What’s the Difference Between London Broil and Roast Beef?

By Robert Palmer

Are you confused about the difference between London broil and roast beef? Don’t worry!

We’re here to clear up any confusion. Both of these dishes feature beef, but they are prepared and served in different ways. Let’s take a closer look at the unique characteristics of each.

London Broil

London broil is a technique for preparing beef, not a specific cut of meat. Typically, flank steak or top round steak is used for London broil.

The steak is marinated for several hours in a flavorful mixture of ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. After marinating, the steak is usually grilled or broiled until it reaches the desired level of doneness.

One key characteristic of London broil is its distinctive appearance. The outside of the steak develops a charred crust while the inside remains juicy and tender. When sliced against the grain, London broil has a distinctive texture with long, lean strands.

Roast Beef

Roast beef, on the other hand, refers to a specific cut of meat – typically a larger cut like a rib roast or sirloin tip roast. These cuts are seasoned with herbs and spices before being roasted in an oven until they reach their desired internal temperature.

Roast beef can be served hot or cold and is often sliced thin for sandwiches or served as part of a larger meal with vegetables and sides.

So What’s the Difference?

The main difference between London broil and roast beef lies in their preparation methods. London broil involves marinating and grilling or broiling steak while roast beef involves seasoning and roasting larger cuts of meat like rib roasts or sirloin tips.

Additionally, the texture of each dish differs as well. London broil features leaner cuts that are sliced against the grain resulting in long strands while roast beef features larger, tender cuts that are often sliced thin.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the difference between London broil and roast beef, you can choose which dish is right for your next meal. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy, charred steak or a tender roast, both dishes feature delicious beef that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.