If you’ve ever cooked a London Broil before, you know how tough it can be if not prepared properly. But don’t worry, with the right techniques and a little bit of patience, you can turn that tough cut into a delicious and tender meal.
First, let’s talk about why London Broil can be tough. This cut comes from the hindquarters of the cow, which are heavily used muscles. This means that there is a lot of connective tissue in the meat that needs to be broken down in order to achieve tenderness.
Here are some tips for fixing a tough London Broil:
1. Marinate
One of the easiest ways to tenderize meat is to marinate it. A marinade is a mixture of acidic ingredients (like vinegar or citrus juice) and flavorful ingredients (like herbs and spices) that penetrate the meat and help break down the connective tissue.
Here’s a simple marinade recipe for London Broil:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl or zip-top bag and add the London Broil. Make sure it’s fully coated in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight).
2. Tenderize with a Meat Mallet
Another way to break down the connective tissue in London Broil is to physically tenderize it with a meat mallet. Place the meat on a cutting board or other sturdy surface, cover it with plastic wrap or parchment paper, and pound it with the meat mallet until it’s evenly flattened.
3. Cook Slowly and Lowly
London Broil should be cooked slowly and at a low temperature to prevent it from becoming tough and Chewy.
Preheat your oven to 325°F and place the London Broil in a roasting pan. Cover it with foil and bake for about 1 hour (or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare).
4. Let it Rest
After cooking, let the London Broil rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier and more tender.
5. Slice Against the Grain
Finally, when you’re ready to slice your London Broil, make sure to cut against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers, which will result in shorter fibers and a more tender piece of meat.
By following these tips, you can turn a tough London Broil into a delicious meal that your family and friends will love!