London broil is a lean, flavorful cut of beef that is usually prepared with a marinade or seasoning rub to enhance its taste. Wrapping the seasoned London broil in bacon before cooking adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps the meat nice and moist. Follow this simple guide to learn how to cook bacon wrapped London broil to juicy, tender perfection.
Getting Started
When preparing bacon wrapped London broil you’ll need
- 1-1.5 lbs London broil, pounded to an even thickness
- 4-6 slices bacon
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: marinade or seasoning rub
Choose a London broil that is around 1 inch thick and pound it with a meat mallet to an even thickness, which helps it cook evenly. Cut the bacon slices in half lengthwise so they are easier to wrap around the meat.
Allow the meat to marinate for 1-4 hours for maximum flavor. A simple marinade of olive oil, salt and pepper is delicious but you can also use store-bought marinades or create your own with ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, citrus juice, Worcestershire sauce, or dried herbs.
If skipping the marinade generously season both sides of the London broil with salt and pepper or use a spice rub. Any seasoning with robust flavors like garlic, onion, paprika or chili powder will pair nicely with the beef and bacon.
Wrapping and Cooking
To wrap the London broil:
- Cover the top of the meat evenly with bacon slices, slightly overlapping them.
- Use toothpicks pinned horizontally across the bacon slices to secure them in place.
- Drizzle olive oil over the bacon and season again lightly with salt and pepper.
There are two easy methods for cooking the bacon wrapped meat – grilling or broiling.
Grilling
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Place London broil over direct heat.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes per side with the lid closed as much as possible.
Broiling
- Position oven rack 6 inches from heating element and preheat broiler.
- Place London broil on a broiler pan and broil for 5-7 minutes per side.
The bacon ensures the meat doesn’t dry out while grilling or broiling. Cook until it reaches your desired doneness, removing it when the internal temperature is:
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium rare: 135°F
- Medium: 145°F
- Medium well: 155°F
- Well done: 165°F
Allow the London broil to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin slices. Serve warm with your choice of sides. Delicious flavorful options include roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Bacon Wrapped London Broil Tips
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Choose a thick, evenly shaped London broil for easiest cooking.
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Trim off any excess fat before pounding to an even thickness.
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Let the meat sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for more even cooking.
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Pounding the meat before marinating helps the flavor penetrate deeper.
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Pat the meat dry before wrapping in bacon to help it adhere.
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Use thin sliced bacon to make wrapping easier.
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Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before cooking to help bacon stay wrapped and shaped.
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Rotate every 2 minutes or so while grilling or broiling for even cooking.
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Let meat rest before slicing so the juices redistribute for juicier meat.
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Slice across the grain for tender, easy to chew pieces.
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Add extra flavor by using a marinade, spice rub, or sauce.
Bacon Wrapped London Broil Marinade and Rub Ideas
Marinades
- Soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger
- Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, rosemary
- Lemon juice, garlic, oregano, pepper
- Teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, garlic
- Worcestershire sauce, mustard, onion, red wine
Spice Rubs
- Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano
- Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- Brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne, cumin
- Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder
Sauces
- Chimichurri
- Horseradish cream
- Red wine reduction
- Steak sauce
- Compound butter
So for perfect bacon wrapped London broil every time, start with a high quality cut of meat, add robust flavors with a marinade or rub, wrap in bacon, and grill or broil to desired doneness. Rest the meat before slicing for a mouthwatering weeknight dinner or easy party fare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Bacon Wrapped London Broil
Cooking bacon wrapped London broil is simple but there are some common questions that come up. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
What cut of beef is best for London broil?
Top round, top sirloin, or flank steak are the most commonly used cuts for London broil. They are budget friendly lean cuts that become tender and flavorful when marinated.
Should London broil be marinated?
Marinating is highly recommended as it tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor. At minimum, generously season with salt and pepper. Other seasoning options include rubs, sauces, and glazes.
How long should I marinate London broil?
At least 1-2 hours for some flavor infusion, but 4-12 hours is ideal. Longer than 12 hours risks the meat becoming mushy.
What is the best marinade for London broil?
Good marinade ingredients include oil, acid like citrus juices or vinegar, and flavorings like garlic, herbs, soy sauce, Worcestershire, or hoisin.
Should London broil be pounded?
Pounding to an even 1⁄2 to 1 inch thickness will allow for quicker, more even cooking. Just be careful not to over pound to the point of shredding the meat.
What is the best way to grill London broil?
Grill over direct high heat, 4-5 minutes per side with the grill lid closed as much as possible. Let the meat rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.
How do you keep London broil from drying out?
Marinade, wrap in bacon, baste while cooking, don’t overcook, and let rest before slicing. Pull it off the grill when it’s 5°F below your desired doneness.
How can you tell when London broil is done?
Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness. Remove from heat when it’s 5°F below the desired finished temperature.
How do I keep the bacon from unraveling?
Use toothpicks pinned horizontally across the bacon slices to secure them. Also refrigerate for 1-2 hours which helps the bacon adhere to the meat.
Should London broil be sliced with or against the grain?
Always slice against the grain, into thin slices. This produces tender, easy to chew pieces.
What is a good spice rub for London broil?
Robust spices and herbs like garlic, onion, paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano, thyme all complement the beefy flavor. Brown sugar adds nice charring.
What sides go with London broil?
Classic pairings include roasted or mashed potatoes, rice pilaf or pasta. Sauteed vegetables like mushrooms, onions or peppers also pair well, as do crisp salads.