Can You Marinate London Broil Too Long?

By Michael Ferguson

Marinating is a great way to add flavor and tenderness to your London broil. However, there is such a thing as marinating for too long.

The question is, can you marinate London broil too long? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question and provide some tips on how to properly marinate your London broil.

What is London Broil?

Before we dive into the topic of marinating, let’s first define what London broil is. Contrary to popular belief, London broil is not a specific cut of beef.

Rather, it refers to a cooking method where a tough cut of beef like flank steak or top round steak is marinated and then grilled or broiled at high heat. The result is a flavorful and tender piece of meat that can be sliced thinly and served as an entree or used in sandwiches.

What Happens When You Marinate Meat?

Marinating involves soaking meat in a mixture of acid (like vinegar or citrus juice), oil, herbs, spices, and other flavorings. The acid helps break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it more tender. The oil helps keep the meat moist during cooking while the other ingredients add flavor.

Can You Marinate London Broil Too Long?

The short answer is yes. While marinating can make your London broil more flavorful and tender, leaving it in the marinade for too long can have negative effects. Over-marinating can actually make your meat tougher due to the acid breaking down too much of the protein structure.

How Long Should You Marinate Your London Broil?

The ideal marinating time for London broil depends on several factors such as the thickness of your meat and the strength of your marinade. As a general rule of thumb, marinating for 12-24 hours is sufficient for most cuts of beef. Thinner cuts like flank steak can be marinated for as little as 6 hours while thicker cuts like top round steak may require up to 48 hours.

What Should You Do If You Over-Marinate Your London Broil?

If you accidentally leave your London broil in the marinade for too long, don’t panic. You can still salvage your meat by rinsing off the excess marinade and patting it dry with paper towels.

This will remove some of the surface moisture that can contribute to toughness. Then, simply cook your meat as you normally would.

  • Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat and brush the grates with oil. Place your London broil on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
  • Broil: Preheat your broiler and place a rack on the highest level. Place your London broil on a broiler pan and broil for 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare.

Conclusion

In conclusion, marinating is a great way to add flavor and tenderness to your London broil. However, be mindful not to marinate for too long as it can make your meat tougher instead of more tender. Follow the guidelines above and you’ll be well on your way to a delicious and perfectly marinated London broil.