Do you crave a tender and juicy London Broil? It’s not always easy to achieve that perfect texture, but luckily there are some simple methods to tenderize this cut of meat.
Marinade: One of the easiest ways to tenderize a London Broil is by using a marinade. Marinades typically include an acidic ingredient such as lemon juice or vinegar, which helps break down the tough muscle fibers in the meat.
You can create your own marinade by combining ingredients such as olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for best results.
Pounding: Another method to tenderize London Broil is by pounding it with a meat mallet. This technique helps break down the muscle fibers and fat that can make the meat tough. To do this, place the London Broil between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound it with the flat side of a meat mallet until it reaches an even thickness.
Salt: Believe it or not, salt can also help tenderize a London Broil. Sprinkle salt over both sides of the meat generously and let it sit for about an hour before cooking. The salt will draw out moisture from the meat, which will be reabsorbed back into the muscle fibers during cooking resulting in more flavorful and juicy meat.
Cooking Techniques:
Grilling: Grilling is one of the most popular methods of cooking London Broil. Make sure to preheat your grill on high heat for at least 10 minutes before placing your marinated or salted London broil on it.
Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until desired doneness is achieved (medium-rare is recommended). Let rest for about 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Braising: Braising is also a great option for tenderizing London Broil. This method involves cooking the meat in liquid, usually a mixture of broth, wine, or beer, at low heat for an extended period of time.
Place the London Broil in a pan with your desired liquid and any other seasonings you prefer like onions or carrots. Cover and cook on low heat for about 2-3 hours until tender.
- Quick Tips:
- Always slice London Broil against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.
- Let the meat rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature for desired doneness.
The Bottom Line
Tenderizing London Broil doesn’t have to be complicated. By using simple techniques like marinades, pounding, salt, and cooking methods like grilling and braising, you can achieve a perfectly tender and flavorful piece of meat.
Remember to slice against the grain and let it rest before slicing for optimal results. Enjoy!