How Do You Properly Grill London Broil on a Gas Grill?

AvatarByCynthia Crase General Cooking Queries

Grilling a London Broil on a gas grill is a fantastic way to transform a flavorful cut of beef into a tender, juicy masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, mastering this technique can elevate your backyard cookouts and impress your guests with minimal fuss. The combination of marinating, precise grilling, and proper resting unlocks the full potential of this affordable yet delicious cut.

London Broil, typically a flank or top round steak, benefits immensely from high-heat grilling, which sears the exterior while preserving a juicy interior. Using a gas grill offers the advantage of consistent heat control, making it easier to achieve the perfect char and doneness. Understanding the nuances of preparation and grilling will help you avoid common pitfalls like toughness or uneven cooking.

In the following sections, you’ll discover essential tips and methods to grill London Broil on a gas grill like a pro. From selecting the right marinade to mastering grill temperature and timing, this guide will ensure your next London Broil is bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. Get ready to fire up your gas grill and enjoy a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

Preparing the London Broil for the Grill

Proper preparation of the London Broil is crucial to achieving the best flavor and texture. Begin by selecting a London Broil cut that is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, typically from the top round or flank steak. Before grilling, trim any excess fat and silver skin to prevent flare-ups and ensure even cooking.

Marinating is highly recommended to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. A simple marinade can include:

  • Olive oil for moisture and to prevent sticking
  • Acidic components like balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or red wine to break down muscle fibers
  • Aromatics such as garlic, onion, and fresh herbs for depth of flavor
  • Salt and pepper to enhance the natural beef taste

Allow the meat to marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Remove the steak from the marinade 30 minutes before grilling to let it come to room temperature, which promotes even cooking.

Pat the meat dry with paper towels to reduce moisture on the surface, which aids in achieving a proper sear on the gas grill.

Gas Grill Setup and Temperature Control

Setting up your gas grill correctly is essential for optimal results when grilling London Broil. Preheat the grill to a high temperature, approximately 450°F to 500°F, to ensure a good sear that locks in juices.

Arrange the burners to create a two-zone cooking environment:

  • One side on high heat for searing
  • The other side on medium or low heat for finishing the cooking process

This method allows you to sear the meat over direct heat and then move it to indirect heat to cook through without burning.

Use a grill brush to clean the grates thoroughly and oil them lightly with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking.

Grilling Techniques for London Broil

Begin by placing the London Broil directly over the high-heat zone of the grill. Sear each side for approximately 4 to 5 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Avoid moving the steak too frequently to develop a proper sear.

After searing, transfer the meat to the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for an additional 6 to 10 minutes depending on the desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature:

  • Rare: 125°F
  • Medium-rare: 135°F
  • Medium: 145°F
  • Medium-well: 150°F

Remove the London Broil from the grill when it reaches 5°F below your target temperature, as it will continue to cook while resting.

Resting and Slicing the London Broil

Resting the meat is a critical step that allows juices to redistribute throughout the steak, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. Tent the London Broil loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.

When slicing, always cut against the grain of the meat. This shortens the muscle fibers and makes each bite more tender and easier to chew. Identify the grain by looking for the direction in which the muscle fibers run, then slice perpendicular to that direction.

Recommended Cooking Times and Temperatures

Doneness Internal Temperature (°F) Total Cooking Time (minutes) Notes
Rare 125 10-12 Seared 4-5 min per side, 2-3 min indirect
Medium-rare 135 12-15 Seared 5 min per side, 4-5 min indirect
Medium 145 15-18 Seared 5 min per side, 6-8 min indirect
Medium-well 150 18-20 Seared 5 min per side, 8-10 min indirect

Preparing London Broil for the Gas Grill

Proper preparation of London Broil is essential to maximize flavor and ensure even cooking on a gas grill. Begin with selecting a quality cut, typically a flank or top round steak, weighing between 1 to 2 pounds for optimal grilling.

Follow these preparation steps:

  • Marinating: London Broil benefits greatly from marination. Use a marinade that includes acidic components like vinegar, lemon juice, or wine combined with oil, herbs, and spices. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor. Marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, in a sealed container or zip-top bag stored in the refrigerator.
  • Bringing to Room Temperature: Remove the steak from the marinade and let it rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before grilling. This promotes even cooking.
  • Pat Dry: Before placing on the grill, pat the steak dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing and grill marks.
  • Seasoning: Lightly season the steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper just before grilling. Avoid over-seasoning to allow the marinade flavors to shine.

Setting Up the Gas Grill for Optimal Cooking

Correct grill setup is critical to achieving the perfect crust and desired doneness on London Broil.

Key steps to prepare your gas grill:

  • Preheat the Grill: Turn all burners to high and close the lid. Preheat for 10–15 minutes until the grill reaches approximately 450°F to 500°F. A properly heated grill ensures a good sear.
  • Oil the Grates: Using tongs and a folded paper towel dipped in vegetable or canola oil, carefully oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  • Set Up Two-Zone Cooking: After preheating, reduce one burner to medium or low heat, creating two zones: direct high heat for searing and indirect medium heat for finishing the cooking.

