Are you craving a juicy and tender London broil for dinner? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you on how to make the perfect London broil in a pressure cooker. With the help of a pressure cooker, you can achieve that mouthwatering result in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven or on a grill.
Why use a pressure cooker?
Using a pressure cooker to make London broil has several benefits. Firstly, it drastically reduces the cooking time, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Additionally, the high pressure in the cooker helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth London broil that is sure to impress your family and friends.
What cut of meat to use?
London broil is traditionally made using flank steak, but you can also use top round or bottom round steak. These cuts of meat are lean and flavorful, making them perfect for pressure cooking. Make sure to choose a cut that is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for the best results.
Preparation
To prepare London broil in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds of London broil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, follow these steps to prepare the London broil in the pressure cooker:
- Start by trimming any excess fat from the London broil and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the London broil in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Once the marinating time is up, remove the London broil from the bag and discard the marinade.
- Preheat your pressure cooker by selecting the sauté function and adding a little oil to the bottom.
- Once the pressure cooker is hot, add the London broil and brown it on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Once the London broil is browned, remove it from the pressure cooker and set it aside.
- Add 1 cup of beef broth or water to the pressure cooker and scrape the bottom to remove any browned bits.
- Return the London broil to the pressure cooker and close the lid.
- Select the “meat/stew” function on your pressure cooker and set the cooking time to 20-25 minutes for medium-rare or 30-35 minutes for medium.
- Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the London broil from the pressure cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain.
Your London broil is now ready to be served. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and enjoy!
Gather Ingredients and Tools
Before getting started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to make London Broil in a pressure cooker:
- London Broil cut of beef (about 2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
In addition to the ingredients, you’ll need the following tools:
- A pressure cooker (make sure it’s large enough to fit the London Broil)
- A pair of tongs
- A meat thermometer
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
- A serving platter
Once you have everything gathered and ready, you’re all set to start cooking your delicious London Broil in a pressure cooker!
Prep the Meat
Before you begin cooking the London broil in your pressure cooker, you’ll need to prepare the meat. Start by selecting a good-quality London broil steak, preferably one that is about 1-1.5 inches thick.
First, inspect the steak for any excess fat or gristle and trim it off using a sharp knife. While some fat can add flavor, too much can make the meat tough and chewy.
Next, season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add additional herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to enhance the flavor if desired. Rub the seasonings into the meat to ensure even distribution.
Tip: For a more tender London broil, you can marinate the steak in a mixture of your choice for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This can help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with additional flavors.
Once the steak is seasoned to your liking, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the meat to come to room temperature, which can help it cook more evenly in the pressure cooker.
Cooking Process
Once you have marinated the London broil, it’s time to start the cooking process. Follow these steps to make London broil in a pressure cooker:
Step 1: Preheat the Pressure Cooker
Before you start cooking the London broil, you need to preheat your pressure cooker. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly and thoroughly. On your pressure cooker, select the “saute” mode and let it heat up for a few minutes.
Step 2: Sear the Meat
While your pressure cooker is heating up, take the marinated London broil and pat it dry with paper towels. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on both sides of the meat. Once the pressure cooker is hot, add a little oil and place the London broil in the cooker. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are browned.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the London Broil
After searing the meat, remove it from the pressure cooker and set it aside. Add some onions, garlic, and beef broth to the pressure cooker. Place the trivet that came with your pressure cooker on top of the liquid. This will keep the meat elevated and prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Place the London broil on the trivet.
Close the lid of your pressure cooker and set it to high pressure cooking. Cook the London broil for about 20-25 minutes per pound. For example, if your London broil is 2 pounds, cook it for 40-50 minutes. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific pressure cooker model.
Step 4: Release the Pressure
Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure using the quick release valve on your pressure cooker. Make sure to keep your hands and face away from the steam. Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid of the pressure cooker.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the cooked London broil from the pressure cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful slices. Slice the London broil against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Now you know how to make London broil in a pressure cooker. Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make dish with your family and friends!
Sear the Meat
To start cooking the London broil in a pressure cooker, you’ll want to sear the meat first. This step is essential to lock in the meat’s natural flavors and juices. Follow these steps to achieve a perfect sear:
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat.
- Season the London broil with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
- Place the seasoned meat in the hot oil and sear on each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until a brown crust forms.
- Use tongs to carefully turn the meat and sear all sides evenly. This process will enhance the flavor and appearance of the final dish.
Remember, the goal is to sear the meat quickly at a high temperature, so make sure the oil is hot before adding the London broil. Once seared, you can proceed with the pressure cooking process to further tenderize and cook the meat. Searing the meat prior to pressure cooking is an important step that will result in a delicious and flavorful London broil.
