How Do You Cook a Perfect London Broil on a Gas Grill?

AvatarByNora Gaines General Cooking Queries

There’s something undeniably satisfying about cooking a London broil on a gas grill—the perfect blend of bold flavor, tender texture, and that irresistible smoky char. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, mastering this classic cut of beef over an open flame can elevate your backyard cookout to a whole new level. The beauty of using a gas grill lies in its convenience and control, allowing you to achieve restaurant-quality results without the hassle.

Grilling a London broil isn’t just about tossing a steak on the heat; it’s an art that involves understanding the cut, preparing it properly, and managing your grill’s temperature to lock in juiciness and flavor. This method brings out the best in a lean, flavorful piece of meat, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a hearty, satisfying meal. As you explore the process, you’ll discover tips and techniques that ensure every bite is tender and delicious.

In the following sections, you’ll learn how to prepare your London broil for the grill, the optimal grilling times and temperatures, and how to rest and serve your masterpiece for maximum enjoyment. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a quiet dinner, this guide will help you confidently create a mouthwatering London broil that’s sure to impress.

Preparing the Gas Grill for London Broil

To achieve the best results when cooking a London Broil on a gas grill, proper preparation of the grill is essential. Start by cleaning the grates thoroughly with a grill brush to remove any residue from previous use. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. Next, preheat the grill to high heat, aiming for a temperature of about 450°F to 500°F. High heat is crucial for creating a flavorful sear on the outside of the meat while maintaining juiciness inside.

If your gas grill has multiple burners, set it up for two-zone cooking: one side on high for direct heat and the other on low or off for indirect heat. This allows you to sear the meat quickly over direct heat and then finish cooking it more gently over indirect heat without burning.

Before placing the London Broil on the grill, lightly oil the grates or brush the meat with a high smoke point oil like canola or avocado oil. This step helps prevent the meat from sticking and enhances the searing process.

Grilling Techniques for London Broil

Cooking a London Broil on a gas grill involves balancing searing and controlled cooking to maximize flavor and tenderness. The typical technique includes the following steps:

  • Sear the meat: Place the London Broil directly over the high heat zone. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes to develop a rich brown crust. Avoid moving the meat too often to allow proper caramelization.
  • Rotate for grill marks: For attractive crosshatch grill marks, rotate the meat 45 degrees halfway through each side’s searing time.
  • Move to indirect heat: After searing, transfer the meat to the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for an additional 6-10 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness.
  • Use a meat thermometer: Monitor the internal temperature to avoid overcooking. Aim for 130°F to 135°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
  • Rest the meat: After removing from the grill, let the London Broil rest loosely tented with foil for 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute and improves tenderness.

Recommended Cooking Times and Temperatures

Cooking times for London Broil on a gas grill vary based on thickness, grill temperature, and preferred doneness. The table below outlines estimated times and target internal temperatures for a 1 to 1.5-inch thick London Broil:

Doneness Internal Temperature (°F) Searing Time per Side (minutes) Indirect Cooking Time (minutes)
Rare 120-125 4 4-6
Medium-Rare 130-135 4-5 6-8
Medium 140-145 5 8-10
Medium-Well 150-155 5 10-12
Well Done 160+ 5 12-15

Keep in mind that these times are approximate. Factors such as grill model, outside temperature, and meat thickness will influence cooking duration. Always rely on a reliable meat thermometer for accuracy.

Tips for Enhancing Flavor and Tenderness

Several techniques help elevate the flavor profile and tenderness of London Broil grilled on a gas grill:

  • Marinate the meat: Use an acidic marinade (containing ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or wine) for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps break down muscle fibers and infuses flavor.
  • Season generously: Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential. Apply them just before grilling to avoid drawing out moisture prematurely.
  • Use wood chips: For smoky flavor, soak wood chips (e.g., hickory, mesquite) in water, then place them in a smoker box or foil pouch with holes on the grill’s heat source.
  • Avoid overcooking: London Broil is best served medium-rare to medium to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
  • Slice against the grain: After resting, slice the meat thinly against the grain to shorten muscle fibers and ensure tenderness.

By combining these methods with precise grilling techniques, your London Broil on a gas grill will be flavorful, tender, and visually appealing.

Preparing the London Broil for Grilling

Proper preparation of the London broil is essential to ensure even cooking, optimal tenderness, and enhanced flavor. Begin by selecting a quality cut of top round steak, typically 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This cut benefits greatly from marination, which helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with complementary flavors.

Follow these steps for preparation:

  • Trim excess fat: Remove any large fat deposits or silver skin to prevent flare-ups and uneven cooking.
  • Score the surface: Lightly score the meat with shallow diagonal cuts on both sides; this allows marinades to penetrate more effectively.
  • Marinate the meat: Use a marinade containing acidic components (such as vinegar, lemon juice, or wine), oil, herbs, and spices. Acid helps break down muscle fibers, enhancing tenderness.
  • Marination time: Place the meat in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish with the marinade, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to maximize flavor absorption.
  • Bring to room temperature: Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 to 45 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.

