Ultimate Guide to London Broil Recipes: Tender, Flavorful, and Easy!
London broil often gets a bad rap for being tough and chewy, but when prepared correctly, it can be one of the most flavorful and affordable cuts of beef. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about London broil, from choosing the right cut to marinating, cooking, and slicing it for maximum tenderness. We’ll explore various cooking methods, including grilling, broiling (of course!), and even slow cooking, along with several delicious recipes to get you started.
What is London Broil?
Despite its name, London broil isn’t actually a specific cut of meat. Instead, it refers to a cooking method – broiling – applied to a larger, relatively inexpensive cut of beef. Traditionally, it’s either a flank steak or a top round steak. Because these cuts are leaner and have tougher muscle fibers, they require a flavorful marinade and proper cooking techniques to achieve tenderness.
* **Flank Steak:** This cut is known for its strong beefy flavor and noticeable grain. It’s best cooked to medium-rare and sliced thinly against the grain.
* **Top Round Steak:** A leaner and generally tougher cut than flank steak. It also benefits greatly from marinating and should be cooked to medium or medium-well to avoid excessive toughness. Slicing against the grain is crucial.
When buying London broil, ask your butcher which cut you’re getting so you can adjust your cooking time accordingly. A good butcher can also trim excess fat and silver skin to improve tenderness.
Choosing the Right Cut
Selecting the right piece of meat is the first step toward a successful London broil. Here’s what to look for:
* **Color:** The beef should be a bright, cherry-red color. Avoid any cuts that are brown or greyish, as this indicates that the meat is past its prime.
* **Marbling:** While London broil cuts are generally lean, look for some marbling (thin streaks of fat) within the muscle. This will add flavor and help keep the meat moist during cooking. Flank steak generally has more visible marbling than top round.
* **Thickness:** Aim for a cut that is about 1-1.5 inches thick. This will allow for even cooking and a nice sear on the outside without overcooking the inside.
* **Firmness:** The meat should feel firm to the touch. Avoid cuts that are soft or mushy.
* **Packaging:** Ensure the packaging is intact and there is no excess liquid in the tray.
The Importance of Marinating
Marinating is absolutely essential for London broil. A good marinade serves several purposes:
* **Tenderizes the Meat:** Marinades typically contain acidic ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or wine, which help to break down the tough muscle fibers. Enzymes from ingredients like pineapple or papaya can also contribute to tenderization.
* **Adds Flavor:** Marinades infuse the meat with delicious flavors, creating a more complex and satisfying taste.
* **Moisturizes the Meat:** The marinade helps to keep the meat moist during cooking, preventing it from drying out.
Here are some key components of a good London broil marinade:
* **Acid:** Vinegar (balsamic, red wine, apple cider), lemon juice, lime juice, or Worcestershire sauce.
* **Oil:** Olive oil, vegetable oil, or sesame oil. Oil helps to distribute the flavors and keep the meat moist.
* **Aromatics:** Garlic, onions, shallots, ginger, herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano), and spices (black pepper, paprika, chili powder).
* **Sweetener (Optional):** Honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup can add a touch of sweetness and help to caramelize the meat during cooking.
* **Salt:** Salt is crucial for flavor and also helps to draw moisture into the meat.
**Marinating Time:**
The ideal marinating time for London broil is at least 2 hours, but preferably 4-12 hours, or even overnight. Avoid marinating for longer than 24 hours, as the acid can start to break down the meat too much, resulting in a mushy texture.
**Marinade Recipe Ideas:**
* **Classic Balsamic Marinade:** Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
* **Asian-Inspired Marinade:** Soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, red pepper flakes.
* **Spicy Chipotle Marinade:** Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
* **Herb and Garlic Marinade:** Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Cooking Methods for London Broil
London broil can be cooked using several different methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular techniques:
1. Broiling
This is the traditional method and the one that gives the dish its name. Broiling involves cooking the meat under a direct, intense heat source.
* **Pros:** Quick, easy, and creates a nice sear on the outside.
* **Cons:** Can be easy to overcook the meat, resulting in a tough texture. Requires close attention.
**How to Broil London Broil:**
1. Preheat your broiler to high heat.
2. Place the marinated London broil on a broiler pan or a baking sheet lined with foil.
3. Position the pan so that the top of the meat is about 4-6 inches from the broiler.
4. Broil for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for medium or medium-well, depending on the thickness of the cut. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
5. Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
2. Grilling
Grilling is another excellent way to cook London broil, providing a smoky flavor and a beautiful sear.
* **Pros:** Adds a smoky flavor, creates a nice sear, and allows for precise temperature control.
* **Cons:** Requires a grill and some grilling experience. Can be affected by weather conditions.
**How to Grill London Broil:**
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F).
2. Remove the London broil from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Place the London broil on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for medium or medium-well, depending on the thickness of the cut. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
5. Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
3. Pan-Searing and Oven Finishing
This method involves searing the London broil in a hot pan on the stovetop to develop a flavorful crust, then finishing it in the oven for even cooking.
