London broil is a budget-friendly cut of beef that, when cooked right, can be juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling season. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook a London broil on the grill to get that tender, savory steak everyone loves, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything from marinating to grilling and slicing your London broil like a pro.
What Is London Broil?
Before we dive in, a quick note: London broil isn’t actually a specific cut of meat. It’s a cooking method usually applied to lean, tougher cuts like flank steak or top round. The key to great London broil is marinating it well to tenderize the meat and then grilling it to medium-rare or medium for the best texture and flavor.
Step 1: Marinate Your London Broil
Marinating is essential because it infuses flavor and helps break down the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender. Here’s a simple marinade you can try:
– Olive oil
– Red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
– Worcestershire sauce
– Garlic (minced or crushed)
– Brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness and better browning)
– Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
– Salt and black pepper
Combine these ingredients in a gallon-size zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Add your London broil, seal, and massage the marinade into the meat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally 8 to 16 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill to high heat-around 450°F to 600°F depending on your grill type. If you’re using a charcoal grill, set it up for two-zone cooking: one side hot for searing and one side cooler for finishing the steak. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Grill Your London Broil
– Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
– Place the steak on the hot side of the grill for searing. Grill for about 4 to 6 minutes per side, rotating 90 degrees halfway through each side to get those beautiful crosshatch grill marks.
– For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130°F to 135°F. Use a meat thermometer to check. If you prefer medium, cook a bit longer until it reaches 140°F to 145°F.
– If your grill has two zones, after searing, move the steak to the cooler side and close the lid to finish cooking evenly without burning the outside.
Some recipes recommend adding butter on top of the steak during the last few minutes of grilling for extra richness and flavor.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier and easier to slice.
When slicing, always cut thinly against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers, which helps make each bite more tender and less chewy.
Tips for the Perfect Grilled London Broil
– Don’t skip the marinade: It’s the secret to tenderizing this lean cut.
– Use a meat thermometer: To avoid overcooking, aim for medium-rare to medium.
– Two-zone grilling works best: Sear first on high heat, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking.
– Rest before slicing: This step makes a huge difference in juiciness.
– Slice thin and against the grain: This ensures tender bites every time.
What to Serve with London Broil?
London broil pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes. A dollop of compound butter or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a nice finishing touch.
Cooking a London broil on the grill is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful, juicy steak without breaking the bank. With a good marinade, proper grilling technique, and careful slicing, you’ll impress your family and friends with a delicious meal every time. Enjoy your perfectly grilled London broil!