How Long to Cook London Broil on Grill for Perfect Results

Grilling London broil can turn a simple cut of beef into a juicy and flavorful meal, but timing is everything. If you’ve ever wondered how long to cook London broil on the grill, you’re not alone. Getting it just right ensures tender meat without drying it out.

Whether you prefer rare, medium, or well-done, knowing the perfect grilling time and temperature will help you achieve the best results. With a few simple tips, you’ll be able to impress your guests and enjoy a delicious steak every time you fire up the grill.

Understanding London Broil

Knowing what London broil is and selecting the right cut helps you grill it perfectly.

What Is London Broil?

London broil refers to a preparation method rather than a specific cut. Typically, it uses lean, tougher cuts like top round or flank steak. You marinate the meat to break down fibers, then grill it quickly over high heat. This approach produces a flavorful steak that benefits from slicing thinly against the grain to enhance tenderness.

Choosing the Right Cut for Grilling

Selecting top round, flank steak, or shoulder clod gives you the best London broil experience. These cuts have dense muscle fibers, making marination essential. You want a piece about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for even grilling. Avoid cuts with excessive fat since London broil shines with lean, well-marbled meat that absorbs marinade and grills evenly.

Preparing London Broil for the Grill

Preparing London broil properly enhances its tenderness and flavor while ensuring even cooking on the grill. Focus on marinating and grill setup to get the best results.

Marinating Tips for Tenderness and Flavor

Marinate the London broil for 4 to 24 hours to break down muscle fibers and infuse flavor. Use acidic ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or wine combined with oil and seasonings such as garlic, soy sauce, or herbs. Place the meat in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, coating it evenly. Refrigerate throughout marination to maintain freshness. Remove the meat from the marinade 30 minutes before grilling to reach room temperature for consistent cooking.

Prepping the Grill for Optimal Cooking

Preheat your grill to high heat, around 450°F to 500°F, to sear the meat quickly and lock in juices. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking and create clear grill marks. For direct grilling, position the meat over the hottest part of the grill. If needed, set up a two-zone fire—direct heat on one side and indirect heat on the other—to finish cooking thicker cuts evenly without burning exterior surfaces. Use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature during grilling.

How Long To Cook London Broil On Grill

Grilling London broil requires precise timing based on thickness and desired doneness. Adjust cooking times and temperatures to keep the meat tender and juicy.

Cooking Times Based on Thickness

• 1-inch thick London broil takes 4 to 6 minutes per side on high heat for medium-rare doneness.
• 1.5-inch thick cuts require 6 to 8 minutes per side under the same conditions.
• Thicker cuts over 1.5 inches benefit from starting on high heat for searing, then moving to indirect heat for 10 to 15 minutes to cook evenly.

Ideal Internal Temperatures for Doneness

• Rare: 125°F (remove from grill at 120°F)
• Medium-rare: 135°F (remove at 130°F)
• Medium: 145°F (remove at 140°F)
• Medium-well: 150°F (remove at 145°F)
• Well-done: 160°F and above

Always use a reliable meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature and rest the meat for 5 to 10 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute.

Tips for Achieving Even Cooking

• Preheat the grill to 450°F to 500°F to ensure strong initial searing.
• Use a two-zone fire setup: direct high heat for searing, indirect medium heat for finishing thicker cuts.
• Flip the London broil once during cooking to develop even grill marks and prevent drying.
• Baste the meat lightly with marinade or oil during grilling to maintain moisture.
• Let the meat rest uncovered on a cutting board before slicing thinly against the grain.

Resting and Serving London Broil

Resting London broil after grilling preserves its juiciness and improves flavor. Serving it correctly ensures a tender, satisfying meal.

Why Resting Matters

Resting allows the meat’s juices to redistribute evenly, preventing them from spilling out when you cut into it. Let London broil rest for 5 to 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil, to retain warmth and moisture. Skipping this step causes dry, less flavorful slices and reduces overall tenderness.

Best Ways to Slice London Broil

Slicing London broil against the grain shortens muscle fibers, making the meat easier to chew. Identify the grain direction running lengthwise and cut thin slices perpendicular to it. Use a sharp knife to maintain clean cuts and avoid shredding the meat, which preserves its texture and presentation. Thin slices also enhance tenderness and maximize flavor absorption in each bite.

Conclusion

Grilling London broil is all about timing and technique to get that perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. By paying attention to thickness and internal temperature, you’ll avoid overcooking and keep your steak juicy. Don’t forget that resting the meat after grilling is a simple step that makes a big difference in taste and texture.

With the right preparation and grilling approach, you can confidently serve a delicious London broil that impresses every time. Keep experimenting with marinades and cooking times to find your ideal result. Your next backyard barbecue just got a whole lot better.