Are you tired of cooking London broil that always turns out tough and Chewy? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Many home cooks struggle with this cut of meat, as it can be difficult to get it just right. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why your London broil may be tough and offer tips for achieving a tender, juicy result.
What is London Broil?
London broil is a cut of beef that comes from the flank or round area of the cow. It’s a lean cut with little marbling, which means it can easily become tough if not cooked properly. However, when cooked correctly, London broil can be flavorful and delicious.
Why is my London Broil Tough?
There are several reasons why your London broil may be tough:
1. Overcooking
Overcooking is one of the most common reasons for tough London broil. This cut of meat should be cooked to medium-rare or medium at most. Cooking it beyond that will cause the meat to become dry and tough.
TIP: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your London broil. Remove the meat from the heat when it reaches 130-135°F for medium-rare or 140-145°F for medium.
2. Not Marinating
London broil can benefit greatly from a marinade to help tenderize the meat and add flavor. A marinade should contain an acid (like vinegar or lemon juice) and/or enzymes (like pineapple or papaya) that break down the connective tissues in the meat. Without a marinade, your London broil may end up tough and flavorless.
TIP: Marinate your London broil for at least 4 hours (or up to 24 hours) before cooking. Be sure to pat the meat dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.
3. Not Slicing Against the Grain
London broil is a tough cut of meat because of its muscle fibers, which run in one direction. Slicing against the grain (perpendicular to the fibers) breaks up those fibers and makes the meat more tender.
TIP: Look for the direction of the muscle fibers (they will be visible on the surface of the meat) and slice against them.
How to Cook London Broil
Now that you know why your London broil may be tough, let’s talk about how to cook it properly:
1. Preheat your oven or grill
London broil can be cooked in the oven or on a grill. Preheat your oven or grill to high heat (450-500°F). Season your London broil
Season your London broil with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Cook your London broil
Cook your London broil for 6-8 minutes per side for medium-rare (or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F). For medium, cook for 8-10 minutes per side (or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F).
4. Let it rest
Remove your London broil from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- TIP: For extra flavor, baste your London broil with melted butter or olive oil while cooking.
- TIP: If using an oven, place your London broil on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet to allow air to circulate around the meat and promote even cooking.
Conclusion
Cooking London broil can be challenging, but with the right techniques, you can achieve a tender, juicy result. Remember to not overcook your meat, marinate it properly, and slice against the grain. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious London broil every time!