If you’re a fan of tender, juicy steaks, then you’ve probably heard of London broil. This classic dish is made by marinating a tough cut of beef for several hours before broiling or grilling it to perfection.
But, should you tenderize your London broil before marinating it? Let’s explore this topic in more detail.
What is London Broil?
London broil is a popular dish made from flank steak or top round steak. These cuts are known for their toughness and require some preparation to make them tender. The key to making tender and flavorful London broil is to marinate the meat for several hours before cooking it.
What Does Tenderizing Do?
Tenderizing meat involves breaking down the connective tissue and muscle fibers to make the meat more tender. There are several ways to tenderize meat, including using a meat mallet, a marinade, or an acidic ingredient like vinegar or lemon juice.
Should You Tenderize Your London Broil?
The short answer is no, you don’t need to tenderize your London broil before marinating it. The marination process will help break down the connective tissue and make the meat more tender.
However, if you want to speed up the process or ensure that your London broil is as tender as possible, you can use a meat mallet or a fork to pierce the surface of the meat before marinating it. This will help the marinade penetrate deeper into the meat and break down more of the connective tissue.
How Should You Marinate Your London Broil?
Marinating your London broil is essential to ensuring that it’s flavorful and juicy. You can use any combination of ingredients that you like for your marinade, but most recipes include some combination of oil, vinegar or citrus juice, herbs, and spices.
To marinate your London broil, place it in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. Turn the bag occasionally to ensure that the meat is evenly coated with the marinade.
Conclusion
In summary, you don’t need to tenderize your London broil before marinating it. However, if you want to speed up the process or ensure that your meat is as tender as possible, you can use a meat mallet or fork to pierce the surface of the meat before marinating. Regardless of whether you tenderize your London broil or not, marinating it is essential to ensuring that it’s flavorful and juicy.