How Do I Grill a London Broil to Perfection?

AvatarByCynthia Crase General Cooking Queries

Grilling a London Broil is a fantastic way to transform a flavorful, yet often overlooked cut of beef into a tender and delicious meal. Known for its rich taste and satisfying texture, London Broil offers a perfect canvas for marinades and grilling techniques that bring out its best qualities. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, mastering the art of grilling this cut can elevate your backyard cookouts and weekday dinners alike.

At its core, grilling a London Broil involves more than just placing the steak on the grill. It’s about understanding the right preparation methods, cooking times, and temperature controls to ensure the meat remains juicy and tender rather than tough and chewy. This process can seem intimidating at first, but with the right guidance, it becomes an approachable and rewarding culinary experience.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essential tips and tricks to grilling a London Broil to perfection. From selecting the best cut to seasoning and timing, you’ll gain the confidence to impress your guests with a beautifully grilled steak that’s bursting with flavor. Get ready to unlock the secrets of this classic grilling favorite!

Preparing and Marinating the London Broil

Proper preparation and marination are crucial to achieving a tender, flavorful London Broil. Begin by selecting a well-trimmed top round or flank steak, ideally about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This cut benefits significantly from marination due to its lean and somewhat tough nature.

Before marinating, lightly score the surface of the meat with shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep, which allows the marinade to penetrate more effectively. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring better adhesion of the marinade.

A good marinade typically contains an acid component to help tenderize the meat, oil to keep it moist, and seasonings for flavor. Common acidic ingredients include vinegar, citrus juice, or wine. The oil helps distribute fat-soluble flavors and prevents the steak from drying out on the grill.

Recommended Marinade Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or rosemary

Marinating Tips:

  • Place the steak and marinade in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, ensuring the meat is fully coated.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but no longer than 24 hours to avoid overly breaking down the meat fibers.
  • Turn the steak occasionally during marination for even flavor distribution.
  • Remove the steak from the marinade about 30 minutes before grilling to allow it to reach room temperature, promoting even cooking.

Grilling Techniques for Optimal Results

Grilling a London Broil requires attention to heat control and timing to maximize tenderness and flavor. The goal is to cook the steak quickly over high heat to develop a rich crust while keeping the interior juicy and medium-rare to medium.

Preparing the Grill:

  • Preheat your grill to high heat, aiming for around 450°F to 500°F (232°C to 260°C).
  • Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them lightly to prevent sticking.

Grilling Process:

  • Place the steak directly over the hottest part of the grill.
  • Grill for approximately 4 to 6 minutes per side depending on thickness and desired doneness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature:
  • 125°F to 130°F (52°C to 54°C) for rare
  • 135°F to 140°F (57°C to 60°C) for medium-rare
  • 145°F (63°C) for medium
  • Avoid flipping the steak multiple times; one flip is sufficient to develop a good sear.

Resting:
After grilling, tent the London Broil loosely with foil and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, preventing them from spilling out when sliced.

Slicing and Serving the London Broil

How you slice the London Broil significantly affects its tenderness. Since this cut is lean and fibrous, always slice against the grain — perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers. This shortens the fibers and makes each bite easier to chew.

Slicing Guidelines:

  • Identify the grain by looking for lines running along the length of the steak.
  • Use a sharp carving knife to cut thin slices about 1/4 inch thick.
  • If unsure, make a small test cut to confirm the grain direction.

Serving Suggestions:
London Broil pairs well with robust sides such as:

  • Grilled vegetables (asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini)
  • Roasted or mashed potatoes
  • Fresh salads with vinaigrette
  • Bold sauces like chimichurri, horseradish cream, or a red wine reduction
Step Details Tips
Marinating 4-24 hours in acidic marinade Turn occasionally; bring to room temp before grilling
Grilling 4-6 minutes per side at 450°F-500°F One flip only; use thermometer for doneness
Resting 5-10 minutes under foil Retains juices and enhances tenderness
Slicing Thin slices against the grain Use a sharp knife for clean cuts

Preparing and Marinating the London Broil

Proper preparation and marination are crucial steps to ensure a tender, flavorful London Broil. This cut, typically top round or flank steak, benefits greatly from marinating to break down muscle fibers and enhance taste.

Follow these guidelines for effective preparation:

  • Trim Excess Fat: Remove any thick fat layers or silver skin from the meat to promote even cooking.
  • Score the Surface: Lightly score the steak with shallow cuts to allow marinade penetration without tearing the meat.
  • Choose a Marinade: Use a marinade with an acid component (e.g., vinegar, citrus juice, or wine) combined with oil, herbs, and spices. Acid helps tenderize the meat while oil and seasonings enhance flavor.
  • Marinating Time: Marinate the steak for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
Key Marinade Ingredients Purpose Recommended Quantity
Acid (e.g., balsamic vinegar, lemon juice) Tenderizes meat fibers 1/4 to 1/3 cup
Oil (e.g., olive oil) Enhances moisture and flavor 1/4 cup
Garlic, herbs, and spices Adds aromatic complexity To taste (1-2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp herbs)
Salt and pepper Basic seasoning To taste

Grilling Techniques for London Broil

Achieving a perfectly grilled London Broil requires attention to grill setup, temperature, and timing to ensure the steak cooks evenly and remains juicy.

