If you’re looking to enjoy a delicious and tender London broil right at home, this article will guide you through the process. London broil is a popular dish made from a lean cut of beef, typically top round or flank steak, which is marinated, then broiled or grilled. Broiling the London broil in the oven is a great option, as it allows for even cooking and creates a nice charred exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Marinating the London broil:
To ensure a tender London broil, it’s important to marinate the meat beforehand. A flavorful marinade helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors. You can create a marinade using a combination of ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, olive oil, and various herbs and spices. For best results, marinate the London broil for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.
Preparing the oven:
Before cooking the London broil, preheat your oven to a high broil setting. Place an oven rack about 6 inches away from the heat source. This will ensure that the London broil cooks evenly and gets a nice crust on the outside. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This will help the heat circulate around the meat and allow any excess marinade or fat to drip away.
Cooking the London broil:
Remove the London broil from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Season it with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings. Place the London broil on the wire rack and place it in the preheated oven. Cook the London broil for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature – 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, and 145°F for medium.
Resting and slicing:
After removing the London broil from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender. Slice the London broil against the grain into thin slices. This ensures that each bite is tender and easy to chew. Serve the sliced London broil with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Preparing the London Broil
Before cooking the London broil, it is important to properly prepare the meat to ensure it is tender and flavorful. Follow these steps to prepare your London broil:
Step | Instructions |
1 | Start by marinating the London broil in a flavorful marinade. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs. Place the London broil in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the meat is fully coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. |
2 | Remove the London broil from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the marinade. Let the meat sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to come to room temperature. This will help ensure even cooking. |
3 | Preheat your oven to a high broil setting. Place the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. |
4 | Season both sides of the London broil with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with your favorite herbs and spices. |
5 | Place the London broil on a broiler pan or a wire rack set on top of a baking sheet. This will allow the heat to circulate around the meat, ensuring even cooking. |
Now that your London broil is prepared, it’s time to move on to the cooking process. Read on to learn how to cook the London broil to perfection.
Marinating the Meat
Marinating the meat is crucial to ensuring a tender and flavorful london broil. A marinade helps to break down the tough fibers in the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors.
To prepare the marinade, you will need:
Ingredients | Amount |
Olive oil | 1/2 cup |
Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons |
Minced garlic | 2 cloves |
Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
Dried rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
2. Place the london broil in a large resealable plastic bag or a glass dish.
3. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
4. Place the marinating london broil in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. The longer you marinate the meat, the more flavor it will absorb.
5. Turn the london broil occasionally to ensure even marinating.
Seasoning the London Broil
Before cooking your London broil, it’s important to season it properly to enhance its flavor. Here’s how:
1. Start by patting the London broil dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
2. In a small bowl, mix together your preferred combination of seasonings. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the London broil, making sure to cover all sides evenly.
4. For additional flavor, you can also marinate the London broil in a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and your choice of herbs and spices. Simply place the seasoned London broil in a zip-top bag, pour the marinade over it, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. If you choose to marinate the London broil, make sure to remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking, allowing it to come to room temperature. This will help ensure even cooking.
Now that your London broil is properly seasoned, it’s time to move on to the cooking process.
Preheating the Oven
One of the first steps when cooking a tender London broil in the oven is to preheat the oven. Preheating the oven ensures that it reaches the desired temperature before you start cooking your meat. This helps to ensure even cooking and enhances the tenderness of the meat.
Step 1: Set the Temperature
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius) for a juicy and tender London broil. This high heat will help to sear the outside of the meat, sealing in the juices for a delicious result.
Step 2: Allow Time for Preheating
Depending on your oven, it may take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes for it to fully preheat. Use this time to prepare your marinade or seasonings and get your London broil ready for cooking.
Note: It’s important to preheat your oven fully before cooking to ensure the proper cooking temperature is reached and maintained throughout the cooking process.
By following these preheating steps, you’ll be on your way to cooking a perfectly tender London broil in the oven.
Cooking the London Broil
London broil is a delicious and tender cut of beef that can be cooked in the oven. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly cooked and tender London broil:
Ingredients:
Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1 London broil steak
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
Instructions:
Here is how to cook the London broil:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Season the London broil steak with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute.
- Place the seasoned London broil steak in the skillet and sear it on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the seared steak to a baking dish and place it in the preheated oven.
- Cook the London broil steak in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of doneness (medium-rare, medium, or well-done).
- Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Slice the London broil against the grain into thin slices.
- Serve the sliced steak with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Tips:
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Allow the London broil steak to come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Letting the steak rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.
- For added flavor, you can marinate the London broil steak for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to find your favorite flavor combinations.
- Be mindful of the cooking time to avoid overcooking the steak and making it tough.
By following these instructions and tips, you can cook a tender and delicious London broil steak in the oven.
FAQ
What is London broil?
London broil is a traditional American dish made from a flank steak or top round steak. It is typically marinated and then broiled or grilled. Contrary to its name, it does not originate from London.
How do I cook London broil in the oven?
To cook London broil in the oven, preheat it to a high broil setting. Place the seasoned steak on a broiler pan or wire rack. Broil for about 6-8 minutes on each side for medium-rare to medium doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
What is the best way to tenderize London broil?
The best way to tenderize London broil is to marinate it for at least 6 hours or overnight. A marinade containing acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce helps break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender. Additionally, scoring the meat on both sides with shallow cuts can also help tenderize it.
Can I use a different cut of meat instead of flank steak or top round steak?
Yes, you can use a different cut of meat for London broil. Flank steak and top round steak are the most commonly used cuts, but you can also use sirloin steak, skirt steak, or even ribeye steak. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and cut of the meat.