London broil, a classic dish that has been a staple in many households for decades. It’s a cut of beef that’s known for its rich flavor and tender texture, making it a favorite among meat lovers. But have you ever wondered if you can cut London broil into strips? The answer is yes, and in this article, we’ll explore the best ways to do it, as well as provide some tips and tricks for cooking the perfect London broil strips.
What is London Broil?
Before we dive into cutting London broil into strips, let’s first talk about what it is. London broil is a type of beef cut that comes from the rear section of the cow, typically from the round or flank area. It’s a lean cut of meat, which means it has less marbling (fat) than other cuts of beef. This makes it a popular choice for those looking for a healthier beef option.
London broil is usually sold as a single piece of meat, weighing around 1-2 pounds. It’s a flat cut, which makes it easy to slice into thin strips. The meat is known for its rich flavor and tender texture, making it a favorite among beef lovers.
Why Cut London Broil into Strips?
So, why would you want to cut London broil into strips? There are several reasons:
- Easier to cook: Cutting London broil into strips makes it easier to cook, as it allows for more even cooking and faster cooking times.
- More versatile: Strips of London broil can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, salads, and sandwiches.
- Better texture: Cutting the meat into strips can help to break down the fibers, making it more tender and easier to chew.
How to Cut London Broil into Strips
Now that we’ve talked about why you might want to cut London broil into strips, let’s talk about how to do it. Cutting London broil into strips is a relatively simple process that requires a few basic tools and some basic knife skills.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cut London broil into strips:
Tools Needed
- A sharp knife (preferably a chef’s knife or a slicing knife)
- A cutting board
- A meat mallet (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the meat: Before you start cutting, make sure the London broil is at room temperature. This will help the meat to slice more evenly.
- Trim the fat: If there’s any visible fat on the meat, trim it off using a sharp knife.
- Slice against the grain: To cut the meat into strips, you’ll need to slice it against the grain. This means slicing in the direction of the fibers, rather than with them.
- Cut into thin strips: Using a sharp knife, cut the London broil into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut to desired length: Once you’ve cut the meat into strips, you can cut them to the desired length. For stir-fries and salads, you may want to cut them into shorter strips, while for sandwiches, you may want to cut them into longer strips.
Cooking London Broil Strips
Now that you’ve cut your London broil into strips, it’s time to cook them. London broil strips can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, pan-frying, and oven roasting.
Grilling London Broil Strips
Grilling is a great way to cook London broil strips, as it adds a nice char to the outside while keeping the inside tender. Here’s a basic recipe for grilling London broil strips:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the London broil strips with your favorite seasonings.
- Grill the strips for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- Let the strips rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pan-Frying London Broil Strips
Pan-frying is another great way to cook London broil strips. Here’s a basic recipe for pan-frying London broil strips:
- Heat a skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a small amount of oil to the pan.
- Season the London broil strips with your favorite seasonings.
- Add the strips to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- Let the strips rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking London Broil Strips
Here are a few tips and tricks for cooking London broil strips:
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your London broil strips are cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer.
- Don’t overcook: London broil strips can become tough and dry if they’re overcooked. Make sure to cook them to your desired level of doneness.
- Let it rest: Letting the strips rest for a few minutes before serving can help the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
Conclusion
Cutting London broil into strips is a great way to make this classic dish more versatile and easier to cook. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create delicious London broil strips that are perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re grilling, pan-frying, or oven roasting, London broil strips are sure to become a favorite in your household.
| Cooking Method | Cooking Time | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Grilling | 3-4 minutes per side | 130-135°F (54-57°C) |
| Pan-Frying | 3-4 minutes per side | 130-135°F (54-57°C) |
| Oven Roasting | 10-12 minutes | 130-135°F (54-57°C) |
Note: The cooking times and internal temperatures listed in the table are for medium-rare London broil strips. Adjust the cooking time and internal temperature to your desired level of doneness.
Can you cut London broil into strips before cooking?
Cutting London broil into strips before cooking is a great way to prepare this cut of beef. By cutting it into strips, you can increase the surface area of the meat, allowing it to cook more evenly and quickly. This is especially useful if you’re looking to cook the London broil in a stir-fry or skillet.
When cutting the London broil into strips, make sure to cut against the grain. This means cutting in the direction perpendicular to the lines of muscle in the meat. Cutting against the grain will help to make the meat more tender and easier to chew. You can cut the strips to your desired thickness, but keep in mind that thinner strips will cook more quickly than thicker ones.
What are the benefits of cutting London broil into strips?
Cutting London broil into strips has several benefits. One of the main advantages is that it allows the meat to cook more quickly and evenly. This is because the increased surface area of the meat allows it to come into contact with the heat more efficiently. Additionally, cutting the meat into strips makes it easier to cook in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries and skillet meals.
Another benefit of cutting London broil into strips is that it can make the meat more tender. When you cut the meat into strips, you’re essentially breaking down the muscle fibers, which can make the meat more palatable. This is especially true if you’re cooking the meat in a dish with a lot of liquid, such as a stew or braise.
How do you cut London broil into strips?
To cut London broil into strips, you’ll need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Start by placing the London broil on the cutting board and locating the lines of muscle in the meat. Once you’ve identified the grain, cut the meat into strips in the direction perpendicular to the grain. You can cut the strips to your desired thickness, but keep in mind that thinner strips will cook more quickly than thicker ones.
It’s also a good idea to trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the meat before cutting it into strips. This will help to make the meat more tender and easier to cook. Additionally, you can cut the strips into uniform sizes to ensure that they cook evenly.
Can you cut London broil into strips after cooking?
While it’s possible to cut London broil into strips after cooking, it’s generally not recommended. This is because the meat can become tough and dry if it’s overcooked, and cutting it into strips after cooking can make it even more difficult to chew. Additionally, cutting the meat into strips after cooking can cause it to lose its juices and become less flavorful.
If you do need to cut the London broil into strips after cooking, it’s best to do so when the meat is still warm. This will help to make the meat more tender and easier to cut. You can also use a sharp knife to cut the meat into strips, which will help to minimize the amount of tearing and shredding.
What are some popular dishes that use cut London broil?
There are many popular dishes that use cut London broil. One of the most common is beef stir-fry, which typically consists of sliced London broil, vegetables, and a savory sauce. Another popular dish is beef fajitas, which features sliced London broil, peppers, onions, and tortillas.
Cut London broil is also a popular ingredient in many Asian-inspired dishes, such as beef and broccoli or beef and snow peas. Additionally, it can be used in a variety of skillet meals, such as beef and potatoes or beef and carrots. The versatility of cut London broil makes it a great ingredient to have on hand in the kitchen.
How do you store cut London broil?
Cut London broil can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best to store the meat in a covered container, such as a plastic bag or airtight container, to prevent it from drying out. You can also store the meat in the freezer for up to three months.
When storing cut London broil, it’s a good idea to separate the strips into individual portions to make them easier to thaw and cook. You can also label the container with the date and contents to ensure that you use the oldest meat first.
Can you freeze cut London broil?
Yes, you can freeze cut London broil. In fact, freezing is a great way to preserve the meat and keep it fresh for a longer period of time. When freezing cut London broil, it’s best to separate the strips into individual portions and place them in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Before freezing, make sure to press out as much air as possible from the container or bag to prevent the growth of bacteria and freezer burn. You can also label the container with the date and contents to ensure that you use the oldest meat first. Frozen cut London broil can be stored for up to three months.