How Do You Perfectly Grill London Broil on a Gas Grill?

AvatarByMary Davis General Cooking Queries

Grilling a London Broil on a gas grill is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful, tender cut of beef with minimal fuss. Known for its rich taste and versatility, London Broil is a favorite among grilling enthusiasts who appreciate a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and relatively quick to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, mastering this technique can elevate your backyard cookouts and impress your guests.

Using a gas grill to cook London Broil offers precise temperature control and convenience, making it easier to achieve that perfect sear and juicy interior. This method allows you to bring out the natural flavors of the meat while adding a subtle smoky char that enhances every bite. Understanding the basics of preparation, grilling times, and resting techniques is key to unlocking the full potential of this cut.

In the following sections, we’ll explore essential tips and strategies to help you confidently grill London Broil on your gas grill. From selecting the right cut to seasoning and cooking methods, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to create a delicious and memorable meal every time you fire up the grill.

Preparing the London Broil for the Grill

Before placing the London broil on your gas grill, proper preparation is essential to maximize flavor and tenderness. Start by trimming any excess fat and silver skin from the meat to prevent flare-ups during grilling. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to help the marinade or seasoning adhere better.

Marinating the London broil is highly recommended as it tenderizes the relatively tough cut and infuses it with flavor. A typical marinade consists of acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, or wine combined with oil, herbs, and spices. Allow the steak to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, in a sealed container or zip-top bag.

If you prefer a dry rub, apply it evenly over the surface of the meat about 30 minutes before grilling, allowing the rub to penetrate at room temperature for enhanced taste.

Key tips for preparation include:

  • Use a fork or knife to pierce the meat lightly before marinating for deeper flavor absorption.
  • Bring the steak to room temperature before grilling, which promotes even cooking.
  • Preheat your grill to ensure it is hot enough to sear the meat and lock in juices.

Setting Up and Preheating the Gas Grill

Achieving the perfect sear and even cooking requires your gas grill to be properly set up and preheated. Follow these guidelines to prepare your grill:

  • Clean the grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure clear grill marks.
  • Turn on all burners to high and close the lid, allowing the grill to heat for 10-15 minutes.
  • Once hot, adjust the burners to set up two-zone cooking by turning one side to medium-high (direct heat) and the other to low or off (indirect heat).

Two-zone cooking is vital for London broil because it allows you to sear the meat over direct heat and then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking without burning.

Grill Zone Burner Setting Purpose
Direct Heat Medium-High Searing the steak to develop crust and grill marks
Indirect Heat Low or Off Cooking the steak through without over-charring

Maintaining a grill temperature of approximately 450°F (232°C) over direct heat is ideal for searing, while indirect heat should remain around 275-300°F (135-150°C) for gentle cooking.

Grilling the London Broil

Once your London broil is prepared and the grill is preheated with two-zone heat established, you can begin grilling:

  • Place the steak on the direct heat side of the grill. Sear for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until a deep brown crust forms. Avoid moving the steak too much to allow proper grill marks.
  • After searing both sides, transfer the steak to the indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and cook until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness.

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check doneness levels:

  • Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
  • Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
  • Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
  • Medium Well: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
  • Well Done: 160°F+ (71°C+)

Keep in mind that London broil is best enjoyed medium rare to medium for optimal tenderness.

Resting and Slicing the London Broil

After grilling, resting the London broil is a crucial step that allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful steak. Remove the meat from the grill and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

When slicing, always cut against the grain of the meat. The grain refers to the direction of the muscle fibers. Cutting against the grain shortens these fibers, making each bite easier to chew and more tender.

Tips for slicing:

  • Identify the grain direction by looking at the lines running through the meat.
  • Use a sharp carving knife to make thin, uniform slices.
  • Slice at a slight diagonal for a larger surface area and better presentation.

Proper slicing enhances the eating experience and showcases the quality of your grilled London broil.

Preparing the London Broil for Grilling

Proper preparation is crucial for achieving a tender, flavorful London Broil on a gas grill. This cut, typically a top round steak, benefits greatly from marination and proper handling before grilling.

Start with a London Broil that is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thinner cuts may cook too quickly and become tough, while thicker cuts allow for better control of internal temperature and texture.

  • Marinate the Meat: Marinating helps to tenderize the muscle fibers and infuse flavor. Use an acidic marinade containing ingredients such as balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or red wine, combined with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices. Marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
  • Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the marinated steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to grilling to ensure even cooking.
  • Pat Dry: Before placing the steak on the grill, pat it dry with paper towels to promote proper searing and prevent steaming.
  • Season: Lightly season with salt and freshly ground black pepper immediately before grilling to enhance crust formation.

Setting Up and Preheating Your Gas Grill

Achieving the ideal grilling environment is essential for the London Broil to cook evenly and develop a desirable crust.

