How to BBQ a London Broil Steak: The Ultimate Guide
To BBQ a London Broil steak, you need to marinate it for at least 4 hours, grill it over medium-high heat to an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare, and, most importantly, slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
What is London Broil?
London Broil isn’t actually a specific cut of meat, but rather a method of preparing tougher cuts of beef, most commonly the flank steak or top round. While the name may suggest a British origin, it’s an American creation. The key is marinating to tenderize the meat, grilling or broiling it quickly, and then slicing it thinly against the grain to break down the muscle fibers. This approach transforms a potentially chewy cut into a flavorful and relatively tender dish.
Why BBQ London Broil?
Barbecuing London Broil offers several advantages over other cooking methods:
- Enhanced Flavor: The open flame imparts a smoky, charred flavor that simply can’t be replicated indoors.
- Faster Cooking: Grilling allows for quick cooking, minimizing moisture loss and preventing the meat from drying out.
- Ease of Preparation: With a simple marinade and minimal cooking time, barbecuing London Broil is surprisingly easy.
- Crowd-Pleasing Meal: It’s an affordable and delicious way to feed a group, especially when paired with complementary sides.
The London Broil BBQ Process: Step-by-Step
Achieving BBQ perfection with a London Broil is all about precision and patience. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Choose Your Cut: Opt for flank steak or top round. Look for good marbling, even if it’s limited.
- Prepare the Marinade: Marinating is essential. A good marinade should include:
- An acid (vinegar, lemon juice, or wine) to tenderize the meat.
- Oil to help carry the flavors.
- Flavorings (garlic, herbs, spices, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce).
- Marinate the Steak: Place the steak in a resealable bag or container with the marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Longer marinating times result in more tender and flavorful meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Clean the grill grates thoroughly.
- Grill the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the marinade. Place the steak on the hot grill.
- Cook to Desired Doneness: Cook for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare (130-135°F). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Remember that the internal temperature will rise slightly after removing the steak from the grill (carryover cooking).
- Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
- Slice Against the Grain: This is the most crucial step. Identify the direction of the muscle fibers (the grain) and slice the steak thinly, perpendicular to the grain.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Common London Broil BBQ Mistakes
Avoiding these common pitfalls will dramatically improve your London Broil BBQ:
- Insufficient Marinating: Shortchanging the marinating time results in a tough and flavorless steak.
- Overcooking: Overcooking dries out the steak and makes it tough. Use a meat thermometer and err on the side of undercooking.
- Not Resting: Skipping the resting period allows the juices to escape when slicing, resulting in a dry steak.
- Incorrect Slicing: Failing to slice against the grain is the biggest mistake. It negates all the other efforts to tenderize the meat.
- High Heat: Using too high heat can sear the outside while leaving the inside raw, or char the outside before the inside is cooked through.
Temperature Guide:
| Doneness | Internal Temp (°F) |
|---|---|
| Rare | 125-130 |
| Medium-Rare | 130-135 |
| Medium | 135-145 |
| Medium-Well | 145-155 |
| Well-Done | 155+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best marinade for London Broil?
The best marinade balances acidity, oil, and flavor. A simple and effective marinade could include olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme.
How long should I marinate London Broil?
Ideally, you should marinate London Broil for at least 4 hours, and preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become. Don’t exceed 24 hours, as the acid can start to break down the meat too much, making it mushy.
What temperature should my grill be for London Broil?
Your grill should be at medium-high heat, around 400-450°F. This allows for a good sear without burning the outside before the inside is cooked through.
How do I know when my London Broil is done?
Use a meat thermometer! Insert it into the thickest part of the steak, away from bone or fat. Aim for 130-135°F for medium-rare. Remember that the internal temperature will rise a few degrees after you remove it from the grill (carryover cooking).
Why is my London Broil so tough?
The most common causes of tough London Broil are undermarinating, overcooking, and not slicing against the grain. Addressing these three factors will significantly improve the tenderness of your steak.
Can I cook London Broil in the oven?
Yes, you can. Broil it on high heat for a few minutes per side, watching carefully to avoid burning. The key is to still marinate it beforehand and slice it against the grain after cooking.
Can I freeze marinated London Broil?
Absolutely! Marinating the steak and then freezing it is a great way to prepare for future meals. The freezing process can even help tenderize the meat further. Just thaw it completely in the refrigerator before grilling.
What sides go well with London Broil?
London Broil pairs well with a variety of sides, including grilled vegetables (asparagus, corn, bell peppers), mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, salads, and rice pilaf. The smoky flavor of the steak complements earthy and slightly sweet sides.
Can I use a dry rub instead of a marinade?
While a dry rub can add flavor, it won’t tenderize the meat as effectively as a marinade. If you choose to use a dry rub, consider using a meat tenderizer beforehand or using a more tender cut.
How do I slice London Broil against the grain?
First, identify the direction of the muscle fibers. They will run lengthwise across the steak. Then, use a sharp knife to slice the steak perpendicular to those fibers, making thin slices. This breaks down the muscle fibers, making the steak much more tender.
Is London Broil a healthy choice?
London Broil can be a relatively healthy choice, as it’s a lean cut of beef. However, it’s important to consider the overall diet and cooking methods. Trim any excess fat before cooking and avoid adding excessive amounts of oil or salt.
Can I use a gas or charcoal grill for London Broil?
Both gas and charcoal grills work well for London Broil. Charcoal grills impart a more smoky flavor, while gas grills offer more precise temperature control. Choose the type of grill you’re most comfortable with.