Grilling is an art, and few cuts of meat make it as enjoyable as the London broil. Known for its robust flavor and tenderness when cooked correctly, this flavorful cut can transform your outdoor cooking experience. Whether you’re firing up the gas grill for a family gathering or a weeknight dinner, knowing how long to cook London broil is crucial for achieving mouthwatering results. Let’s delve into the specifics, techniques, and tips for grilling this delicious cut to perfection.
Understanding London Broil: What You Need to Know
Before diving into the grilling process, it’s essential to understand what London broil is. Interestingly, London broil is not a specific cut of meat, but rather a cooking method often associated with flank steak or top round. This method involves marinating the meat and then searing it on high heat, making it tender and flavorful.
The Science Behind London Broil Cooking
Cooking London broil involves more than just putting it on the grill. Marination is critical. A good marinade not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat. The combination of acids (like vinegar or lemon juice) and oils in marinades help break down the tough fibers in lean cuts of meat, resulting in a juicy final product.
Additionally, the cooking method has a significant impact. Gas grills deliver quick, high heat and allow for better control over cooking temperatures compared to charcoal grills. This is crucial for achieving that perfect medium-rare finish, which is ideal for London broil.
Preparing London Broil for Grilling
To ensure a successful grilling experience, preparation is key. Let’s break down the steps necessary for prepping your London broil.
Selecting the Right Cut
When choosing your London broil, consider the following options:
| Cut | Description |
|---|---|
| Flank Steak | Very flavorful and typically more tender than top round, great for grilling. |
| Top Round | A bit tougher but still flavorful; requires proper marination for best results. |
Marinating Your London Broil
Marination is a crucial step for flavor and tenderness. Here’s a simple marinade recipe:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Combine all ingredients in a bowl or a resealable bag, add the London broil, and allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Grilling London Broil on a Gas Grill
Now that your London broil is marinated, it’s time to grill. Here’s a detailed process to ensure you cook it correctly.
Setting Up Your Gas Grill
Turn on your gas grill and allow it to preheat to high heat (approximately 450-500°F). Preheating is vital as it ensures that the meat sears correctly, locking in flavors and juices.
Cooking Time for London Broil
The cooking time for your London broil will depend on its thickness and your desired doneness. As a general guideline:
- For a 1-inch thick London broil, grill on high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature of 130-135°F).
- For medium (140-145°F), aim for 7-9 minutes per side.
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
The Searing Process
- Sear for Flavor: Start with a good sear. Place the marinated London broil on the grill, ensuring it touches the grates for those beautiful grill marks.
- Avoid Flipping Too Soon: Let it sear undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping. This helps in achieving that nice crust.
- Use the Two-Zone Grill Setup: For thicker cuts, consider a two-zone setup. After searing, move the meat to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking through without burning.
Resting and Slicing London Broil
Once you’ve reached your desired level of doneness, it’s essential to let the meat rest. Removing it from the grill and allowing it to sit for 10 minutes under foil will help redistribute the juices. Slicing is just as critical as cooking:
Proper Slicing Techniques
To maintain tenderness, always cut against the grain. Here’s how to identify the grain:
- The grain refers to the direction of the muscle fibers. Inspect your London broil, and you’ll see they run in one direction.
- Position your knife perpendicular to the grain and make thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
Serving Suggestions for London Broil
Once you’ve cooked and sliced your London broil, consider these delicious serving options:
- Serve with a chimichurri sauce: This fresh herb sauce brings brightness and a unique flavor to the hearty meat.
- Pair with grilled vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus work beautifully as sides on the grill.
- Make it a sandwich: Thin slices of London broil make a fantastic filling for sandwiches with horseradish sauce.
Grilling Tips for Perfect London Broil
To ensure your London broil is a hit every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Monitor the grill temperature closely; avoid flare-ups that can char the meat.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill—leave enough space between pieces for even cooking.
