Can You Use London Broil for Beef Stew?

Beef stew is a hearty, comforting dish that is beloved by many. Its rich complex flavors come from slowly simmering cheaper cuts of meat until tender and flavorful. However, with rising beef costs home cooks may wonder if pricier cuts like London broil can be substituted in their beef stew recipes.

So can you use London broil for beef stew? The short answer is yes, you can use London broil to make beef stew. However there are some important considerations to keep in mind to ensure your stew turns out with moist tender meat and maximum flavor.

What is London Broil?

London broil refers to a cooking method, not a specific cut of meat. It involves broiling or grilling a flank steak or top round roast, then slicing it thinly across the grain. This cut of meat is very lean with little marbling.

The leanness of London broil means it can become tough and dry out easily without the protective fat other cuts like chuck roast contain. So proper preparation is key when using it for stew.

Pros and Cons of Using London Broil for Stew

There are advantages and disadvantages to using London broil in beef stew recipes instead of the traditional stewing cuts.

Pros:

• Lean yet flavorful meat
• Lower cost than traditional stewing cuts
• Readily available at most grocery stores
• Produces tender, juicy meat when prepared properly

Cons:

• Leaner than ideal for stew, risks drying out
• Requires more careful cooking method
• Slicing thin strips against the grain takes more work
• Less traditional stewing cut than chuck roast or brisket

Tips for Making Tender London Broil Stew

If you want to give London broil beef stew a try, follow these tips to help ensure moist, tender meat:

• Cut into small pieces: Cut the London broil into 1-inch cubes before adding to the stew. Smaller pieces will cook more evenly.

• Marinate overnight: Soak the meat in a marinade of oil, vinegar, and spices for at least 4-6 hours or up to 24 hours. This tenderizes and adds flavor.

• Sear the meat first: Browning the meat before stewing adds depth of flavor and helps retain juices.

• Simmer low and slow: Cook the stew at a low simmer, around 190°F, for 2-3 hours until fork tender. High heat will toughen the lean meat.

• Add vegetables later: Add veggies like potatoes and carrots during the last 30-60 minutes so they don’t get overcooked.

• Check doneness carefully: Take care not to overcook or the London broil will dry out. Check for tenderness periodically.

• Thicken with flour: Lightly coat the meat in flour before searing to help thicken the stew gravy.

Step-by-Step London Broil Beef Stew Recipe

If you’d like to give it a try, here is a recipe for delicious London broil beef stew:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs London broil, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄4 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 lb potatoes, cubed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Pat the London broil cubes dry and lightly coat in the flour. Shake off any excess.
2. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the meat on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining oil and the onions. Cook 5 minutes until softened.
4. Add the carrots, celery, and garlic and cook 5 more minutes.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 2 minutes.
6. Deglaze with the red wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer 3 minutes.
7. Return the seared meat to the pot along with any accumulated juices.
8. Add the broth, thyme, bay leaves, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
9. Cover and cook at a low simmer for 2-2 1⁄2 hours, until meat is very tender when pierced with a fork. Check and stir occasionally.
10. Add the potatoes and cook 30-60 minutes more until potatoes are tender.
11. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

The key with London broil is low, gentle heat and checking it frequently. But with the right preparation, you can make a delicious beef stew that’s budget-friendly. Give this untraditional cut a try next stew night!