If you’re a fan of London broil, you know that it can be a tough cut of meat if not cooked properly. However, there are several ways to tenderize London broil and make it more enjoyable. In this article, we’ll explore the best methods to tenderize London broil.
Method 1: Marinating
Marinating is one of the most popular ways to tenderize London broil. Marinating involves soaking the meat in a mixture of acid and oil for several hours or overnight. The acid in the marinade helps break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it more tender.
To make a basic marinade for London broil, combine olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Place the London broil in a large ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Tip:
London broil is a lean cut of meat that can easily become dry. Make sure to not overcook your London broil as this will lead to toughness.
Method 2: Using a Meat Mallet
Using a meat mallet is another way to tenderize London broil. This method involves pounding the meat with a mallet until it becomes thinner and more tender.
To use this method, place the London broil on a cutting board and pound it with a meat mallet until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Be careful not to pound too hard or you’ll end up tearing or shredding the meat.
If you don’t have a meat mallet at home, you can use other heavy objects like rolling pins or cast-iron skillets.
Method 3: Salting
Salting is a simple yet effective way to tenderize London broil. This method involves rubbing salt into the meat and letting it sit for several hours.
To use this method, sprinkle a generous amount of kosher salt over both sides of the London broil. Place the meat in a large ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. After the allotted time, rinse off the excess salt and pat the meat dry before cooking.
Make sure to not oversalt your London broil as this can lead to an overly salty taste.
Method 4: Braising
Braising is a slow-cooking method that involves cooking the meat in a liquid over low heat for several hours. This method helps break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it more tender.
To use this method, preheat your oven to 325°F. Season your London broil with salt and pepper and sear it on both sides in a hot skillet with oil.
Transfer the meat to a baking dish and add enough liquid (such as beef broth or wine) to cover about half of the meat. Cover with foil and bake for about 2-3 hours or until tender.
Make sure to not overcrowd your baking dish as this will affect how evenly your London broil cooks.
- In conclusion, tenderizing London broil can be achieved through various methods such as marinating, using a meat mallet, salting, or braising. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages but ultimately it’s up to you to decide which one works best for you.
- Remember: no matter which method you choose, make sure to not overcook your London broil as this will lead to toughness.