Conclusion
Grilling a perfect London broil on a gas grill can elevate your culinary skills and impress your guests. With the right preparation, cooking techniques, and an understanding of rest and slice, you can achieve restaurant-quality results right in your backyard. Remember, the key to a great London broil lies not only in the cooking time but also in your approach to marinating, grilling, and serving.
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of how long to cook London broil on a gas grill, it’s time to fire up your grill and savor the flavors of this delectable dish! Enjoy your grilling adventures and the delicious results that come with mastering this flavorful cut of meat.
What is London Broil, and how is it typically prepared?
London Broil is a cooking method that is often associated with marinated flank or top round steak. Although the term can refer to the cut of meat, it primarily indicates how the meat is marinated, grilled, and sliced against the grain. The cut is relatively lean, making it ideal for grilling, as a good sear can enhance its flavor while keeping it tender when cooked properly.
Typically, London Broil is marinated for several hours or overnight in a mixture that may include soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and various herbs and spices. This process helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. After marinating, the steak is grilled and then sliced thinly to serve.
How long should I grill London Broil on a gas grill?
Grilling London Broil on a gas grill typically takes about 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, depending on the thickness of the steak. The grill should be preheated to high heat to ensure a good sear. It’s important to monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F. If you prefer your steak more well-done, you’ll want to extend the grilling time accordingly, checking the temperature frequently to achieve your desired doneness without drying the meat out.
What is the best temperature to grill London Broil?
The ideal temperature for grilling London Broil on a gas grill is between 450°F to 500°F. This high temperature allows the outside of the meat to sear quickly, locking in the juices while achieving a flavorful crust. Properly searing will also enhance the taste and texture, making the steak more enjoyable.
To accurately gauge the grill temperature, use a built-in thermometer or an external grill thermometer. Once the grill reaches the desired temperature, carefully place the marinated London Broil on the grates and close the lid to maintain heat and cook evenly.
Should I let the London Broil rest after grilling?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to let the London Broil rest after grilling. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Resting usually requires about 5 to 10 minutes, during which time the internal temperature may rise slightly.
To rest your London Broil, remove it from the grill and place it on a cutting board or plate. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm while it rests, preventing it from cooling down too quickly before slicing.
What should I serve with grilled London Broil?
Grilled London Broil pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Traditional accompaniments include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. The key is to choose side dishes that complement the flavorful, marinated steak without overpowering its taste.
You can also consider serving it with sauces, such as chimichurri or a red wine reduction, which can enhance the steak’s flavor profile. Grilled corn on the cob or baked potatoes are also great options for a hearty meal.
Can I use a marinade for London Broil? If so, how long should I marinate it?
Absolutely, using a marinade for London Broil is an excellent way to enhance its flavor and tenderness. The ideal marinating time ranges from 4 hours to overnight, depending on the ingredients of the marinade. Ingredients like acidic components, such as vinegar or citrus juice, help to tenderize the meat, making longer marination times more effective.
When using a marinade, ensure that the steak is fully submerged or coated throughout. Using a resealable plastic bag can help distribute the marinade evenly. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinade can impart additional flavor, though longer times provide the best results.
What is the best way to check for doneness in London Broil?
The best method for checking the doneness of London Broil is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to get an accurate reading. For medium-rare, you should aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F. For medium, the temperature should be between 140°F to 145°F, and for well-done, aim for 160°F or higher.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also use the finger test method, where you compare the firmness of the steak to the fleshy part of your hand. However, this method is less reliable than using a thermometer, as it requires experience to gauge temperatures accurately without one.
Can I cook London Broil in advance and reheat it later?
Yes, you can cook London Broil in advance and reheat it later, although doing so requires some care to maintain its quality. After grilling, let it cool completely before wrapping it in aluminum foil or placing it in an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator. Consuming it within 3 to 4 days is ideal for both safety and taste.
When reheating, it’s best to do so gently to avoid overcooking the meat. You can use a low-temperature oven or a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to help keep it moist during reheating. Slicing it thinly before reheating can also help it warm up evenly without losing too much tenderness.