Believe it or not, London broil is not a specific cut of meat. It’s actually a method of marinating, cooking, and cutting a lean and somewhat tough cut of meat.
Originally made with flank steak, the name London broil has grown to encompass many other lean, thick cuts of beef, like top round. It is usually marketed as anything from a 1-inch steak to a 4-inch roast that comes from the sirloin or round sections of beef.
A common complaint with London broil is that it becomes tough and tasteless quite easily. This is because it is meant to be marinated and cooked over high heat. Luckily, there are preparation and cooking tips that can help you get the tender, flavorful steak slices you’re craving.
How to Cook London Broil
Traditional marinades for London broil can range anywhere from a straightforward mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper, to a mixture of numerous ingredients. In the past, chefs used to mix a variety of seasonings and sauces – whatever was on hand – rather than following a recipe.
For a delicious marinade, try this recipe:
Depending on how much marinade you are looking to make, adjust the volume of the ingredients as you see fit.
- ⅓ cup of soy sauce (for that sweet, salty flavour)
- ⅓ cup of lemon juice
- ½ cup of olive oil (great for soaking into the steak)
- ¼ cup of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning (a mixture of oregano, rosemary, basil, and thyme)
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of pepper
- Red pepper to taste (to add some spice)
To cook your London broil to perfection, follow these three simple steps:
- Prepare your marinade by whisking together the above ingredients and adding them to a large gallon bag or a suitably sized container. Add in your steak and allow it to marinate for a minimum of two hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat your oven to high heat, remove your steak from the marinade, and place it in a baking dish. Make sure your oven has a heating element on the top, and simply adjust the tray the steak is on so that your London broil sits an inch or two away from the heating element.
Broil your steak for 5 to 6 minutes before flipping it and allowing it to broil for a further 3 to 4 minutes. Keep your thermometer handy so that you can make sure it is at the right temperature. For a medium rare cook (which is arguably the best for a London broil), cook until the internal temperature is 125°F.
- Let the steak rest for 10 minutes and slice. Any steak will be tough if it is overcooked, so be sure to keep an eye on your temperature.
What Does London Broil Taste Like?
Although a London broil is a tough cut, it can be delicious. It can be prepared well to make a delicious steak with a beefy flavour and tender chew. The fact that it is marinated beforehand means it will absorb the flavours of the marinade ingredients.
How to Store London Broil
Most raw meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. After wrapping your London broil well, you can store it in the freezer for between 6 and 12 months.
If you have marinated your London broil but you’re not able to cook it that evening, don’t worry – you can keep it refrigerated and in the marinade for about four days.
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Place your order today or contact us for more advice on your favourite cuts of steak.
