Are you tired of tough and Chewy London broil? Don’t worry; you’re not alone in this struggle.
London broil is a lean cut of beef that can be challenging to cook to perfection. However, there is a solution! In this article, we’ll explore the best way to tenderize a London broil.
What Is London Broil?
Before we dive into the details of tenderizing London broil, let’s first understand what it is. London broil refers to a beef cut that comes from the flank or round primal cuts of meat.
It’s usually sold in large sizes and is relatively inexpensive compared to other cuts of beef. The biggest challenge with this cut is that it can be quite tough if not cooked correctly.
Marinating Is Key
One of the most effective ways to tenderize a London broil is by marinating it for an extended period. A marinade generally consists of an acidic liquid, such as vinegar or citrus juice, along with oil and various spices.
Ingredients for Marinade:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Combine all the ingredients above in a small bowl and mix well. Then place your London broil in a large resealable plastic bag or dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure that every inch of meat gets coated well with the marinade.
Pro Tip: Try to marinate your London broil for at least 24 hours, but no more than 48 hours. This will allow the marinade to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.
Cooking Techniques
Once you’ve marinated your London broil, it’s time to cook it. There are several ways you can cook this cut of meat, but here are two of the most effective methods:
Grilling
Grilling is a popular way of cooking London broil. Preheat your grill to high heat and remove the London broil from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Pro Tip: Let your London broil rest for five minutes after taking it off the grill before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Baking
Another way to cook London broil is by baking it in an oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F degrees and place your marinated London broil in a baking dish. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 135°F degrees (for medium-rare).
Pro Tip: Make sure that you let your London broil rest for at least five minutes before slicing it.
Cut Against The Grain
One crucial factor in ensuring that your London broil is tender is how you cut it. Always slice against the grain to ensure that each piece of meat is as tender as possible.
The grain refers to the direction of muscle fibers running through the meat. Cutting against these fibers helps break them down, resulting in a much more tender piece of beef.
Final Thoughts
Tenderizing a London broil is not an easy task, but with proper marinating, cooking techniques, and cutting against the grain, you can make this tough cut of meat into a delicious and tender meal. Try out these tips the next time you cook London broil, and you’ll be amazed at the results!