Add Broth and Seasonings
Once the London broil is seared on all sides, it’s time to add the broth and seasonings. This step is crucial for adding flavor to the meat and ensuring it stays moist during the pressure cooking process.
Pour 1 cup of beef broth into the pressure cooker. You can use homemade broth or store-bought. The broth will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors.
Next, add your choice of seasonings to the broth. Classic choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also experiment with other spices like paprika, rosemary, or thyme to add additional depth of flavor.
Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the broth and seasonings together, ensuring they are well combined.
Adding the broth and seasonings is a crucial step in making a delicious London broil in the pressure cooker. It will infuse the meat with rich flavors and ensure it stays tender and juicy. Now that you’ve added the broth and seasonings, it’s time to move on to the next step in the cooking process.
Cook in Pressure Cooker
Using a pressure cooker is a quick and convenient way to cook London broil. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preparing the London broil:
Before you start cooking, season the London broil with your favorite spices and herbs. You can use a simple mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, or get creative with your own seasoning blend.
2. Browning the meat:
To add extra flavor to the London broil, brown it in the pressure cooker before pressure cooking. Heat a tablespoon of oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Place the London broil in the cooker and sear it for a few minutes on each side until it develops a golden brown crust.
3. Adding liquid:
Add around 1 cup of liquid to the pressure cooker to create steam and aid in the cooking process. You can use beef broth, red wine, or a mixture of both. The liquid will also help to create a delicious gravy to serve with the cooked London broil.
4. Pressure cooking:
Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. Cook the London broil for about 15-20 minutes per pound of meat. For example, if you have a 2-pound London broil, cook it for 30-40 minutes under pressure.
5. Releasing the pressure:
Once the pressure cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure using the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s important to follow the recommended method to avoid any accidents.
6. Letting it rest:
After the pressure has been released, let the London broil rest in the pressure cooker for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a more tender and flavorful meat.
7. Slicing and serving:
Transfer the London broil to a cutting board and thinly slice it across the grain. This will help to ensure that each piece is tender. Serve the slices of London broil with the delicious gravy that was created during pressure cooking.
Using a pressure cooker to cook London broil is a time-saving method that still results in a flavorful and juicy dish. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious meal!
Finishing Touches
Once the London broil is fully cooked and tenderized in the pressure cooker, it’s time to add the finishing touches to this delicious dish. Here are a few steps to enhance the flavors and presentation of your London broil:
1. Resting Period
Before slicing into the London broil, allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period helps to evenly distribute the juices and ensure a moist and tender final result. Cover the cooked meat loosely with foil to retain the heat during this resting period.
2. Slicing the Meat
For the best results, slice the London broil against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the lines of muscle fibers. Slicing against the grain helps to further tenderize the meat and make each bite more enjoyable. Aim for thin slices, about ⅓ to ½ inch thick.
Tip: If you’re unsure which direction the grain runs, look for the lines of muscle fibers. They should be easily visible on the surface of the meat.
3. Serving Suggestions
London broil pairs well with a variety of side dishes and condiments. Here are a few serving suggestions to consider:
- Serve the sliced London broil over a bed of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a lighter meal option.
- Pair the meat with roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes for a heartier and more comforting dish.
- Drizzle a homemade steak sauce or chimichurri sauce over the top of the London broil slices to add an extra burst of flavor.
Remember, the London broil is the star of the show, so choose side dishes and condiments that complement the flavors of the meat rather than overpowering them.
With these finishing touches, your London broil will be ready to serve and impress your guests. Enjoy!
Natural Pressure Release
Natural pressure release is an important step when cooking London broil in a pressure cooker. It allows the pressure inside the cooker to gradually come down to normal levels before opening the lid.
Here’s how to do a natural pressure release:
- After the cooking time is complete, turn off the heat on the pressure cooker and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- During this time, you will notice that the pressure indicator will start to drop.
- After 10 minutes, check the pressure indicator to make sure it has fully dropped.
- Once the pressure indicator has dropped, it is safe to open the lid of the pressure cooker.
- Be cautious when opening the lid, as there may still be some residual steam inside.
- Use a fork or tongs to carefully remove the London broil from the pressure cooker.
By allowing for a natural pressure release, you ensure that the London broil will be tender and flavorful. It also helps to prevent any accidents that may occur from releasing the pressure too quickly.
FAQ
What is a London broil?
London broil is a cooking method rather than a specific cut of meat. It refers to marinating and broiling a steak or roast, typically from the top round or flank steak. The meat is cooked quickly at high heat to achieve a flavorful crust while keeping the inside tender.
Why would I use a pressure cooker to make London broil?
Using a pressure cooker for London broil can significantly reduce the cooking time compared to traditional methods. It helps to break down the tough fibers in the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Additionally, pressure cooking retains more nutrients in the food.