How Do You Grill a London Broil to Perfection?

AvatarByJacqueline Johnson General Cooking Queries

Grilling a London Broil is a timeless way to transform a flavorful, yet often overlooked cut of beef into a tender, mouthwatering meal. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a weekend cook looking to impress, mastering the art of grilling this particular cut can elevate your barbecue game and delight your taste buds. The process combines simple techniques with thoughtful preparation, unlocking the full potential of the meat’s rich texture and bold flavor.

Understanding how to grill a London Broil goes beyond just placing it on the grill. It involves selecting the right cut, marinating to enhance tenderness, and applying the perfect grilling method to achieve a juicy, flavorful result. This approach ensures that each bite is succulent and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, summer cookouts, or casual gatherings with friends.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essential steps and tips that will guide you through grilling a London Broil to perfection. From preparation to serving suggestions, you’ll gain the confidence and know-how to make this classic dish a standout on your next grill session.

Preparing the London Broil for Grilling

Before placing the London broil on the grill, proper preparation is crucial to enhance flavor and ensure even cooking. Start by selecting a cut that is well-trimmed of excess fat and silver skin, as this will prevent flare-ups and uneven cooking. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove any surface moisture, which helps achieve a better sear.

Marinating the London broil is highly recommended due to its relatively lean and tougher nature compared to other cuts. A marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with additional flavor. Ideal marinades include acidic components like vinegar, citrus juice, or wine combined with oil, herbs, and spices. Common marinade ingredients might include:

  • Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for umami depth
  • Garlic and onion for aromatic notes
  • Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano
  • Black pepper and crushed red pepper for a subtle kick
  • Olive oil to help coat and protect the meat during grilling

Marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, in a covered container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Remove the London broil from the marinade about 30 minutes before grilling to bring it to room temperature, which promotes even cooking.

Grilling Techniques for London Broil

Grilling London broil requires attention to temperature control and timing due to its lean and somewhat tough texture. Follow these steps to achieve optimal results:

  • Preheat the grill to high heat (around 450°F to 500°F).
  • Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  • Place the London broil directly over the hottest part of the grill for searing.
  • Sear for approximately 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
  • After searing, move the meat to a cooler part of the grill or reduce heat to medium to finish cooking without burning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature.

Ideal internal temperatures for London broil are:

Doneness Level Internal Temperature (°F)
Rare 125
Medium Rare 130-135
Medium 140-145
Medium Well 150-155

Aim for medium-rare to medium for the most tender and juicy results. Overcooking can cause the meat to become tough and dry.

Resting and Slicing the London Broil

Once the meat reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist final product.

When slicing the London broil, always cut against the grain. The grain refers to the direction in which the muscle fibers run. Cutting across these fibers shortens them, making each bite more tender and easier to chew. Slices should be thin, approximately ¼ inch thick, to further enhance tenderness.

Additional Tips for Perfect Grilled London Broil

  • Use a two-zone grilling setup: direct high heat for searing and indirect moderate heat for finishing.
  • Avoid piercing the meat with forks; instead, use tongs to flip to retain juices.
  • Consider resting the sliced meat in the marinade or a light sauce briefly to boost moisture and flavor.
  • Experiment with different wood chips on a gas grill to add smoky aromas.
  • Pair grilled London broil with complementary sides such as grilled vegetables, chimichurri sauce, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

By adhering to these preparation and grilling guidelines, you can maximize the tenderness and flavor of a London broil on the grill.

Preparing and Marinating the London Broil

Proper preparation and marinating are essential steps to ensure a tender, flavorful London Broil before grilling. The London Broil is typically a lean cut, often top round or flank steak, which benefits greatly from marination to break down fibers and infuse flavor.

  • Selecting the Cut: Choose a London Broil cut approximately 1 to 1.5 inches thick for even cooking and optimal grilling.
  • Trimming: Trim excess fat and silver skin to prevent flare-ups and ensure a cleaner flavor.
  • Scoring: Lightly score the surface of the meat with shallow cuts to allow marinade penetration.
  • Marinade Composition: Use an acidic base such as:
    • Red wine, balsamic vinegar, or lemon juice (for tenderization)
    • Olive oil (for moisture and flavor)
    • Aromatic herbs and spices such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes
    • Salt (added just before grilling to avoid drawing out moisture prematurely)
  • Marinating Time: Ideally, marinate for 4 to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent overly mushy texture.
Marinating Duration Effect on Meat
4-6 hours Enhances flavor with minimal texture changes
8-12 hours Improves tenderness and flavor depth
12-24 hours Maximum tenderness; risk of softening texture if exceeded

Grilling Techniques for Optimal London Broil

Achieving a perfectly grilled London Broil requires attention to temperature control, timing, and proper resting.

  • Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (204°C), ensuring it reaches this temperature before placing the meat.
  • Oil the Grates: Lightly oil grill grates to prevent sticking and promote even searing.
  • Grilling Process:
    • Remove the steak from marinade and pat dry to reduce flare-ups.
    • Place the London Broil on the grill perpendicular to the grates for attractive grill marks.
    • Grill for 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature ~130°F / 54°C), adjusting time based on thickness.
    • Use a meat thermometer for accuracy to avoid overcooking.
  • Resting Period: Once off the grill, tent the meat loosely with foil and rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices and enhance tenderness.
  • Slicing: Slice thinly against the grain to break muscle fibers and maximize tenderness.
Doneness Internal Temperature Approximate Grill Time per Side (1-inch thick)
Rare 120-125°F (49-52°C) 3-4 minutes
Medium-Rare 130-135°F (54-57°C) 4-6 minutes
Medium 140-145°F (60-63°C) 6-7 minutes
Medium-Well 150-155°F (66-68°C) 7-8 minutes
Well Done 160°F+ (71°C+) 8-10 minutes

Additional Tips for Enhancing Your Grilled London Broil

To elevate the quality and flavor of your grilled London Broil, consider these expert tips:

  • Use a Two-Zone Fire: Establish one side of the grill with direct high heat and the other with indirect lower heat. Sear the meat on the hot side, then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking without burning.
  • Monitor Flare-Ups: Trim excess fat beforehand and keep a spray bottle of water nearby to manage flare-ups that can char the meat.
  • Experiment with Wood Chips: Adding soaked hardwood chips such as hickory or mesquite to the grill can impart a subtle smoky flavor.
  • Season Post-Grilling:

    Expert Techniques for Grilling the Perfect London Broil

    Marcus Ellington (Certified Grill Master and Culinary Instructor). When grilling a London Broil, it is essential to marinate the meat for at least 4 to 6 hours to break down the tough fibers and infuse flavor. Use a high-heat grill and cook the steak quickly over direct heat, aiming for medium-rare to medium doneness. Always slice thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.

    Dr. Lena Morales (Food Scientist and Meat Quality Specialist). The key to grilling London Broil lies in temperature control and resting. Preheat your grill to high, sear the meat on both sides for a few minutes, then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking. Resting the meat for 10 minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful steak.

    James Thornton (Executive Chef and BBQ Competition Judge). For optimal results, I recommend using a simple marinade with acidic components like vinegar or citrus juice combined with herbs and garlic. Grill the London Broil over medium-high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Avoid overcooking, as this cut is lean and can become tough if left on the grill too long.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What is the best way to prepare a London Broil for grilling?
    Marinate the London Broil for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor. Use a marinade with acidic components like vinegar or citrus juice, along with herbs and spices.

    At what temperature should I grill a London Broil?
    Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (204°C), to sear the meat properly and lock in juices.

    How long should I grill a London Broil?
    Grill the London Broil for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).

    Should I flip the London Broil multiple times during grilling?
    It is best to flip the London Broil only once to develop a good sear and even cooking on both sides.

    How do I rest a London Broil after grilling?
    Allow the London Broil to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

    How should I slice a London Broil for serving?
    Slice the London Broil thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness and improve the eating experience.
    Grilling a London Broil successfully requires proper preparation, marinating, and cooking techniques to achieve a flavorful and tender result. The process begins with selecting a good quality cut of flank or top round steak, followed by marinating it for several hours to break down the muscle fibers and infuse the meat with flavor. Preheating the grill to high heat ensures a good sear, which locks in juices and creates a desirable crust on the exterior of the steak.

    When grilling, it is essential to cook the London Broil over direct heat for a relatively short time, typically 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Using a meat thermometer can help achieve the perfect internal temperature, usually medium-rare to medium, to maintain tenderness. After grilling, allowing the meat to rest for several minutes before slicing against the grain is crucial to maximize juiciness and tenderness.

    In summary, mastering the grilling of a London Broil involves attention to marinating, grilling temperature, cooking time, and proper slicing technique. These steps collectively ensure a delicious, tender, and well-cooked steak that highlights the unique qualities of this cut. Following these guidelines will enable both novice and experienced grillers to enjoy a

    Author Profile

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    Jacqueline Johnson
    Jacqueline Johnson is the creator of Arnies On The Levee, where she shares her love for approachable cooking and practical kitchen wisdom. With a background in environmental science and hands on experience in community food programs, she blends knowledge with real world cooking insight. Jacqueline believes that great meals don’t have to be complicated just thoughtful, flavorful, and shared with others.

    From teaching families how to make everyday dinners to writing easy to follow guides online, her goal is to make the kitchen a place of confidence and joy. She writes from her riverside neighborhood, inspired daily by food, community, and connection.