Master the Art of Making Tender London Broil

Are you tired of tough and chewy London broil? Fear not, because with a few simple steps, you can make it tender and delicious. London broil is a lean cut of beef, which means it can be tough if not cooked properly. But don’t worry, by following these tips, your London broil will be juicy and tender in no time.

First, it’s important to marinate your London broil before cooking. A marinade is a mixture of oil, acid (like vinegar or citrus juice), and spices that will infuse flavor into the meat and help break down its fibers, resulting in a more tender texture. Some classic marinade ingredients for London broil are soy sauce, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Marinate your meat for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) before cooking to get the best results. Ready to learn more techniques? Keep reading!

1. What is London Broil?

London broil is a method of cooking a cut of beef that originated in England but became popular in North America. It refers to the way that the meat is prepared before it is cooked, rather than the cut of meat itself. Most London broil recipes call for flank steak, but other cuts such as sirloin or top round can also be used.

2. Why is London Broil Tough?

London broil can be a tough cut of meat to work with because it comes from a heavily used muscle in the cow. This means that it has a lot of connective tissue and can be quite dense. If you don’t prepare it correctly, it can end up tough and chewy. However, with the right techniques, you can make it tender and delicious.

3. Marinating

One of the best ways to make London broil tender is to marinate it. A marinade is a mixture of acidic ingredients such as vinegar or lemon juice, oil, and spices that help to break down the connective tissue in the meat. You can make a simple marinade with ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes up to overnight in the refrigerator.

4. Salting

Another method to make London broil tender is to salt it before cooking. Salting helps to draw out the moisture from the meat, which can lead to a more tender and flavorful steak. Generously salt both sides of the steak and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before cooking.

5. Searing

Searing is the process of cooking the steak over high heat for a short amount of time to create a crispy crust on the outside. This method can help to lock in the juices and keep the meat tender. Heat up a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat and add a small amount of oil. When the pan is hot, add the steak and sear for about 3-5 minutes on each side.

6. Resting

Once the steak is cooked, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures that it stays tender. Tent the steak with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

7. Slicing

To ensure maximum tenderness, it’s important to slice London broil against the grain. This means that you should cut the meat perpendicular to the lines you see in the meat. Slicing against the grain helps to break down the muscle fibers and create a more tender bite.

8. Cooking Temperature

Cooking London broil to the right temperature is key to achieving a tender and juicy steak. The internal temperature of the steak should be between 135°F to 145°F for medium-rare to medium. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the steak to ensure that it’s cooked to your liking.

9. Braising

Another way to make London broil tender is to braise it. Braising is a method of cooking that involves cooking the meat slowly in a liquid. This helps to break down the connective tissue and results in a tender and flavorful steak. You can braise London broil in a mixture of beef broth, red wine, and aromatics such as onions, garlic, and herbs.

10. Letting it cool

Lastly, to make London broil tender, it’s best to let the steak cool off first. You can either put it in the fridge or just let it sit on the counter for a good 30 minutes to an hour before cooking it. This will allow the steak to have enough time to relax, to be at room temperature, and to let its juices find its place evenly throughout the meat.

Section 2: Tips and Techniques for Tenderizing London Broil

1. Marinating Does Wonders for London Broil

Marinating meat is a proven technique to add an extra layer of flavor while tenderizing it. For London Broil, marinades can work wonders in breaking down the tough fibers of the meat. A marinade made up of an acidic component like vinegar, wine, or citrus juices, along with oil and seasonings, will work best. Let the London Broil soak in the marinade for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight if possible for best results.

2. Use a Meat Mallet to Pound the Meat

Pounding the meat using a meat mallet can break down the tough meat fibers and make it more tender. Pound the meat at different angles, making sure to flatten out any thick or uneven parts. Using a meat mallet also helps to tenderize the meat evenly, which ensures that it cooks evenly too.

3. Score the Meat Before Cooking

Scoring the meat involves making shallow cuts on the meat’s surface, which allows the marinade or seasoning to penetrate deeply into the meat while it cooks. This technique also works great for London Broil. Use a sharp knife to cut the meat against the grain without cutting too deep.

