Grilling London broil can feel a little tricky if you’re new to it. Many people wonder How Long To Grill London Broil For Medium Rare. Getting it just right so it’s tender and juicy without being overcooked is a common goal.
Don’t worry, though. We’ll walk through it simply so you can grill a perfect London broil every time. Get ready to learn the easy steps.
Grilling London Broil For Medium Rare A Simple Guide
London broil is a fantastic cut of beef that’s perfect for grilling. It’s lean and has a great flavor. The biggest challenge for many cooks is nailing the perfect internal temperature.
Nobody wants a tough, dry steak. Getting it just right for medium-rare is all about timing and knowing your grill. This guide will make it easy.
What Is London Broil
London broil is actually a cooking method, not a specific cut of meat. However, it’s most commonly made with a flank steak or a top round steak. These cuts are typically marinated to tenderize them and add flavor before grilling.
They are usually cut against the grain into thin slices for serving. This helps make them more tender to eat.
Why Medium Rare Is The Goal
Medium-rare is often considered the ideal doneness for many steaks, including London broil. At this temperature, the steak is still very moist and tender. The center will be a warm, red color.
As the steak cooks to medium or well-done, it loses a lot of its natural juices. This can make it taste dry and chewy. For London broil, which can be a leaner cut, preserving moisture is extra important.
Temperature Guide For London Broil
Knowing the right internal temperature is the most important part of grilling London broil to medium-rare. A meat thermometer is your best friend here. For medium-rare, you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F (54°C to 57°C).
Remember that the temperature will rise a few degrees as the steak rests after grilling, so you want to pull it off the heat just before it reaches your target.
Steak Doneness Temperatures
- Rare: 120°F to 125°F (49°C to 52°C)
- Medium Rare: 130°F to 135°F (54°C to 57°C)
- Medium: 140°F to 145°F (60°C to 63°C)
- Medium Well: 150°F to 155°F (66°C to 68°C)
- Well Done: 160°F and up (71°C and up)
How Long To Grill London Broil For Medium Rare
This is the question everyone wants answered! The exact time can vary. It depends on the thickness of your steak and the heat of your grill.
However, for a typical 1-inch thick London broil, grilling for about 4 to 6 minutes per side over medium-high heat is a good starting point. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Grilling Time Guidelines (Per Side)
Keep these times in mind, but remember they are just guides:
- 1 inch thick steak: 4-6 minutes per side
- 1.5 inch thick steak: 6-8 minutes per side
- 2 inch thick steak: 8-10 minutes per side
These times are for grilling over medium-high heat. If your grill is hotter, you might need less time. If it’s cooler, you’ll need more.
Always check the temperature in the thickest part of the steak, away from any bone.
Prepping Your London Broil For The Grill
Before you even think about the grill, prepping your steak is key. A good marinade makes a big difference. You can use store-bought marinades or make your own.
A simple marinade can include olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs. Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator. Before grilling, take the steak out of the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
This helps you get a nice sear on the outside.
Grill Temperature Is Key
You want your grill to be nice and hot. Medium-high heat is generally best for London broil. This means the grill grates should be around 400°F to 450°F (204°C to 232°C).
A hot grill sears the outside of the steak quickly, locking in the juices. If your grill isn’t hot enough, the steak will just steam instead of getting that delicious grilled crust.
The Grilling Process
Once your grill is hot and your steak is prepped, it’s time to grill. Place the steak on the hottest part of the grill. Close the lid if your grill has one.
After the recommended time per side, use your meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. If it’s not quite at 130°F to 135°F, flip it and grill for another minute or two per side. Repeat until you reach your target temperature.
Resting The Steak
This step is super important and often skipped! Once you pull the steak off the grill, you need to let it rest. Cover it loosely with foil and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes.
This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If you cut into it right away, all those delicious juices will run out onto your cutting board. Resting ensures a more tender and flavorful steak.
Slicing London Broil Properly
After resting, it’s time to slice. The trick to tender London broil is to slice it against the grain. Look closely at the steak; you’ll see lines of muscle fibers.
Slice the steak thinly, cutting across those lines. This breaks up the tough muscle fibers, making each bite easier to chew and more enjoyable. Serve it immediately.
Grilling London Broil In Different Weather
The weather can play a role. On a cold or windy day, your grill might lose heat faster. You may need to adjust your grilling time.
On a very hot day, your grill might get hotter than usual. Always rely on your thermometer. It’s the most accurate way to know your steak’s doneness.
Don’t let the weather discourage you from enjoying a great grilled meal.
Troubleshooting Common Grilling Problems
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. If your steak is sticking to the grill, it’s probably not ready to be flipped yet. Wait a moment longer, and it should release more easily.
If you accidentally overcook it, don’t beat yourself up! You can still enjoy it. Slice it thinly and perhaps serve it with a sauce to add moisture and flavor.
Practice makes perfect, and every grill session is a learning experience.
Can You Grill London Broil Indoors
If grilling outdoors isn’t an option, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop or an indoor electric grill. The process is similar, but you won’t get quite the same smoky flavor. Preheat your grill pan or electric grill to medium-high heat.
Add a little oil if needed. Cook the steak for the same amount of time per side, checking the internal temperature frequently. Remember to slice against the grain after resting.
Using A Marinade For Flavor And Tenderness
Marinades are a London broil’s best friend. They tenderize the meat and add a ton of flavor. Acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice help break down the tough fibers.
Enzymes in ingredients like pineapple or papaya can also tenderize meat. Even simple marinades with oil, herbs, and spices make a big difference. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marinating time for the best results.
Don’t marinate for too long, especially with acidic ingredients, or the meat can become mushy.
| Steak Thickness | Grilling Time (Per Side) | Target Internal Temp (Medium Rare) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 4-6 minutes | 130-135°F (54-57°C) |
| 1.5 inches | 6-8 minutes | 130-135°F (54-57°C) |
| 2 inches | 8-10 minutes | 130-135°F (54-57°C) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do I know when London broil is medium rare without a thermometer
Answer: Relying on touch is an option, but less accurate. For medium-rare, the steak will feel soft and yielding when gently pressed, similar to the fleshy part of your palm when your thumb touches your middle finger. However, a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to guarantee perfect results.
Question: Should I oil the London broil or the grill
Answer: It’s best to lightly oil the steak itself. A little bit of high-heat oil like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil brushed onto the steak helps prevent sticking and promotes better searing. Make sure your grill grates are also clean.
Question: How long should I rest London broil after grilling
Answer: Rest the steak for at least 5 to 10 minutes after taking it off the grill. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak more tender and moist. Loosely tent it with foil.
Question: What is the best way to slice London broil
Answer: Always slice London broil thinly against the grain of the meat. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and cut across them to ensure maximum tenderness.
Question: Can I grill London broil from frozen
Answer: It is not recommended to grill London broil from frozen. For even cooking and proper searing, the steak should be thawed. Grilling from frozen will result in uneven cooking and a poor texture.
Final Thoughts
Mastering How Long To Grill London Broil For Medium Rare is about understanding temperature and timing. By using a thermometer and letting your steak rest, you’ll achieve a juicy, tender result. Slice it thin against the grain for the best bite.
Enjoy your perfectly grilled London broil!