Overcooking a nice piece of meat like a London broil can be disappointing. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to salvage an overcooked London broil so it still tastes delicious! In this article, we’ll look at some quick answers to common questions about working with overcooked London broil and provide tips on how to make the most of it.
What causes London broil to be overcooked?
There are a few common causes of overcooked London broil:
- Cooking it for too long or at too high of a temperature. London broil should be cooked medium-rare – about 130°F internally. Cooking it well-done or higher can make it tough and dry.
- Not resting the meat after cooking. London broil needs time to rest so the juices can redistribute through the meat. Cutting into it too soon after cooking can cause the juices to run out.
- Cooking too large of a piece. Larger cuts like a whole London broil roast take longer to cook evenly. The outer portions can overcook while the middle is still underdone.
- Using the wrong cut of meat. London broil is usually made from top round or flank steak. Trying to cook fattier cuts like ribeye well-done will also cause them to dry out.
No matter the reason, overcooked London broil can be salvaged with some simple tricks!
How can I tell if my London broil is overcooked?
Here are some signs your London broil is overcooked:
- The internal temperature is above 135°F when tested with a meat thermometer.
- It feels very firm and tough when poked or pressed.
- Cutting into it reveals a uniform brownish-gray interior without pink.
- When you bite into it, it seems dry and requires a lot of chewing.
- The juices run clear without traces of pink or red.
If your London broil exhibits any of these characteristics, it’s likely overcooked. But there are still ways to make it tasty!
Can I re-cook an overcooked London broil?
It’s not recommended to re-cook an already overcooked London broil. The high, prolonged heat will only toughen the meat and dry it out further. Any re-cooking should be done gently and briefly just to heat it through.
Try slicing the London broil thinly and heating it in a sauce, stock or gravy for a few minutes. Or incorporate diced London broil into recipes like sandwiches, tacos, rice bowls and soups that don’t require thorough cooking.
How can I rescue overcooked London broil slices?
For thin slices of overcooked London broil, there are a couple cooking methods that can help improve the texture:
- Quick sear – Heat a cast iron skillet with a little oil to very hot. Quickly sear the London broil slices on both sides just until browned. This will provide some nice caramelized flavor without overcooking.
- Moist heat – Gently simmer the slices in flavorful braising liquid like wine, broth or beer for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
You can also complement the flavor and moisture of sliced London broil by serving with sauces like chimichurri, salsa verde or a red wine reduction.
What’s the best way to cook an overcooked London broil roast?
For a whole London broil roast that’s overcooked, it’s best to slice it thinly against the grain before serving. This shortens the muscle fibers so the meat is more tender.
Aim for slices around 1/4 inch thick. You can then drizzle them with a sauce, wrap in a warm flour tortilla or serve over salad greens to make the most of the meat.
Can I make stew with overcooked London broil?
Making stew is one of the best ways to use and improve the flavor of overcooked London broil. By simmering the meat in liquid it will become fall-apart tender.
Cut the London broil into 1-inch chunks and add to a vegetable and aromatics-filled stew with beef broth. Simmer gently until the meat is very tender, about 1-2 hours. The moist heat environment softens the meat fibers.
You can also use sliced London broil in quicker cooking soups. Add it at the end so it just heats through without overcooking.
What kind of marinade works well with overcooked London broil?
Marinating is a great way to impart flavor and moisture into overcooked London broil. Some good marinade options include:
- Teriyaki – soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger and sesame oil
- Fajita – lime juice, cumin, chili powder, cilantro and olive oil
- Asian – hoisin, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil and chili garlic sauce
- Mediterranean – lemon juice, garlic, oregano, olive oil and red wine vinegar
Aim for marinades with acidic components to help tenderize the meat. Let the London broil marinate for at least 30 minutes but preferably 1-2 hours before cooking to allow the flavors to penetrate.
What are some good recipes to use overcooked London broil?
Here are some delicious recipe ideas that are great for using up overcooked London broil:
- Fajitas – Thinly slice the London broil and sauté with bell peppers. Wrap in tortillas with fixings.
- Sandwiches – Slice thinly and layer on toasted bread or rolls with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms and cheese.
- Stir fry – Dice or slice into strips and add to a veggie stir fry. Toss with a savory sauce.
- Quesadillas – Dice and mix with cheese, peppers and onions. Grill between tortillas.
- Frittata – Dice and combine with roasted veggies, cheese and eggs. Bake into an omelette cake.
The key is slicing or chopping the London broil small so it reheats and incorporates into dishes without becoming overcooked again.
What are some ideas for using leftover cooked London broil?
Leftover cooked London broil has a myriad of versatile uses. Here are some tasty ways to repurpose it:
- Breakfast tacos or burritos with scrambled eggs, cheese and veggies
- Add to fried rice or cauliflower rice with aromatics
- Toss with pasta, roasted vegetables and a dressing
- Layer on flatbread with hummus, tahini sauce and pickled onions
- Blend into a creamy mushroom or tomato soup
- Mix into potato or tuna salad for more protein
The flavor pairs well with bold seasonings and ingredients. Get creative transforming leftovers into all kinds of delicious dishes!
What are the best meat tenderizing methods for overcooked London broil?
Here are some of the most effective ways to tenderize overcooked London broil:
- Marinate – Wet marinades with acid help break down tough fibers.
- Slice thinly – Cutting against the grain shortens the meat fibers.
- Pound – Use a meat mallet or tenderizer utensil to mechanically tenderize.
- Braise – Low moist heat and time tenderizes through collagen breakdown.
- Grind – Grinding into ground meat physically separates the fibers.
Employing a combination of these techniques can significantly improve the tenderness of overcooked London broil. The key is not to overdo any additional cooking after tenderizing to prevent it from toughening up again.
Conclusion
It’s easy to salvage and transform the flavor of overcooked London broil using methods like slicing thinly, marinating, braising and grinding. With the right techniques, you can give new life to an overcooked roast and turn it into tasty meals.
The keys are being gentle with additional cooking, compensating for lack of moisture and cutting across the meat grain for tenderness. With creativity, overcooked London broil can become delicious sandwiches, tacos, soups, eggs dishes and more.