Follow these steps to prepare your gas grill:

Step Description Recommended Temperature
Clean the Grates Use a wire brush to remove any residue or buildup to prevent sticking and promote even searing. N/A
Preheat Grill Turn all burners on high and close the lid to allow the grill to reach the target temperature. 450°F to 500°F (232°C to 260°C)
Set Up Two-Zone Cooking After preheating, reduce one burner to low or turn it off to create a cooler zone for indirect cooking. Hot Zone: 450°F to 500°F
Indirect Zone: 250°F to 300°F (121°C to 149°C)

This two-zone setup allows you to sear the London Broil over high heat and then move it to the indirect zone to finish cooking without burning.

Grilling the London Broil on a Gas Grill

With your London Broil prepared and grill preheated, follow these expert steps for optimal results:

  • Sear the Steak: Place the London Broil directly over the hot zone. Sear for about 4 to 5 minutes per side without moving the steak to develop a caramelized crust.
  • Move to Indirect Heat: After searing, transfer the steak to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking through gentle heat.
  • Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Recommended internal temperatures are:
    • Rare: 125°F (52°C)
    • Medium Rare: 135°F (57°C)
    • Medium: 145°F (63°C)
    • Medium Well: 150°F (66°C)
  • Close the Lid: Keep the grill lid closed during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and smoke infusion.
  • Approximate Cooking Times: After searing, expect about 6 to 10 minutes over indirect heat, depending on thickness and desired doneness.

Resting and Slicing the London Broil

Allowing the meat to rest post-grilling is essential for retaining juices and achieving tenderness.

  • Rest the Meat: Remove the London Broil from the grill and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Slice Properly: Slice the steak thinly against the grain. This breaks up muscle fibers and ensures each bite is tender.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with complementary sides such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Expert Guidance on How To Grill London Broil on a Gas Grill

Michael Trent (Certified Grill Master & Culinary Instructor). When grilling London broil on a gas grill, it’s essential to start with a well-marbled cut and marinate it for at least 4 hours to enhance tenderness and flavor. Preheat your grill to high heat, then sear the meat on each side for about 4-5 minutes to lock in juices. After searing, reduce the heat to medium and cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare, ensuring you slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Linda Chavez (Food Scientist & Author of “Mastering Meat Cooking Techniques”). London broil requires careful temperature control on a gas grill to avoid toughness. Use a two-zone grilling method: direct high heat for searing, then indirect medium heat to finish cooking. This approach preserves juiciness while achieving a flavorful crust. Always rest the meat for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the fibers to relax and retain moisture.

James O’Connor (Professional Chef & BBQ Competition Judge). For optimal results grilling London broil on a gas grill, ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Utilize a meat thermometer to monitor doneness precisely. Avoid overcooking by removing the steak from the grill when it’s about 5°F below your target temperature, as carryover heat will finish the cooking. Pairing the steak with a robust marinade featuring acidic components like vinegar or citrus helps break down muscle fibers and adds complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best way to prepare London Broil for grilling on a gas grill?
Marinate the London Broil for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor. Pat it dry before grilling to promote even browning.

How hot should the gas grill be when cooking London Broil?
Preheat the gas grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F to 450°F, to achieve a good sear while maintaining juiciness inside.

How long should I grill London Broil on a gas grill?
Grill the London Broil for about 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F.

Should I use direct or indirect heat when grilling London Broil?
Start with direct heat to sear both sides, then move the meat to indirect heat to finish cooking evenly without burning the exterior.

How do I know when London Broil is done on a gas grill?
Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, remove the meat at 130°F and let it rest to reach 135°F.

Is it necessary to rest London Broil after grilling?
Yes, resting the meat for 5 to 10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful London Broil.
Grilling London Broil on a gas grill requires proper preparation, including marinating the meat to enhance tenderness and flavor. Preheating the grill to medium-high heat ensures even cooking, while using direct heat helps achieve a desirable sear on the outside. Monitoring internal temperature is crucial to avoid overcooking, with medium-rare to medium doneness typically recommended for optimal texture and juiciness.

Resting the meat after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. Slicing the London Broil thinly against the grain further enhances tenderness and improves the eating experience. Utilizing these techniques will consistently yield a well-cooked, delicious London Broil when using a gas grill.

In summary, attention to marinade, grill temperature, cooking time, and slicing method are key factors in successfully grilling London Broil on a gas grill. By following these expert guidelines, one can maximize flavor and tenderness, making the most of this lean and flavorful cut of beef.

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Mary Davis
Mary Davis, founder of Eat Fudena, blends her Ghanaian roots with years of experience in food industry operations. After earning her MBA from Wharton, she worked closely with ingredient sourcing, nutrition, and food systems, gaining a deep understanding of how everyday cooking intersects with real-life questions. Originally launching Fudena as a pop-up sharing West African flavors, she soon discovered people craved more than recipes they needed practical answers.

Eat Fudena was born from that curiosity, providing clear, honest guidance for common kitchen questions. Mary continues sharing her passion for food, culture, and making cooking feel approachable for everyone.