How To Tenderize London Broil: A Guide Full Of Tips, Tricks, And More! (2024)

Here's how to tenderize London broil so that you can ensure that your cut of meat will turn out tender and juicy every time! In this guide, I will be sharing a variety of ways that you can use to prepare your steak before broiling or grilling. Keep reading on to learn all of the tricks I use to get a perfectly tenderized and mouth-watering London broil!

Tenderizing London Broil Before Cooking

When cooking a London broil, it is imperative that the meat is tenderized before cooking, or it could come out tough and chewy. Since a tougher, leaner cut of meat is often used to make London broil, it must be prepared and marinated in order for it to become juicy, tender, and delicious!

There are a number of techniques that you can use to tenderize your meat and I will be covering them all. With the tips and tricks in this guide, you'll be making the most tender and juicy London broils like a pro!

For more information on London broils, check out my in-depth article that covers the best ways to cook it and where to buy this cut of meat!

How To Tenderize London Broil Using A Meat Tenderizer

The quickest way to tenderize a London broil is by using a meat tenderizer. Start by covering your London broil with a piece of wax paper (or plastic wrap) on both sides. This is to prevent juices from flying everywhere. Then lay the wrapped meat on a clean cutting board. Use a cutting board that has a longer length than the meat to avoid creating a mess on your counters.

Take the flat side of the meat tenderizer and pound the meat in a straight downward motion to flatten it out. Then use the spiky side to further break down the connective tissue. Once this process is done, your London broil is ready to be marinated or seasoned, then cooked!

I recommend following this process by using an acidic marinade to add flavor and to continue the tenderizing process.

How To Tenderize London Broil Using A Marinade

For a London broil or flank steak, you will want to use an acidic marinade to break down tough fibers. An acidic-based marinade is typically made with citrus juices, vinegar, wine, or tomatoes.

The key to making a great marinade for this tough beef is combining fat, acid, and herbs/spices. If you need a quick marinade recipe that is tasty and flavorful, my easy London broil marinade is so simple!

How To Marinate

Place your desired marinade in a Ziplock storage bag, brining container, or mixing bowl. Add the meat and make sure that the marinade covers all sides. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, although you can marinate meat for up to 24 hours.

It is not recommended to go over 24 hours, or your steak can come out mushy. Take out your marinated steak to warm on the counter for at least 30 minutes so that it cooks evenly. You are now ready to grill or broil!

How To Tenderize London Broil With Baking Soda

Baking soda can be mixed with water to create a solution that will tenderize London broil in only 15 minutes! The baking soda causes the steak's pH level to increase while neutralizing the acid in the meat.

When pH levels rise toward the outside of the steak, the proteins on the inside aren't able to bond tightly. Ultimately, this keeps the steak tender and moist while it's cooking.

Dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a ½ cup of water for every 12 ounces of steak. Place your meat in the solution and soak it for 15 minutes. Rinse with water and pat dry, then season and cook as desired.

How To Tenderize London Broil With Salt

Tenderizing a London broil with salt is one of the easiest ways to break down the protein cells of steak. Using salt is known as a "dry brining" method which dissolves the water inside of the meat.

When using this method, make sure to use kosher salt and not iodized! Iodized salt will cause the steak to taste very salty.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of kosher salt over both sides of your meat. Place it in a dish and let it set in the fridge for 1-2 hours. Next, rinse your meat with water and pat dry with a paper towel. You may season your steak with your favorite steak seasoning then broil or grill!

🥡 Storing

After your London broil has chilled, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To freeze your leftovers, wrap them in aluminum foil and then place them into a freezer-safe storage bag. Frozen leftovers will keep up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

I hope that this guide has helped you learn how to tenderize London broil! Have you tried London broil before? Let me know in the comments below!

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