How To Cook A Perfect London Broil On A Grill

London broil is an American classic.

The name refers to the browned, buttery flesh of a cut of beef that is grilled over high heat until it begins to sear and caramelize. This method gives the steak its signature smoky flavor and distinct taste.

The technique works best for leaner cuts like flank steak or strip. Since there’s little fat on these parts, they retain moisture easily when exposed to high heat.

But not all grills are made equal when it comes to cooking a perfect London broil. Here’s how you can do it on your own grill:

Season the steak

If you’re serious about making a London broil, you’ll want to season the steak before grilling. This allows you to create a flavorful crust on the exterior of the meat.

It’s also a good idea to salt your steak before searing it in order to draw out the moisture from inside it. Salting allows your steak to brown more quickly because it prevents the interior from absorbing too much moisture.

To season the steak, generously coat both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. Sprinkle on some garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, or any other herbs you like.

Don’t be afraid to get creative here; your choice of seasonings will greatly affect the taste of your steak.

Set up the grill for a good sear

The amount of heat that reaches the steak is a crucial factor in the success of your London broil.

If your grill is a bit too hot, the exterior of your steak will brown quickly and get a little burned before the interior can finish cooking.

If your grill is too low, you’ll end up with a raw steak on the inside and a crunchy crust on the outside. You want to find the right balance between high heat and low heat.

The best way to know if your grill is hot enough is to place a small piece of your steak in the middle of the grate. If it sizzles and chars in about a minute, your grill is hot enough.

Lightly oil the grate

To prevent the oil from burning on the surface of your grill, lightly oil the grate with the oil of your choice. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or another light oil.

Olive oil and other flavorful oils are too heavy and will cause your grill to smoke. Using too much oil will also create a glaze on the outside of your steak that will burn and become crunchy when the steak is flipped over.

If your grill has a drip tray, place a small plate or bowl upside down on the grate to prevent oil from falling down the side and onto the coals.

Place steak over the heat and close the lid

You don’t want to open the lid of your grill too soon. Opening the lid too early causes the interior of your steak to lose all of its juices, resulting in a dry, chewy steak.

Be sure to place your steak over the high heat part of your grill and close the lid for about 3–4 minutes.

As the steak cooks, the juices inside it will cause it to shimmer with a thin layer of oil. This layer is what gives the steak its signature smoky flavor and taste.

Don’t rush it: let the steak sit for 3 minutes before flipping

Just be patient.

Some think you need to flip the steak over at the 2-minute mark. In actuality, you should flip your steak around the 3-minute mark.

Flipping your steak then gives the interior time to finish cooking. If you flip it too soon, the exterior of the steak will be undercooked while the interior burns. Too late and the whole thing will be overdone.

Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper

At the end of cooking, season the steak with a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper.

Salt draws out moisture from the interior of the steak and gives it a savory flavor, while pepper adds more flavor. A sprinkle of either will transform your perfectly cooked London broil into a gourmet meal.

You can also season your steak with a special grilling sauce, like steak sauce or barbeque sauce. These sauces contain a variety of seasonings, including salt, garlic, and other spices that add a lot of flavor to the steak.

Serve immediately, preferably with fresh bread or salad

You can serve your perfectly grilled London broil with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or a simple side of fresh bread. The last option is perfect for mopping up all of the flavorful juices from your steak.

While London broil is an American classic, it’s also a great dish to make on your grill.

Now, get grilling!