4. Rest the Meat Before Slicing

Once you’ve cooked the London Broil, allowing it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it can do wonders for its tenderness. This allows the meat fibers to relax and reabsorb some of the moisture and juices it lost during the cooking process.

5. Slow Cooker Method for London Broil

The slow cooker method is another way to make London Broil tender. Add the meat to a slow cooker, along with a few vegetables and seasonings, and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. The long, slow cooking process breaks down the meat’s tough fibers and results in a flavorful, tender London Broil.

6. Reverse Sear Method for London Broil

The reverse sear method refers to cooking the meat first at a low temperature, then searing it on high heat. This method is perfect for London Broil as high-heat cooking methods can leave it tough. Start by cooking the meat in the oven at 250°F for 15-20 minutes, then sear the meat on a preheated grill or stovetop pan until both sides are browned.

7. Opt for Thinner Cuts of London Broil

Thinner cuts of London Broil are generally more tender, as they have less tough connective tissue than thicker cuts. When purchasing London Broil, ask your butcher to cut thinner slices or consider cutting them by yourself at home.

8. Tenderize the Meat with a Vinegar or Pineapple Solution

Both vinegar and pineapple contain enzymes that can break down the tough meat fibers in London Broil. To tenderize the meat using vinegar, mix one part vinegar with two parts water and soak the meat in the solution for 1-2 hours before cooking. For pineapple, use 100% pineapple juice and allow the meat to marinate in it for at least 30 minutes.

9. Rest the Meat After Cooking

After cooking London Broil, it’s essential to let it rest for a few minutes to maximize its tenderness. Use a tent of foil to hold the meat and allow it to sit for five to ten minutes to prevent the juices from escaping.

10. Cut Against the Grain When Slicing

When slicing London Broil, it’s essential to cut against rather than with the grain. The meat’s fibers run across the width of the cut, and cutting across the grain will shorten these fibers, making the meat easier to chew and more tender to eat.

Marinade for London Broil to Make it Tender

If you don’t want to use a tenderizer, marinating your London broil is also an excellent way to make it tender. This section will present some of the best marinades to use to make your London broil more tender.

The Classic Marinade

This is a simple but classic marinade that works great with London broil. Here’s how to prepare it:

Mix the ingredients together, pour the marinade into a resealable bag or shallow dish, and add the London broil. Allow it to marinate for at least four hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Tropical Marinade

If you’re looking for a sweeter marinade, this tropical marinade is an excellent choice. This starting point for this marinade is the classic marinade from above, but adds some tropical flavors to it. Here’s how to prepare it:

Mix all ingredients together, pour the marinade into a resealable bag or shallow dish, and add the London broil. Allow it to marinate for at least four hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Beer Marinade

If you’re a beer lover, you’ll love this beer marinade for your London broil. Here’s how to prepare it:

Mix all ingredients together, pour the marinade into a resealable bag or shallow dish, and add the London broil. Allow it to marinate for at least four hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Spicy Marinade

If you prefer a spicier flavor, check out this spicy marinade recipe:

Mix all ingredients together, pour the marinade into a resealable bag or shallow dish, and add the London broil. Allow it to marinate for at least four hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Acidic Marinade

This last marinade is especially perfect if you’re looking for a tenderizing marinade. This marinade is more acidic and is excellent for breaking down the meat’s tough fibers.

Mix all ingredients together, pour the marinade into a resealable bag or shallow dish, and add the London broil. Allow it to marinate for at least four hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

In conclusion, marinating a London broil is a fantastic way to make it more tender. These marinades are easy to make and ensure that your London broil turns out perfectly every time. Try these recipes the next time you make a London broil and enjoy a more succulent, flavorful meal.

Happy Cooking!

There you go, folks! You now know the secrets to making London broil tender. So next time you’re planning a dinner party or craving a juicy steak, put these tips into practice, and impress your guests or your taste buds. Thanks for reading our article, and we hope to see you again soon for more tasty kitchen tips and tricks. Until then, happy cooking and bon appétit!