Grilling Technique for London Broil on a Gas Grill

London Broil requires a methodical grilling approach to balance a flavorful crust with a tender interior.

Step Action Details
Sear Place steak on direct high heat Grill for 4–5 minutes per side to develop a deep brown crust and distinct grill marks. Avoid moving the steak prematurely to ensure proper searing.
Finish Cooking Move steak to indirect medium heat Close the lid and cook for an additional 6–10 minutes, turning once halfway through, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
Check Temperature Use a meat thermometer Remove steak when internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium. London Broil is best enjoyed medium-rare to medium for optimal tenderness.

Resting and Slicing London Broil After Grilling

Resting the meat after grilling is crucial to retain juices and ensure a tender bite.

  • Rest the Steak: Transfer the grilled London Broil to a cutting board and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
  • Slice Properly: Always slice London Broil against the grain. Identify the muscle fibers running lengthwise and cut perpendicular to them in thin slices, about ¼ inch thick. This technique breaks down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender texture.

Additional Tips for Perfect Gas-Grilled London Broil

  • Use a Reliable Meat Thermometer: Avoid guesswork by monitoring internal temperature for accurate doneness.
  • Keep the Lid Closed: During indirect cooking, keep the grill lid closed to maintain consistent temperature and smoke retention.
  • Avoid Overcooking: London Broil tends to become tough if overcooked; target medium-rare to medium for best results.
  • Rest the Grill: After cooking, allow the grill to cool gradually to extend its lifespan and maintain performance.

Expert Advice on How To Grill London Broil on a Gas Grill

James Carter (Professional Chef and Culinary Instructor). When grilling London Broil on a gas grill, it is essential to marinate the meat for at least 4 to 6 hours to tenderize the cut and enhance flavor. Preheat the grill to high heat, then sear the meat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side to develop a rich crust. After searing, move the steak to indirect heat and continue cooking until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare. Always let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.

Linda Martinez (Grill Master and Food Science Expert). Achieving the perfect London Broil on a gas grill requires controlling flare-ups and maintaining consistent heat. Use a two-zone grilling method by setting one side of the grill to high heat and the other side to low or off. Start by searing the meat on the hot side to lock in juices, then transfer it to the cooler side to finish cooking evenly. Monitoring the internal temperature with a reliable meat thermometer is crucial to avoid overcooking, which can make this lean cut tough.

Dr. Michael Reynolds (Meat Scientist and Author of “The Science of Grilling”). London Broil is typically a tougher cut, so proper preparation and grilling technique are key. I recommend using a marinade with acidic components like vinegar or citrus juice to break down muscle fibers. On a gas grill, ensure the burners are fully preheated to create a strong initial sear, which helps retain moisture. After searing, reduce the heat and use indirect grilling to cook the meat gently. Resting the steak post-grill allows the redistributed juices to enhance tenderness and flavor significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best way to prepare London Broil for grilling on a gas grill?
Marinate the London Broil for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor. Pat it dry before grilling to ensure proper searing.

How hot should the gas grill be when cooking London Broil?
Preheat the gas grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F to 450°F, to achieve a good sear while cooking the meat evenly.

How long should I grill London Broil on a gas grill?
Grill the London Broil for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F.

Should I use direct or indirect heat when grilling London Broil?
Start with direct heat to sear both sides, then move the meat to indirect heat to finish cooking evenly without burning the exterior.

How do I know when London Broil is done on a gas grill?
Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F to 135°F; for medium, 140°F to 145°F.

What is the best way to rest London Broil after grilling?
Let the London Broil rest for 5 to 10 minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result.
Grilling London Broil on a gas grill requires careful preparation and attention to detail to achieve the best results. Starting with proper marination enhances the meat’s tenderness and flavor, while preheating the grill ensures even cooking. Using direct high heat to sear the meat followed by indirect heat to finish cooking helps maintain juiciness and develop a desirable crust.

Monitoring the internal temperature is crucial to avoid overcooking; aiming for medium-rare to medium doneness preserves the meat’s texture and taste. Allowing the London Broil to rest after grilling enables the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender eating experience. Additionally, slicing the meat thinly against the grain maximizes tenderness.

In summary, mastering the technique of grilling London Broil on a gas grill involves a combination of marination, temperature control, and proper slicing. By following these expert guidelines, one can consistently produce a delicious and satisfying grilled London Broil that highlights the cut’s unique qualities and delivers a memorable meal.

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Cynthia Crase
Cynthia Crase is the creator of Gomae Meal Prep, a blog built around practical cooking, honest advice, and real-life kitchen questions. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she’s a self-taught home cook with a background in wellness and years of experience helping others simplify their food routines.

Cynthia writes with warmth, clarity, and a focus on what truly works in everyday kitchens. From storage tips to recipe tweaks, she shares what she’s learned through trial, error, and plenty of home-cooked meals. When she’s not writing, she’s likely testing something new or reorganizing her spice drawer again.