* **Pros:** Creates a flavorful sear and allows for precise temperature control.
* **Cons:** Requires using both the stovetop and the oven.
**How to Pan-Sear and Oven-Finish London Broil:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat until smoking hot.
3. Remove the London broil from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
4. Sear the London broil for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a golden-brown crust forms.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the desired internal temperature is reached. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
6. Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
4. Slow Cooking (Crock-Pot)
While not traditional, slow cooking can be a great option for making a tender and flavorful London broil, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a hands-off approach.
* **Pros:** Very tender and flavorful results. Requires minimal effort.
* **Cons:** Doesn’t develop a sear. Requires a longer cooking time.
**How to Slow Cook London Broil:**
1. Place the marinated London broil in a slow cooker.
2. Add about 1 cup of beef broth or water to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is very tender.
4. Remove the London broil from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Alternatively, you can slice it after a short rest.
Internal Temperature Guide
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your London broil is cooked to the desired level of doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any bone or fat.
* **Rare:** 125-130°F (52-54°C)
* **Medium-Rare:** 130-135°F (54-57°C) – Recommended for flank steak
* **Medium:** 135-145°F (57-63°C)
* **Medium-Well:** 145-155°F (63-68°C) – Recommended for top round
* **Well-Done:** 155°F+ (68°C+)
Keep in mind that the internal temperature will continue to rise slightly during the resting period, so remove the meat from the heat when it’s a few degrees below your target temperature.
The Importance of Resting
Resting the meat after cooking is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the muscle fibers. This results in a more tender and flavorful final product.
* **How to Rest:** Tent the cooked London broil loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Slicing Against the Grain
This is the most important step for achieving tender London broil. Both flank steak and top round steak have long, visible muscle fibers, or grain. Slicing against the grain shortens these fibers, making the meat much easier to chew.
* **How to Slice:** Identify the direction of the grain. Use a sharp knife to slice the meat thinly at a 45-degree angle, perpendicular to the grain.
Serving Suggestions
London broil is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways.
* **As a Main Course:** Serve sliced London broil with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad.
* **In Sandwiches:** Use sliced London broil to make delicious steak sandwiches with your favorite toppings.
* **In Salads:** Add sliced London broil to salads for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
* **In Tacos or Fajitas:** Use sliced or shredded London broil as a filling for tacos or fajitas.
* **In Stir-Fries:** Add sliced London broil to stir-fries for a quick and easy meal.
London Broil Recipes
Here are a few delicious London broil recipes to get you started:
Classic Grilled London Broil
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5-2 lbs London broil (flank steak or top round)
* 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the London broil in a large resealable bag or container and pour the marinade over the meat. Make sure the meat is fully coated.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5. Remove the London broil from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
6. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
7. Place the London broil on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for medium or medium-well, depending on the thickness of the cut. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
8. Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
9. Slice the London broil thinly against the grain and serve.
Broiled London Broil with Garlic Herb Butter
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5-2 lbs London broil (flank steak or top round)
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
* 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the London broil in a large resealable bag or container and pour the marinade over the meat. Make sure the meat is fully coated.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
4. Preheat your broiler to high heat.
5. Remove the London broil from the marinade and place it on a broiler pan.
6. Broil for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for medium or medium-well, depending on the thickness of the cut. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
7. While the meat is broiling, prepare the garlic herb butter by combining the softened butter, garlic, and parsley in a small bowl.
8. Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
9. Top the sliced London broil with the garlic herb butter and serve.
Slow Cooker London Broil with Vegetables
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5-2 lbs London broil (flank steak or top round)
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Place the onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Place the London broil on top of the vegetables.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the broth mixture over the meat and vegetables.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is very tender.
6. Remove the London broil from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Alternatively, you can slice it after a short rest.
7. Serve the shredded or sliced London broil with the cooked vegetables and the remaining broth.
Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overcook It:** London broil is best cooked to medium-rare or medium. Overcooking will result in a tough and dry piece of meat.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your London broil is cooked to the desired level of doneness.
* **Let It Rest:** Resting the meat after cooking is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute and result in a tender final product.
* **Slice Against the Grain:** This is the most important step for achieving tender London broil.
* **Experiment with Marinades:** Don’t be afraid to try different marinade combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
* **Trim Excess Fat:** Trimming excess fat before marinating will help the marinade penetrate the meat more effectively.
* **Pound the Meat (Optional):** If you are using a particularly thick cut of London broil, you can pound it lightly with a meat mallet to help tenderize it.
Conclusion
With the right techniques and a little practice, you can easily make delicious and tender London broil at home. From marinating to cooking to slicing, following these tips will ensure a flavorful and satisfying meal. So, fire up the grill, preheat your broiler, or dust off your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy the ultimate London broil experience!