Are you tired of serving a tough and Chewy London broil? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Many people struggle with cooking this particular cut of meat. In this article, we’ll discuss the reasons behind the toughness and give you some tips on how to cook a perfectly tender London broil.
What is London Broil?
Firstly, let’s understand what London broil is. Contrary to popular belief, London broil is not a specific cut of meat.
It’s actually a cooking method that involves marinating and grilling a flank steak or top round steak. The marinade usually consists of oil, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and other spices.
Why is my London Broil tough?
Now that we know what London broil is let’s address the elephant in the room – why is your London broil tough? Here are some reasons:
1. Overcooking
One of the most common reasons for tough meat is overcooking. If you cook your London broil for too long or at too high of a temperature, it will become Chewy and tough. This is because the heat causes the protein fibers in the meat to tighten up and become harder to chew.
2. Not Enough Marination Time
Marinating your meat for an adequate amount of time helps break down the muscle fibers making it tender. If you don’t marinate your London Broil for long enough or don’t use enough acid in your marinade (like vinegar), it won’t have enough time to break down properly resulting in tough meat.
3. Wrong Cut Of Meat
As mentioned earlier, London broil can be made using flank steak or top round steak which are traditionally tougher cuts of beef. If you’re not careful when selecting your cut of meat, you may end up with a tough London broil.
How to Cook a Tender London Broil
Now that we know the reasons behind the toughness, let’s discuss some tips on how to cook a perfectly tender London broil.
1. Marinate It Long Enough
When it comes to marinating, follow the recipe instructions and marinate your meat for at least 6-8 hours (preferably overnight). This will give the acid in the marinade enough time to break down the muscle fibers and make your meat tender. Choose The Right Cut Of Meat
Selecting the right cut of meat is crucial in ensuring that your London broil turns out tender. The best cuts for London broil are flank steak or top round steak. Make sure you select a piece of meat that has good marbling (or fat) which adds flavor and tenderness. Use High Heat
When cooking your London Broil, use high heat on your grill or oven. This will help sear the outside of the meat locking all the juices inside resulting in a juicy and tender piece of meat.
4. Let It Rest
Once you’ve finished cooking your London broil, let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin strips. This allows all the juices to redistribute back into the meat making it even more flavorful and tender.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, cooking a tender and flavorful London broil requires patience, preparation, and attention to detail. Remember to marinate it long enough, choose the right cut of meat, use high heat while cooking and let it rest before slicing into thin pieces. Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends with a perfectly cooked London broil.