderness.
What Is London Broil?
London broil is characterized by its robust flavor and lean texture. Originally, it described a cooking technique rather than a specific cut. Today, it most often involves marinated flank steak. Proper preparation enhances the meat’s natural flavors, making it a favorite for grilling.
Cuts of Meat Suitable for London Broil
For the best results, select cuts of meat known for their flavor and ability to tenderize well. Common cuts include:
- Flank Steak: Known for its rich beefy flavor, it’s ideal for marinating and quick grilling.
- Top Round: Leaner than flank, this cut works well if prepared correctly to retain moisture.
- Sirloin Flap: This cut offers a great balance of flavor and tenderness, making it another excellent choice.
Each cut has unique qualities, but all benefit from marinating and quick cooking methods. This preparation enhances tenderness, ensuring delicious outcomes on the grill.
Preparing London Broil for Grilling
Preparing London broil properly enhances its flavor and tenderness. Focus on marinating the meat and trimming it well to achieve the best grilling results.
Marinades and Seasonings
Marinades play a crucial role in flavoring London broil. Aim for a mixture of acid, oil, and seasonings. Use ingredients like soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. For best results, marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and helps tenderize it.
Example Marinade Recipe:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary or thyme
Combine these ingredients in a bowl, place the London broil in a resealable bag, and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag, ensuring the marinade coats the meat completely. Refrigerate it for the desired marinating time.
Properly Trimming the Meat
Trimming your London broil creates a better texture and allows for more even cooking. Start by removing any excess fat and silver skin, the tough, shiny membrane that can hinder tenderness. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, trimming away any visible fat that won’t render during cooking.
- Lay the London broil flat on a cutting board.
- Identify the thick areas of fat and silver skin.
- Position the knife at a slight angle and cut away these tough portions.
- Trim both sides, ensuring an even surface for grilling.
Properly prepared and marinated, your London broil will be ready for the grill, poised to deliver fantastic flavors and tenderness.
How Long to Grill London Broil on a Gas Grill
Grilling London broil requires attention to cooking times for the best results. Knowing the appropriate durations ensures a flavorful and tender outcome.
Recommended Cooking Times
For optimal results, grill London broil for 6 to 8 minutes per side over high heat for medium-rare doneness. Here’s a quick reference for various doneness levels:
| Doneness Level | Internal Temperature | Cooking Time (Per Side) |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120°F | 5 to 6 minutes |
| Medium-Rare | 130°F | 6 to 8 minutes |
| Medium | 140°F | 8 to 10 minutes |
| Medium-Well | 150°F | 10 to 12 minutes |
| Well-Done | 160°F and above | 12+ minutes |
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Remove the meat from the grill when it reaches about 5°F below the desired temperature, as it continues to cook during resting.
Importance of Flipping and Basting
Flipping the meat ensures even cooking and prevents dryness. Flip the London broil once halfway through the grilling time. Basting enhances flavor and moisture. Use the marinade or a seasoned oil to baste the meat during the last few minutes of grilling. This adds a delicious glaze and keeps the meat juicy.
By following these guidelines, you can achieve perfectly grilled London broil every time.
Checking for Doneness
Ensuring your London broil reaches the perfect level of doneness is crucial for enjoying its flavor and tenderness. Use a reliable method for checking, and follow these tips for the best results.
Using a Meat Thermometer
Using a meat thermometer guarantees accuracy in determining doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the London broil, avoiding any fat or bone. Aim for these internal temperatures:
| Doneness Level | Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|
| Rare | 120 – 125 |
| Medium-Rare | 130 – 135 |
| Medium | 140 – 145 |
| Medium-Well | 150 – 155 |
| Well-Done | 160+ |
These values help ensure your steak turns out as you prefer. For the best flavor and tender texture, aim for medium-rare, around 130°F.
Desired Doneness Levels
Knowing your preferred doneness level helps when grilling. Here’s what to expect at each level:
- Rare: Pink center, cool to warm. Ideal for those who enjoy more natural beef flavors.
- Medium-Rare: Warm red center, juicy and tender. This is the favorite for many steak lovers.
- Medium: Pink center, firmer texture. Balances tenderness and a bit of chew.
- Medium-Well: Slightly pink center, less moisture. Good for those who prefer less red.
- Well-Done: Cooked through, no pink. This option may sacrifice some juiciness.
Keep these distinctions in mind as you grill. Knowing the right temperature and characteristics for each level leads to a more enjoyable meal.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled London Broil
Grilling London broil to perfection involves a few key techniques. These tips ensure you maximize flavor and tenderness.
Resting the Meat
Resting the meat after grilling is crucial. Allow the London broil to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, preventing them from spilling out when cut. Cover the meat loosely with foil during this time to retain warmth.
Slicing Techniques
Slicing the meat properly enhances tenderness and flavor. Always slice against the grain for best results. Identify the direction of the muscle fibers and cut perpendicular to them. This method shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite easier to chew. Aim for slices about 1/4-inch thick for optimal texture. For added flavor, consider lightly seasoning the slices after cutting before serving.
Conclusion
Grilling London broil can be a rewarding experience when you know the right techniques and timings. With the right marinade and a bit of attention to cooking times you can achieve that perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. Remember to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked just the way you like it.
Don’t forget to let it rest after grilling and slice against the grain for the best texture. With these tips in mind you’ll impress your friends and family with a delicious meal that highlights this flavorful cut of beef. Happy grilling!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is London broil?
London broil refers to a specific cut of meat, usually flank steak or top round, and also a cooking method. It involves marinating the meat and grilling it quickly over high heat for best results.
How do I prepare London broil for grilling?
To prepare London broil, trim excess fat and silver skin, then marinate using a mix of acid, oil, and seasonings. Marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably up to 24 hours, to enhance flavor and tenderness.
How long should I grill London broil?
Grill London broil for 6 to 8 minutes per side for medium-rare. Cooking times can vary based on desired doneness, so check with a meat thermometer for accuracy.
How can I tell if London broil is cooked properly?
Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done. This ensures you achieve the desired doneness without overcooking.
What should I do after grilling London broil?
Let the meat rest for 5 to 10 minutes after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender eating experience.
How should I slice London broil?
Slice London broil against the grain to improve tenderness. Aim for 1/4-inch thick slices, and consider lightly seasoning after cutting for added flavor.
