How to Cook Top Round for London Broil
London broil is a popular dish that features top round steak cooked to perfection. Top round is a lean cut of beef that comes from the hindquarters of the cow. It is known for its rich flavor and tender texture when cooked properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook top round for London broil:
- Start by marinating the top round steak. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. You can use a pre-made marinade or create your own using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs.
- Place the top round steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the steak is fully coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a broiler or stovetop grill pan.
- Remove the top round steak from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Season the steak with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill the top round steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
- Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the meat tender.
- Slice the top round steak against the grain into thin strips. This will ensure maximum tenderness.
- Serve your London broil with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Is Top Round Good for London Broil?
Yes, top round is a great choice for London broil. It is a flavorful and relatively lean cut of beef that works well for grilling or broiling. Top round is known for its tenderness when cooked properly, making it an ideal choice for this classic dish.
How Do You Cook London Broil So It’s Not Tough?
To ensure that your London broil is not tough, there are a few key steps to follow:
- Choose the right cut of meat. Top round is a good option, as it is naturally more tender than other cuts.
- Marinate the steak. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. A marinade containing ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic can work wonders.
- Don’t overcook the steak. London broil is best served medium-rare to medium, with an internal temperature of around 135°F (57°C). Cooking it for too long can result in a tough and dry steak.
- Let the steak rest before slicing. Allowing the meat to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute and keeps the steak tender.
- Slice the steak against the grain. This further enhances the tenderness and ensures a more enjoyable eating experience.
What Is the Best Way to Tenderize Top Round London Broil?
If you want to further tenderize your top round London broil, there are a few methods you can try:
- Pound the steak with a meat mallet. This helps to break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender.
- Use a meat tenderizer tool. These tools have sharp blades that penetrate the meat, creating small channels that help to tenderize it.
- Consider using a tenderizing marinade. There are commercially available marinades that contain enzymes or acids that help to break down the proteins in the meat and make it more tender.
- Try using a meat tenderizing powder or paste. These products contain enzymes or salts that help to tenderize the meat when applied and left to sit for a period of time.
Remember to always follow safe food handling practices when preparing and cooking meat, and cook it to the appropriate internal temperature to ensure it is safe to eat.
Is beef top round for London broil good for a roast?
Beef top round is a lean and flavorful cut of meat that is commonly used for London broil. While it is not traditionally used for roasting, it can still be a delicious option if prepared properly.
What is the best way to cook top round steak?
The best way to cook top round steak is to use a method that will help tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor. One popular method is marinating the steak for several hours or overnight to help break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender. After marinating, you can grill, broil, or pan-sear the steak to your desired level of doneness.
What is the best cut of steak for London broil?
London broil is not actually a specific cut of steak, but rather a cooking method that involves marinating and broiling a thick cut of beef. While top round steak is a popular choice for London broil, other cuts such as flank steak or sirloin can also be used. The key is to choose a cut of meat that is relatively lean and can hold up well to the high heat of broiling.
What is the best temp for London broil?
The best temperature for cooking London broil depends on your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, you can aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). For medium, aim for around 145°F (63°C), and for medium-well, aim for around 155°F (68°C). It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
Should I tenderize my London broil?
Tenderizing London broil can help make the meat more tender and flavorful. One common method is to use a meat mallet or a tenderizing tool to pound the steak and break down the muscle fibers. Another option is to marinate the steak for several hours or overnight, which can help tenderize the meat as well. However, if you choose a tender cut of steak such as top round or flank steak, tenderizing may not be necessary.
How long to cook 2 inch thick London broil?
The cooking time for a 2-inch thick London broil will vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the cooking method used. If grilling, it is recommended to cook the London broil for about 6-8 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 8-10 minutes per side for medium. For oven cooking, preheat the oven to 400°F and cook the London broil for approximately 15-20 minutes for medium-rare, or 20-25 minutes for medium. It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 135-140°F for medium-rare or 145-150°F for medium.
Which is better top round or bottom round London broil?
Both top round and bottom round London broils are lean cuts of beef that can be used for grilling or broiling. However, top round London broil is generally considered to be the better choice as it is more tender and flavorful compared to bottom round. Top round London broil is often used for marinating and grilling, while bottom round London broil is commonly used for roasting and slow cooking methods.
Is beef top round London broil tough?
Beef top round London broil can be tough if not cooked properly. It is a lean cut of meat without a lot of marbling, which can contribute to its tenderness. To ensure a tender London broil, it is recommended to marinate the meat for at least 4-6 hours or overnight before cooking. Additionally, cooking the London broil to the correct internal temperature and allowing it to rest before slicing can also help in achieving a tender and juicy result.
Which is more tender London broil or top round?
London broil and top round are actually the same cut of beef. London broil is a cooking method, not a specific cut of meat. It typically refers to marinating and broiling or grilling a large, thick cut of beef. Top round is commonly used for making London broil due to its lean and flavorful qualities. However, it is important to note that the tenderness of the meat will also depend on the cooking method used and the level of doneness desired.
Is top round London broil the same as round steak?
Top round London broil and round steak come from the same part of the cow, which is the round primal. However, they are different cuts of meat. Top round London broil is a specific cut that is derived from the top round muscle, while round steak can be cut from various parts of the round, including the top round, bottom round, or eye of round. Top round London broil is typically thicker and can be prepared using the London broil cooking method, while round steak is thinner and often used for recipes that require a quicker cooking time.
Summary:
In summary, the cooking time for a 2-inch thick London broil can range from 12-20 minutes depending on the desired doneness and cooking method. Top round London broil is generally considered to be better than bottom round for its tenderness and flavor. However, both cuts can be tough if not cooked properly. London broil and top round are the same cut of beef, with London broil referring to the cooking method. Top round London broil and round steak are different cuts, with top round London broil being thicker and suitable for the London broil method, while round steak is thinner and used for quicker cooking methods.