How Do You Grill a London Broil to Perfection?

AvatarByCynthia Crase General Cooking Queries

Grilling a London Broil is a time-honored way to transform a flavorful, yet often overlooked cut of beef into a tender and savory masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a curious home cook, mastering this technique opens the door to a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With the right approach, you can elevate this affordable cut into a centerpiece that impresses family and friends alike.

At its core, grilling a London Broil involves more than just placing meat on the heat; it’s about understanding how to maximize flavor and tenderness through careful preparation and cooking methods. This cut, typically a top round steak, benefits from specific marinating and grilling techniques that help break down its natural toughness while locking in juices. The result is a beautifully charred exterior paired with a juicy, flavorful interior.

Exploring how to grill a London Broil also means learning the best ways to slice and serve it, ensuring every bite is as enjoyable as the last. Whether you prefer a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue feast, this approach to grilling offers versatility and satisfaction. Get ready to discover the secrets that make grilling a London Broil both approachable and rewarding.

Preparing the London Broil for Grilling

Before placing the London Broil on the grill, it is essential to prepare the meat correctly to enhance tenderness and flavor. Start by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from the surface. This ensures even cooking and prevents flare-ups on the grill. Marinating the meat is highly recommended, as London Broil is typically a lean cut that benefits from the tenderizing properties of acidic marinades.

A good marinade usually contains a balance of acid (such as vinegar, lemon juice, or wine), oil, and seasonings. The acid breaks down connective tissues, while the oil helps retain moisture during grilling. Common marinade ingredients include soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and herbs like rosemary or thyme.

For best results:

  • Marinate the London Broil for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Use a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish to ensure the meat is evenly coated.
  • Refrigerate the meat while marinating to prevent bacterial growth.

After marinating, remove the London Broil from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling. This allows it to come to room temperature, promoting even cooking.

Grilling Techniques for London Broil

Grilling London Broil requires attention to heat management and timing to achieve the ideal balance of charred exterior and juicy interior. Follow these techniques to maximize flavor and texture:

  • Preheat the Grill: Aim for medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (204°C). This temperature sears the outside quickly, locking in juices.
  • Clean and Oil the Grates: Use a grill brush to clean residue, then lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  • Sear the Meat: Place the London Broil directly over the heat source and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Avoid moving the meat excessively to develop a good crust.
  • Indirect Cooking: After searing, move the meat to a cooler part of the grill (indirect heat) and close the lid to allow the inside to cook through without burning the exterior.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Monitor internal temperature to avoid overcooking. Remove from the grill at the desired doneness (see table below).
  • Rest the Meat: Tent the London Broil loosely with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. This redistributes juices and enhances tenderness.

Recommended Internal Temperatures for London Broil

Cooking the London Broil to the appropriate internal temperature is critical for safety and optimal texture. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat to check doneness.

Doneness Internal Temperature Description
Rare 120-125°F (49-52°C) Cool red center, very juicy and tender
Medium Rare 130-135°F (54-57°C) Warm red center, tender and flavorful
Medium 140-145°F (60-63°C) Warm pink center, slightly firmer texture
Medium Well 150-155°F (66-68°C) Mostly brown center, firmer, less juicy
Well Done 160°F+ (71°C+) Fully cooked through, firm and dry

Tips for Slicing and Serving London Broil

Slicing London Broil correctly is crucial for tenderness, as it is a cut that can become tough if cut improperly. Always slice against the grain — the direction in which the muscle fibers run — to shorten the fibers and make each bite easier to chew.

Additional serving tips:

  • Slice thinly, about 1/4 inch thick, for optimal tenderness.
  • Serve with complementary sauces such as chimichurri, horseradish cream, or a red wine reduction to enhance flavor.
  • Pair with side dishes like grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the meat.

By following these preparation, grilling, and serving guidelines, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked London Broil that is flavorful, tender, and visually appealing.

Preparing the London Broil for Grilling

Proper preparation is essential to achieve the best flavor and tenderness when grilling a London Broil. This cut, typically a top round steak, benefits greatly from marinating and careful handling before it hits the grill.

Selection and Trimming:

  • Choose a London Broil cut approximately 1 to 1.5 inches thick for even cooking.
  • Trim excess fat and silver skin to prevent flare-ups and ensure even cooking.

Marinating:

Marinating is highly recommended to tenderize the meat and infuse flavor. Use an acidic marinade containing ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice, or wine combined with herbs, spices, and oil.

Common Marinade Ingredients Purpose
Olive oil Moisture retention and flavor carrier
Garlic and herbs (rosemary, thyme) Flavor enhancement
Acidic component (vinegar, lemon juice, soy sauce) Tenderizes the meat by breaking down proteins
Salt and pepper Seasoning and flavor balance
  • Marinate the London Broil for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, in the refrigerator.
  • Remove the steak from the marinade and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.

