London broil is a flavorful, budget-friendly cut of beef that only requires a little time on the grill to become melt-in-your-mouth tender. With minimal preparation, London broil can be the star of a delicious family barbecue. Here’s a guide on just how long to grill London broil to get perfect results every time.
What is London Broil?
London broil refers to a thick, rectangular cut of beef taken from the flank, chuck, or round. It is one of the more affordable steak options. While often confused with a specific cut of meat, London broil is actually a cooking method that involves marinating the beef, searing it quickly over high heat, then slicing it across the grain before serving. When prepared properly, London broil turns out incredibly tender and full of flavor.
Benefits of London Broil
There are several reasons why London broil is a smart choice for backyard grilling:
- Budget-friendly – London broil is one of the more affordable cuts of beef. The flank or round cuts used are not considered premium steaks, so London broil costs much less per pound than ribeye or tenderloin.
- Flavorful – A marinade is key to infusing London broil with tons of flavor. The marinade permeates the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.
- Quick cooking – London broil cooks fast over high heat. Unlike tough cuts that require prolonged braising, London broil reaches the ideal doneness in less than 30 minutes.
- Easy to slice – When sliced properly against the grain, London broil turns out exceptionally tender. Even cheaper cuts become fork-tender.
- Versatile – Sliced London broil is wonderful on its own, but also perfect for sandwiches, tacos, pasta dishes, and more. Leftovers make excellent lunch options.
How Long to Grill London Broil
London broil can be grilled to three different doneness levels: rare, medium-rare, and medium. Follow these simple guidelines for perfect results:
Rare London Broil
- Grill Time: 6-8 minutes total
- Internal Temp: 125°F-130°F
Rare London broil is seared on the outside, while the inside remains cool, red, and extra juicy. For those who like their beef on the rarer side, quick grilling retains all the natural moisture and beefy flavor.
Medium-Rare London Broil
- Grill Time: 8-10 minutes total
- Internal Temp: 130°F-135°F
Medium-rare London broil has a bit more color throughout while still being pink and juicy in the middle. This doneness strikes an ideal balance between texture and moisture. Many find medium-rare to be the prime level of doneness for London broil.
Medium London Broil
- Grill Time: 10-14 minutes total
- Internal Temp: 135°F-145°F
Medium London broil has just a hint of pinkness in the center and is warm throughout. While not quite as juicy as rarer versions, it offers a more substantial texture. Those who prefer their beef on the medium side will enjoy this doneness.
Tips for Grilling Perfect London Broil
Follow these tips to ensure your London broil turns out juicy, flavorful and cooked to your preferred doneness:
- Choose a flank, chuck, or round cut that is 1-2 inches thick. Thinner cuts will dry out quickly.
- Trim off any excess fat or silver skin for better sear.
- Mix a flavorful marinade and let the meat soak for 1-2 hours prior to grilling.
- Pat the meat very dry before grilling for ideal sear. Wet meat will steam instead.
- Preheat your grill on high heat. Use direct heat for maximum caramelization.
- Sear the meat for 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t disturb or flip too early.
- Test temperature at thickest point with an instant-read meat thermometer.
- Let meat rest 5 minutes before slicing across the grain into thin strips.
Serving Suggestions for London Broil
The simple marinade and quick cooking method make London broil incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
- Slice London broil and serve with chimichurri sauce and grilled veggies.
- Pile sliced London broil on ciabatta rolls with provolone cheese and peppery arugula for steak sandwiches.
- Dice London broil into bites and toss with peppers, onions, and teriyaki sauce for a steak and vegetable stir-fry.
- Shred London broil and pile on tortillas with guacamole, salsa, and queso fresco for steak tacos.
- Toss thin slices of London broil into a pasta or grain bowl with sautéed peppers and onions.
With minimal grill time and easy slicing, London broil satisfies cravings for hearty, protein-packed meals. Refer to this guide on how long to BBQ London broil and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate London broil?
For the most flavorful results, marinate the London broil for 1-2 hours. Overnight marinating is fine, but not necessary.
What’s the best way to grill London broil to medium?
For medium doneness with a nice sear, grill over direct high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F-145°F.
Is London broil done when it reaches 145°F?
Yes, an internal temperature of 145°F is ideal for medium doneness. The meat will have just a hint of pinkness while being hot throughout.
Should London broil be grilled on high or low heat?
Use high heat between 450°F to 550°F for optimal searing. Low heat will lead to overcooking before the outside browns sufficiently.
How do I keep London broil from drying out on the grill?
Choose at least 1-inch thick cuts. Trim excess fat. Grill quickly over high heat. Don’t cut into the meat to check doneness too early. And let the meat rest before slicing against the grain.
Conclusion
With the right thickness, marinade, and direct high-heat grilling method, London broil can become the juiciest, most delicious barbecue meal. Keep an eye on the clock and temperature, and in as little as 6-8 minutes for rare or 10-14 minutes for medium, you will have perfection. Refer back to this guide for exactly how long to grill London broil.