If you’ve ever wondered how do I cook a London broil roast to juicy, tender perfection, you’re in the right place! London broil is a classic, budget-friendly beef dish that can be incredibly flavorful when prepared properly. Despite its name, London broil isn’t a specific cut of meat but rather a cooking method typically applied to lean cuts like top round, flank steak, or sirloin. These cuts can be tough if not cooked right, but with the right marinade and cooking technique, you can enjoy a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth roast.
What Is London Broil?
London broil refers to a method where a lean beef roast is marinated, cooked quickly at high heat (usually broiled or grilled), then sliced thinly against the grain. This technique helps tenderize the meat and maximize flavor, making it a great choice for affordable cuts that might otherwise be tough.
Choosing the Right Cut
Look for a London broil labeled roast or select a top round, flank steak, or sirloin roast. These are leaner cuts, so marinating is essential to tenderize and add flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking London Broil Roast
1. Marinate for Maximum Tenderness
Marinating is the key to tender London broil. A good marinade usually contains an acid like lemon juice or vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs. This breaks down muscle fibers and infuses the meat with flavor.
Basic marinade ingredients:
– Olive oil
– Soy sauce
– Worcestershire sauce
– Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
– Garlic
– Italian seasoning or herbs like thyme and rosemary
– Brown sugar or honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
– Salt and pepper
Combine these ingredients and marinate the roast in a sealed bag or container for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare the Meat
Remove the London broil from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice crust when cooking. Season it with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you like.
3. Cooking Methods
You have two popular options for cooking London broil: broiling or grilling.
Broiling in the Oven:
– Preheat your broiler to high or about 450-500°F.
– Place the roast on a broiler pan or baking sheet with a rack.
– Broil the meat about 7-8 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature of 130-135°F).
– Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, as London broil can become tough if cooked beyond medium.
Grilling:
– Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
– Grill the roast about 7-8 minutes per side, again aiming for medium-rare.
– Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Pan Searing and Oven Roasting:
– Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet.
– Sear the roast on both sides until browned.
– Add herbs like thyme or rosemary if desired.
– Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 420°F.
– Roast for 10-15 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness.
4. Rest the Meat
Once cooked, tent the roast with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is juicy and tender.
5. Slice Against the Grain
This is crucial for tenderness. Look closely at the direction of the muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them in thin slices, about ¼-inch thick. This shortens the muscle fibers and makes the meat easier to chew.
Tips for Perfect London Broil
– Marinate long enough: At least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
– Use a meat thermometer: Aim for 130-135°F for medium-rare or 140-145°F for medium.
– Don’t overcook: Lean cuts dry out quickly.
– Pat dry before cooking: Helps create a flavorful crust.
– Rest before slicing: Keeps the meat juicy.
– Slice thinly against the grain: Maximizes tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
London broil pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Consider serving it with a compound butter or pan sauce made from the drippings and a splash of red wine or beef broth for extra richness.
London broil is a fantastic, affordable way to enjoy a flavorful beef roast. With a simple marinade, careful cooking, and proper slicing, you can turn this humble cut into a meal that’s juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Give it a try and impress your family or guests with your cooking skills!