If you’re planning to cook a London broil on a charcoal grill, it’s important to know the proper cooking time to achieve the perfect result. London broil is a popular cut of beef that benefits from a long, slow cooking process to help tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors.
Before grilling, it’s essential to marinate the London broil for at least a few hours or overnight. This not only adds flavor but also helps to break down the toughness of the meat. A simple marinade can consist of olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices.
Once the London broil is marinated, it’s time to fire up the charcoal grill. Make sure the grill is preheated to a medium-high heat. Place the London broil on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. If you prefer your meat more well-done, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes per side.
After grilling, it’s important to let the meat rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender London broil. When slicing the meat, be sure to cut against the grain to further enhance its tenderness.
With the right marinating and grilling techniques, you can enjoy a deliciously tender and flavorful London broil cooked to perfection on a charcoal grill. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering dish.
How to Cook London Broil on Charcoal Grill
London broil is a delicious and flavorful cut of beef that is perfect for grilling. Cooking it on a charcoal grill adds a smoky taste that enhances the overall flavor. Follow these steps to cook a mouthwatering London broil on a charcoal grill.
Ingredients:
- 1 London broil steak
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and salt.
- Place the London broil steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Rub the marinade into the steak to ensure it is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off.
- Place the London broil on the preheated charcoal grill. Cook each side for about 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature – 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, or 150°F (66°C) for medium-well.
- Once cooked to your liking, remove the London broil from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the London broil against the grain into thin strips.
- Serve and enjoy your deliciously grilled London broil!
Tips:
1. Make sure to let the steak rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.
2. London broil can be served as a standalone dish or used as a filling for sandwiches.
3. Feel free to customize the marinade by adding your favorite herbs and spices.
Level of Doneness | Cooking Time |
---|---|
Medium-Rare (130°F / 54°C) | 6-8 minutes per side |
Medium (140°F / 60°C) | 6-8 minutes per side |
Medium-Well (150°F / 66°C) | 6-8 minutes per side |
Preparation and Marinade
Before cooking your London broil on a charcoal grill, it’s essential to properly prepare and marinate the meat. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.
1. Choosing the London Broil
When selecting the London broil, look for a well-marbled cut of beef. The marbling ensures a tender and juicy final result. Additionally, opt for a thicker cut, around 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick, as this will help prevent overcooking.
2. Tenderizing the Meat
London broil can be a tough cut of meat, so tenderizing it beforehand is recommended. You can use a meat tenderizer tool or manually pierce the meat all over with a fork. This helps to break down the muscle fibers and makes the meat more tender.
3. Marinating the London Broil
Marinating the London broil is crucial for infusing flavor and tenderizing the meat further. You can choose from a variety of marinades, depending on your taste preferences. A simple and delicious marinade can be made by combining soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and black pepper.
Place the London broil in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure it’s fully coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
Remember to flip the meat halfway through marinating to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Note: Avoid using acidic marinades for too long as they can result in a mushy texture.
Once the London broil has marinated, it’s ready to be cooked on a charcoal grill. Take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
Lighting the Charcoal Grill
1. Choose a safe location for your charcoal grill, away from any flammable objects or structures.
2. Remove the grill grate and set it aside.
3. Arrange the charcoal briquettes in a pyramid shape in the center of the grill.
4. Use a chimney starter to light the charcoal briquettes. Fill the chimney starter with charcoal and place crumpled newspaper in the bottom section.
5. Place the chimney starter on the bottom grate of the grill.
6. Light the newspaper through the holes on the bottom of the chimney starter and let the charcoal briquettes start to burn.
7. Once the charcoal has turned gray and is covered with ash, carefully pour the hot coals onto the bottom grate of the grill.
8. Spread the charcoal evenly across the grate using long-handled tongs or a grill brush.
9. Reassemble the grill grate on top of the charcoal.
10. Close the lid and let the grill preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
11. Check the temperature using a grill thermometer to ensure it has reached the desired heat for cooking your london broil.
Preparing the London Broil
Before cooking the London Broil on a charcoal grill, there are a few steps you can take to ensure it turns out delicious and tender.
