Introduction
London broil is a quick, easy, and delicious way to grill beef. It involves marinating a flank steak or top round steak, then searing it quickly over high heat. When sliced against the grain, a London broil makes for tender, flavorful steak perfect for sandwiches, salads, or eating on its own. With just a few simple steps, you can make restaurant-quality London broil at home on your barbecue grill.
Ingredients Needed
- Flank steak or top round steak (1-1.5 lbs)
- Marinade ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together all of the marinade ingredients.
2. Marinate the Steak
Place the steak in a shallow baking dish or gallon-sized resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it coats both sides. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, flipping the steak halfway through. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the steak will be.
3. Remove Steak from Marinade
After marinating, remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Discard any remaining marinade. Generously season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper.
4. Preheat Grill
Prepare your grill for direct high-heat cooking. For a charcoal grill, ignite a full chimney of coals, or for a gas grill, turn all burners to high. The temperature should be 500-600°F when ready to cook.
5. Sear the Steak
Place the steak directly over the hot coals or flame. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until well browned. Use tongs to flip the steak; do not pierce it with a fork.
6. Finish Cooking Indirectly
Move the steak to indirect heat, away from the direct flames or coals. Tent loosely with foil. Grill for 5-8 minutes more for medium-rare doneness, flipping once halfway through. Check for doneness by using a meat thermometer (130°F for medium-rare) or the poke test.
7. Let Steak Rest
Transfer steak to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
8. Slice and Serve
To serve, slice the London broil very thinly against the grain. This ensures tenderness. Serve while hot, perhaps with chimichurri sauce, and enjoy! Leftovers are great for sandwiches or salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is best for London broil?
Flank steak and top round steak are ideal cuts for London broil due to their lean nature. They can withstand being cooked quickly over high heat without drying out.
What is the poke test?
The poke test involves gently poking the thickest part of the steak with your finger. If it feels very firm, it is likely underdone inside. If it has some give or bounces back a little, it is medium-rare. If it feels soft, it is well-done.
Can I use a marinade injector?
Yes, you can inject the marinade deep into the steak using a marinade injector syringe. This will infuse even more flavor. Inject into several areas, not just one.
Should I discard leftover marinade?
Yes, you should always discard any leftover marinade that touched raw meat. Do not reuse it, as it could harbor bacteria and lead to foodborne illness. Make a fresh batch for serving/dipping.
Can I grill London broil on a pan or skillet?
While grilling over open flame is ideal, you can pan-sear London broil in a very hot cast iron skillet. Use a little oil and sear briefly on both sides until browned, then finish cooking in a 400°F oven until done.
Conclusion
With its deeply charred crust and tender, pink interior, London broil is the perfect hearty grilled meal. The simple soy sauce and garlic marinade packs a flavor punch without too much effort. Just a few easy steps deliver restaurant-worthy results right off your own barbecue. Try serving sliced London broil in sandwiches, salads, tacos, or even alongside eggs at breakfast. Leftovers also reheat beautifully. Whip up a London broil the next time you want an easy, tasty grilled dinner.