Grilling Techniques for London Broil

Grilling London Broil requires balancing high heat for searing and moderate heat for even cooking. This method ensures a flavorful crust while keeping the inside tender.

Equipment and Setup:

  • Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to high heat (around 450-500°F).
  • Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  • Prepare a two-zone fire if using charcoal: one side high heat for searing, the other side medium-low for finishing.

Grilling Process:

  1. Sear the steak: Place the London Broil directly over high heat and sear for 4-5 minutes per side to develop a dark, caramelized crust.
  2. Finish cooking: Move the steak to indirect heat or reduce the burner to medium and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until the desired internal temperature is reached.
  3. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer for precision:
Doneness Level Internal Temperature Description
Rare 120-125°F (49-52°C) Red center, very juicy
Medium Rare 130-135°F (54-57°C) Warm red center, tender
Medium 140-145°F (60-63°C) Pink center, firmer texture
Medium Well 150-155°F (65-68°C) Light pink center, less juicy
Well Done 160°F+ (71°C+) No pink, firm and dry
  • Aim for medium rare to medium to maintain optimal juiciness and tenderness.
  • Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.

Resting and Slicing the London Broil

Resting the meat after grilling is a critical step that allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful experience.

  • Remove the London Broil from the grill and tent loosely with aluminum foil.
  • Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Slicing Techniques:

Cutting the London Broil correctly affects tenderness significantly. Always slice against the grain—this means cutting perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers.

  • Identify the grain by observing the lines running through the meat.
  • Use a sharp carving knife to slice thin strips, about ¼ inch thick or less.
  • Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite easier to chew.

Proper preparation, grilling, resting, and slicing elevate the London Broil from a tough cut to a tender, flavorful centerpiece suitable for any occasion.

Expert Techniques for Grilling the Perfect London Broil

James Caldwell (Certified Butcher and Culinary Instructor). When grilling a London Broil, it is essential to marinate the meat for at least 4 to 6 hours to tenderize the cut and enhance flavor. Use a marinade with acidic components like vinegar or citrus juice. Grill the steak over high heat for about 4 to 6 minutes per side to achieve a medium-rare finish, then let it rest before slicing thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.

Dr. Emily Hartman (Food Scientist and Meat Quality Specialist). The key to grilling London Broil lies in controlling the temperature and timing precisely. Start with a preheated grill at high heat to sear the exterior, locking in juices, then move the steak to indirect heat to finish cooking evenly. Avoid overcooking, as London Broil is a lean cut that can become tough quickly. Resting the meat post-grill allows muscle fibers to relax, resulting in a juicier bite.

Marcus Lee (Executive Chef and Grill Master). For optimal grilling results with London Broil, I recommend using a two-zone fire setup on your grill. Sear the steak directly over the flames for a few minutes on each side, then transfer it to the cooler side to cook through without burning. Additionally, seasoning with a dry rub before grilling can add depth of flavor, and always slice the meat thinly across the grain to ensure tenderness and a pleasant mouthfeel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best marinade for grilling a London Broil?
A marinade with acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice, combined with oil, garlic, soy sauce, and herbs, tenderizes and flavors the meat effectively. Marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal results.

How long should I grill a London Broil?
Grill the London Broil for about 4 to 6 minutes per side over medium-high heat for medium-rare doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F.

Should I let the London Broil rest after grilling?
Yes, allow the meat to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after grilling. Resting helps redistribute the juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

How do I prevent London Broil from becoming tough when grilling?
Avoid overcooking and use a proper marinade to break down muscle fibers. Slice the meat thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.

Is it necessary to flip the London Broil multiple times during grilling?
Flipping once halfway through the grilling process is sufficient. Frequent flipping can interfere with proper searing and heat distribution.

Can I grill London Broil without marinating?
While marinating enhances flavor and tenderness, you can grill London Broil without it by seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and spices. However, the texture may be less tender compared to marinated meat.
Grilling a London Broil involves several critical steps to ensure the meat is flavorful, tender, and cooked to perfection. Proper marination is essential, as it helps break down the muscle fibers and infuses the beef with rich flavors. Using a marinade with acidic components like vinegar or citrus juice, combined with herbs and spices, can significantly enhance the taste and texture. Allowing the meat to marinate for at least 4 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight, yields the best results.

When it comes to grilling, maintaining a medium-high heat is key to achieving a nicely seared exterior while preserving juiciness inside. It is important to grill the London Broil for about 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, and to use a meat thermometer to reach the desired internal temperature—typically medium-rare to medium. Resting the meat after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.

Finally, slicing the London Broil thinly against the grain is crucial to maximize tenderness. This technique shortens the muscle fibers, making each slice easier to chew. By following these best practices—marinating properly, grilling at the right temperature, resting the meat, and slicing

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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.