How Do You Tenderize London Broil for Stew?
London Broil is a flavorful cut of beef that is perfect for stew. However, it can be tough if not prepared correctly. In this article, we will explore different methods to tenderize London Broil so that it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender in your stew.
1. Marinating
Marinating London Broil is an excellent way to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
- Choose the right marinade: A marinade with acidic ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or buttermilk will help break down the tough fibers in the meat. You can also add herbs, spices, and oils to enhance the flavor.
- Marinating time: Make sure to marinate the London Broil for at least 4-6 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat and tenderize it.
2. Pounding
If you want an immediate tenderizing effect, pounding is a quick and effective method.
- Tenderizing mallet: Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to pound the London Broil gently. Start from the center and work your way outwards.
This breaks down the muscle fibers and makes them more tender.
- Pound evenly: Be careful not to pound too hard as it may tear or flatten the meat unevenly. Aim for even thickness throughout for consistent cooking.
3. Slow Cooking
Tenderizing London Broil through slow cooking is a foolproof method to achieve tender meat in your stew.
- Braising: Brown the London Broil on all sides in a hot pan with some oil. Then, transfer it to a slow cooker or a Dutch oven with your choice of vegetables, broth, and seasonings.
Cook on low heat for several hours until the meat becomes fork-tender.
- Crock-Pot method: If you don’t have a slow cooker or Dutch oven, you can use a Crock-Pot. Simply add the browned London Broil with other stew ingredients into the Crock-Pot and let it cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
4. Acidic Ingredients
Acidic ingredients like tomatoes, wine, or Worcestershire sauce can help tenderize London Broil when used in stews.
- Tomatoes: The natural acidity in tomatoes helps break down the tough fibers of the meat. You can use canned tomatoes, tomato paste, or even fresh tomatoes in your stew.
- Wine: Red wine not only adds flavor but also contains acids that tenderize the meat.
Add a splash of red wine to your stew for an extra layer of tenderness.
- Worcestershire sauce: This popular sauce contains vinegar and other acidic ingredients that work wonders in tenderizing meat. Including Worcestershire sauce in your stew will enhance its flavor and tenderness.
In Conclusion
Tenderizing London Broil for stew requires some effort, but the results are worth it. Whether you choose to marinate, pound, slow cook, or use acidic ingredients, these methods will ensure a tender and flavorful London Broil in your stew.
Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. Enjoy your stew with fork-tender London Broil!