1. Selecting the London Broil
Choose a London Broil cut of meat that is between 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick. Look for a piece that has a nice marbling of fat throughout, as this will help add flavor and prevent the meat from drying out during cooking.
2. Seasoning the Meat
Season the London Broil with your preferred mix of spices and herbs. Common options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary. Rub the seasonings into the meat, ensuring the entire surface is coated.
Some people also like to marinate the London Broil for a few hours or overnight in a mixture of oil, vinegar or citrus juice, and additional seasonings. This can add more flavor and tenderize the meat.
3. Preparing the Charcoal Grill
Start by cleaning the grill grates thoroughly to remove any residue or debris from previous use. Then, prepare the charcoal by arranging it in a mound in the center of the grill. Light the charcoal using either a chimney starter or lighter fluid, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Allow the charcoal to burn until it has turned gray and is covered in white ash. This indicates that it is ready for cooking. Spread the hot charcoal evenly across the bottom of the grill, leaving a small gap on one side for indirect cooking.
4. Cooking the London Broil
Place the London Broil directly over the hot charcoal, searing each side for about 2-3 minutes to develop a nice crust. Then, move the meat to the cooler side of the grill, away from the direct heat. Cover the grill with the lid.
Cook the London Broil for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for around 135°F (57°C), while medium should be around 145°F (63°C).
Once the meat has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful London Broil.
Slice the London Broil against the grain into thin strips before serving. This helps to ensure each piece is tender and easier to chew.
Now that you have prepared the London Broil, it is ready to be served and enjoyed! Whether served as a main course or sliced for sandwiches, it is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue or gathering.
Cooking Techniques
When it comes to cooking London broil on a charcoal grill, there are a few important techniques to keep in mind for a perfectly cooked meal.
1. Preparing the grill: Start by cleaning the grill grates and then preheat the charcoal grill. Make sure the coals are evenly distributed and the grill is hot before cooking.
2. Seasoning the meat: London broil is a thick cut of meat, so it’s important to season it well. Use a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other desired seasonings to enhance the flavor.
3. Direct heat cooking: London broil should be cooked directly over high heat. Place the meat on the hottest part of the grill and sear for a few minutes on each side. This will help to create a delicious crust on the outside.
4. Indirect heat cooking: After searing, move the meat to a cooler part of the grill or raise the grill grates to a higher position. This will allow the London broil to cook through more evenly without burning the outside. Cook for about 10-12 minutes per side, or until the desired level of doneness is reached.
5. Resting the meat: Once the London broil is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.
6. Slicing and serving: Slice the London broil against the grain into thin strips. This will help to ensure a tender and easy-to-chew texture. Serve the meat with your favorite sides and enjoy!
By following these cooking techniques, you can achieve a perfectly cooked London broil on a charcoal grill every time. Experiment with different seasonings and enjoy the delicious flavors that this cut of meat has to offer.
Q&A
How long should I cook a London broil on a charcoal grill?
A London broil should be cooked on a charcoal grill for about 10-12 minutes per side for medium-rare.
What temperature should I cook a London broil on a charcoal grill?
A London broil should be cooked on a charcoal grill at a medium-high heat, around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I cook a London broil on a charcoal grill for longer than 12 minutes per side?
Yes, you can cook a London broil on a charcoal grill for longer than 12 minutes per side if you prefer it more well-done. However, be cautious not to overcook it, as it may become tough.
Is it necessary to marinate a London broil before cooking it on a charcoal grill?
While it is not necessary to marinate a London broil before cooking it on a charcoal grill, marinating can enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
Should I let the London broil rest after grilling it on a charcoal grill?
Yes, it is recommended to let the London broil rest for about 5-10 minutes after grilling it on a charcoal grill. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become even more tender.
What is London broil?
London broil is a cooking method for a specific cut of beef rather than a specific cut of meat itself. The term refers to a cooking technique that involves marinating and broiling or grilling a flank steak or top round steak.
How long should I cook London broil on a charcoal grill?
The cooking time for London broil on a charcoal grill will depend on the thickness of the steak and desired doneness. As a general guideline, for a 1-inch thick London broil, you can cook it for about 5-6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time as needed for your preferred level of doneness.