How to Grill a London Broil on a Gas Grill: A Complete Guide

Grilling a London Broil on a gas grill is one of the most straightforward yet rewarding ways to cook this delicious, tender cut of beef. Known for its robust flavor and slightly lean texture, London Broil is a popular choice for grilling enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the right cut of meat to serving a perfectly grilled London Broil. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned griller, this article will provide the tips and techniques you need to achieve mouthwatering results.

What is London Broil?

London Broil isn’t a specific cut of beef but rather a cooking method often associated with tougher cuts like flank steak or top round. These cuts are lean, flavorful, and relatively affordable, making them a go-to for grilling. The meat is typically marinated to enhance tenderness and flavor before being grilled, then sliced thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Grilling London Broil on a gas grill is a perfect way to unlock its full potential. The direct heat creates a beautiful sear on the outside while maintaining juiciness inside. The result is a flavorful, satisfying meal that is both easy and fun to prepare.

Why Grill London Broil on a Gas Grill?

A gas grill offers consistent, controlled heat, making it ideal for cooking London Broil. It allows you to sear the meat quickly, locking in flavors, and then finish cooking over indirect heat. Gas grills also give you the convenience of precise temperature control, ensuring a perfectly cooked steak every time.

Choosing the Right Cut for London Broil

While the name “London Broil” is commonly used for flank steak or top round steak, it’s essential to choose the right cut for grilling. These cuts are lean and need careful preparation to avoid toughness.

1. Flank Steak – This long, flat cut comes from the abdominal area of the cow and is known for its intense beefy flavor. It has long fibers, so it needs to be marinated and sliced against the grain.
2. Top Round Steak – A bit thicker and leaner, top round is another popular choice for London Broil. While it’s less tender than flank steak, marinating and proper grilling techniques can result in a juicy and flavorful meal.

When purchasing London Broil, look for cuts that are bright red with minimal fat marbling, as excess fat can cause flare-ups and uneven cooking.

Marinating the London Broil

Marinating is the key to ensuring your London Broil remains tender and flavorful. Since cuts like flank steak and top round can be a little tougher, marinating helps break down the fibers and infuse the meat with flavor.

Why Marinate?

Marinades serve multiple purposes:

• Tenderization – The acid in marinades (such as vinegar or citrus juice) helps break down tough muscle fibers.
• Flavor – Marinades add depth and complexity to the meat, making each bite more flavorful.
• Juiciness – A well-marinated steak retains moisture, preventing it from drying out during grilling.

Suggested Marinade Ingredients

Here’s a simple yet effective marinade for your London Broil:

• Olive oil – Helps retain moisture and acts as a base for the marinade.
• Soy sauce – Adds a savory umami flavor.
• Balsamic vinegar – A mild acid that tenderizes the meat while adding a slightly sweet flavor.
• Garlic – Adds aromatic depth.
• Herbs and spices – Fresh thyme, rosemary, and cracked black pepper work well, along with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Marinating Instructions

1. Combine the ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs/spices.
2. Coat the meat: Place the London Broil in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the meat is fully coated.
3. Refrigerate: Let the meat marinate for at least 1 hour. For the best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the meat will be.

Preparing the Gas Grill

A successful grilling experience starts with preparing your gas grill correctly. Properly preheating the grill and setting it up for two-zone cooking will ensure an even cook and a great sear.

Preheating the Grill

1. Turn on the gas: Light the burners and set your gas grill to high heat.
2. Wait for the grill to reach the desired temperature: This typically takes around 10-15 minutes. You want the grill to be at 450-500°F for searing.

Cleaning and Oiling the Grill Grates

Before you start grilling, always clean your grill grates with a wire brush to remove any leftover debris or grease. Once cleaned, oil the grates with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil. This step helps prevent sticking and ensures the meat develops a nice sear.

Setting Up for Two-Zone Cooking

Two-zone cooking involves using two sections of the grill:

• Direct heat zone: High heat for searing the meat (usually over the lit burners).
• Indirect heat zone: Lower heat for finishing the cooking process (on the unlit side of the grill).

This method is perfect for cooking London Broil, allowing you to sear it quickly and then finish cooking it to your desired doneness without overcooking.

Grilling the London Broil

Now that your grill is prepared, it’s time to cook the London Broil. This cut of meat benefits from a quick sear followed by indirect cooking to achieve the best results.

Searing the London Broil

1. Place the steak on the direct heat zone: Lay the marinated London Broil on the hot grates and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. You’re looking for a nice char and caramelization to lock in the flavors.
2. Flip the steak: Use tongs to flip the steak gently. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as the meat hits the hot grill.

Indirect Cooking

1. Move the meat to the indirect heat zone: After both sides are seared, move the London Broil to the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and allow the meat to cook through for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
2. Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches your desired doneness. For London Broil:
   • Medium-rare: 130-135°F
   • Medium: 140-145°F
   • Medium-well: 150-155°F

Tips for Even Cooking

• Avoid flipping the steak too often: Let it sear undisturbed for the best crust.
• Keep the lid closed: This ensures even cooking and helps maintain temperature control.
• Rest the meat after grilling: Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Resting the Meat

Resting is a critical step when grilling London Broil. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat, ensuring that your steak is juicy and tender rather than dry.

Once the London Broil has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This ensures maximum flavor and tenderness.

Slicing and Serving

The key to perfect London Broil lies in how you slice it. Slicing against the grain is crucial for tenderness, as it shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite easier to chew.

1. Identify the grain: Look for the direction of the muscle fibers. The grain usually runs along the length of the steak.
2. Slice against the grain: Using a sharp knife, slice the steak perpendicular to the grain. This technique ensures each slice is tender and easy to chew.
3. Serving suggestions: London Broil is incredibly versatile. You can serve it:
   • On a platter with sides like grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
   • In sandwiches or wraps for a quick lunch.
   • As part of a steak salad with your favorite greens and dressing.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overcook

Overcooking London Broil will lead to toughness. Keep an eye on the internal temperature and remove the steak from the grill as soon as it reaches the desired doneness. Remember that the meat will continue to cook slightly while resting.

Experiment with Marinades

While the suggested marinade works wonderfully, feel free to experiment with different flavors. You can add balsamic vinegar for sweetness, or try Worcestershire sauce for a deeper savory flavor. The possibilities are endless, so make the marinade your own.

Add Finishing Touches

Once the steak is sliced, consider adding finishing touches like a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of chimichurri sauce for added flavor.

Conclusion

Grilling London Broil on a gas grill is a delicious and straightforward way to enjoy this flavorful cut of beef. By following these simple steps—marinating, preparing the grill, and mastering the grilling process you can create a tender and juicy steak that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re grilling for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, London Broil is an excellent choice for a satisfying, flavorful meal.

With practice, you’ll soon become a pro at grilling London Broil, experimenting with marinades, seasonings, and serving styles to create your perfect steak.