Setting Up the Gas Grill for Optimal Cooking

Achieving the perfect London broil requires proper grill setup to control heat distribution and prevent overcooking. Gas grills offer excellent temperature control, which is crucial for this relatively lean cut.

Follow these guidelines to set up your grill:

  • Clean the grill grates: Use a grill brush to remove any residue from previous use, ensuring clean sear marks and preventing sticking.
  • Preheat the grill: Turn all burners to high and close the lid, allowing the grill to reach a temperature of approximately 450-500°F (232-260°C).
  • Create two heat zones: After preheating, adjust burners to establish a two-zone fire—one side on high for direct searing, and the other on low or off for indirect cooking.
  • Oil the grates: Using a paper towel dipped in oil and tongs, lightly oil the grill grates to further prevent sticking.

Grilling Techniques for London Broil

The key to a tender and flavorful London broil lies in combining high-heat searing with careful indirect cooking. Follow these steps to grill your steak perfectly:

  1. Sear the steak: Place the London broil directly over the high-heat zone. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, creating a caramelized crust and attractive grill marks.
  2. Move to indirect heat: Transfer the steak to the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid to maintain temperature and continue cooking.
  3. Monitor internal temperature: Use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak.
  4. Target doneness: For best results, cook to medium-rare or medium:
    Doneness Internal Temperature (°F) Internal Temperature (°C)
    Medium Rare 130-135°F 54-57°C
    Medium 135-145°F 57-63°C
  5. Rest the meat: Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the steak from the grill and tent loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices and enhance tenderness.

Slicing and Serving the London Broil

Proper slicing is critical to maximize tenderness and mouthfeel. London broil is a lean cut with noticeable muscle fibers, so cutting against the grain is mandatory.

  • Identify the grain: Examine the steak to determine the direction of the muscle fibers, which usually run lengthwise.
  • Use a sharp carving knife: Thinly slice the steak perpendicular to the grain, at a slight diagonal angle for broader slices.
  • Serve immediately: Arrange slices on a warmed platter, optionally drizzling with any resting juices or a complementary sauce such as chimichurri or horseradish cream.

Following these precise techniques ensures your London broil on a gas grill will be tender, flavorful, and visually appealing.

Expert Insights on Cooking London Broil on a Gas Grill

James Carter (Certified Grill Master and Culinary Instructor). Cooking a London broil on a gas grill requires high heat and careful timing. I recommend marinating the meat for at least 4 hours to tenderize it, then searing it over direct heat for 4-5 minutes per side. After searing, move the steak to indirect heat and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare. Resting the meat for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain ensures maximum tenderness.

Dr. Emily Nguyen (Food Scientist and Meat Quality Specialist). From a scientific standpoint, the key to a perfect London broil on a gas grill lies in controlling the Maillard reaction during searing and preventing overcooking. Using a two-zone grilling method helps achieve a flavorful crust while maintaining juiciness inside. Additionally, marinating with acidic components like vinegar or citrus can break down muscle fibers, improving tenderness without compromising the meat’s structural integrity.

Marcus Delgado (Professional Chef and BBQ Consultant). When grilling London broil on a gas grill, temperature consistency is crucial. Preheat your grill to around 450°F for searing, then reduce to medium heat to finish cooking. Avoid flipping the meat multiple times; one flip is enough to develop a rich crust. Also, use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness precisely—aim for medium-rare to medium for the best texture and flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best way to marinate a London broil before grilling?
Marinate the London broil for at least 4 hours or overnight using a mixture of acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice, oil, and seasonings. This helps tenderize the meat and enhances flavor.

How do I prepare the gas grill for cooking a London broil?
Preheat the gas grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (204°C). Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them lightly to prevent sticking.

How long should I cook a London broil on a gas grill?
Grill the London broil for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).

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

How do I ensure my London broil stays tender after grilling?
Allow the meat to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute. Slice thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.

Can I cook a London broil from frozen on a gas grill?
It is not recommended to grill London broil from frozen. Thaw the meat completely in the refrigerator for even cooking and better texture.
Cooking a London Broil on a gas grill requires careful preparation and attention to detail to achieve the best results. Key steps include marinating the meat to enhance flavor and tenderness, preheating the grill to a high temperature, and employing direct heat for searing. It is essential to monitor the internal temperature closely to avoid overcooking, as London Broil is best served medium-rare to medium for optimal juiciness and texture.

Proper grilling technique involves flipping the meat only once or twice during the cooking process and allowing it to rest after grilling. Resting helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. Additionally, slicing the London Broil thinly against the grain is crucial to maximize tenderness and improve the eating experience.

In summary, mastering the art of cooking London Broil on a gas grill hinges on marination, temperature control, and proper slicing. By following these expert guidelines, one can consistently prepare a delicious, tender, and flavorful London Broil that showcases the full potential of this cut on a gas grill.

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.