Consider the following grilling instructions:

  • Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high, approximately 400–450°F (204–232°C). This provides a good sear without overcooking the interior.
  • Oil the Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and promote clean grill marks.
  • Remove Steak from Marinade: Let excess marinade drip off and pat the steak dry with paper towels to encourage browning.
  • Grilling Time: Grill the London Broil for 4–6 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, depending on thickness (usually 1 to 1.5 inches thick).
  • Use Direct Heat: Position the steak directly over the heat source for searing, then move to indirect heat if further cooking is needed.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer; aim for 130–135°F (54–57°C) for medium-rare and 140°F (60°C) for medium.
  • Rest the Meat: Remove from grill and let rest for 5–10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.

Slicing and Serving London Broil

Proper slicing is essential to maximize tenderness and enjoyment of the grilled London Broil.

Follow these expert tips for slicing and serving:

  • Slice Against the Grain: Identify the direction of the muscle fibers and cut perpendicular to them. This shortens the fibers and results in a more tender bite.
  • Cut Thin Slices: Aim for slices approximately 1/4 inch thick to optimize tenderness and presentation.
  • Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: Slices can be served immediately or at room temperature as part of a main course or in sandwiches and salads.
  • Accompaniments: Pair with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or a robust sauce such as chimichurri or a red wine reduction for complementary flavors.
Serving Suggestions Flavor Profile Preparation Tips
Chimichurri Sauce Herbaceous, tangy Prepare fresh with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil
Grilled Vegetables Smoky, sweet Use zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, lightly seasoned
Red Wine Reduction Rich, savory Simmer red wine with shallots and beef broth until thickened

Grilling Techniques and Tips for Perfect London Broil

Chef Marcus Langford (Executive Chef 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 infuse flavor. Use a marinade with acidic components like vinegar or citrus juice, combined with herbs and garlic. Grill the meat 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 Specialist, Culinary Institute of America). The key to grilling London Broil lies in understanding its muscle structure. Because it is a lean cut from the top round, quick, high-heat grilling followed by proper resting is crucial to prevent toughness. Additionally, scoring the surface lightly before marinating can help the flavors penetrate deeper and improve texture without compromising the integrity of the meat.

James O’Connor (Barbecue Pitmaster and Author of “Mastering Grilled Meats”). For optimal results when grilling London Broil, preheat your grill to a high temperature and ensure the grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking. After searing both sides, reduce the heat or move the meat to indirect heat to finish cooking evenly. Monitoring internal temperature with a meat thermometer is indispensable—aim for 130°F for medium-rare, then allow carryover cooking during resting to reach perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What cut of meat is best for London Broil?
London Broil typically refers to a flank steak or top round steak. These cuts are lean and benefit from marinating and proper cooking techniques to enhance tenderness and flavor.

How long should I marinate a London Broil before grilling?
Marinate the London Broil for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat, tenderizing it and infusing it with flavor.

What is the ideal grilling temperature for London Broil?
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (204°C). This temperature sears the meat quickly while maintaining juiciness inside.

How do I know when my London Broil is cooked to the right doneness?
Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare or 140°F (60°C) for medium. Overcooking can cause toughness.

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

How should I slice London Broil for serving?
Always slice London Broil thinly against the grain. Cutting against the muscle fibers shortens them, making the meat easier to chew and more tender.
Grilling a London Broil successfully involves proper preparation, marination, and cooking techniques to ensure a flavorful and tender result. Starting with a well-marbled cut of flank or top round steak, marinating the meat for several hours helps to break down tough fibers and infuse it with complementary flavors. Preheating the grill to high heat is essential for achieving a good sear, which locks in juices and creates a desirable crust.

When grilling, it is important to cook the London Broil to medium-rare or medium doneness to maintain tenderness, as overcooking can result in a tougher texture. Using direct heat for searing followed by indirect heat for finishing allows for even cooking. After grilling, letting the meat rest before slicing against the grain ensures maximum juiciness and ease of chewing.

In summary, mastering the grilling of a London Broil requires attention to marination, temperature control, and slicing technique. By following these expert guidelines, one can elevate this affordable cut into a delicious and satisfying grilled dish suitable for various occasions. Proper execution transforms the London Broil into a tender, flavorful centerpiece that showcases the benefits of thoughtful preparation and grilling expertise.

Author Profile

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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.