Is London Broil the Same as Roast Beef? Clearing Up the Confusion

London broil and roast beef – two classic beef dishes that often cause confusion in home kitchens While they share some similarities, important differences exist in how they are prepared, cooked, and enjoyed This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what sets London broil apart from roast beef.

What is London Broil?

Despite its misleading name London broil is not actually British in origin. It’s an American cooking method that involves marinating a flank or top round steak broiling it whole, then slicing across the grain.

The keys to great London broil are:

• Marinating in an acidic mixture to tenderize
• Cooking under high, dry heat by broiling
• Slicing very thin against the grain
• Using flavorful, lean cuts like flank or top round

So while London broil has become synonymous with a specific dish, it originally referred to this unique broiling technique for tenderizing tougher cuts of beef.

Defining Traditional Roast Beef

Roast beef refers to oven roasting beef cuts until fork-tender and succulent. Typical roast beef is characterized by

• Dry heat roasting uncovered
• “Low and slow” cooking around 250°F
• Frequent basting for moisture and flavor
• Allowing the roast to rest before carving
• Using various cuts like rib, loin, sirloin, rump

So roast beef indicates both a cooking method and a flexible dish that allows for different seasonings, doneness, and cut preferences.

Key Differences Between the Dishes

Now that we’ve covered the background, where does London broil diverge from typical roast beef?

• Cuts of meat – London broil uses leaner flank or top round. Roast beef uses fattier rib, loin, sirloin.

• Seasoning – London broil marinates for hours. Roast beef uses a light coating.

• Cooking method – London broil is grilled or broiled. Roast beef is slow oven roasted.

• Serving style – London broil is sliced thin against the grain. Roast beef can be sliced thick or thin.

• Flavor – London broil is robust from marinade. Roast beef is subtler and beefier.

• Fat content – London broil is trimmer by nature. Roast beef can use fattier cuts.

Similarities Between the Dishes

While distinct in many ways, London broil and roast beef do share some commonalities:

• Both use dry heat without braising
• Thin slices result in a similar texture
• Top round can be used for both dishes
• Can be served with jus or horseradish
• Make great sandwiches

So in some scenarios, such as thinly slicing a top round roast, the end result may resemble London broil. There is certainly some gray area.

Traditional Recipe Examples

To demonstrate their differences, let’s compare some classic London broil and roast beef recipes:

Traditional London Broil

• Marinated flank steak
• Grilled outdoors
• Sliced against the grain
• Served with roasted veggies

Classic Roast Beef

• Seasoned rib roast
• Slow roasted for hours
• Carved at the table
• Served with Yorkshire puddings

Weeknight London Broil

• Top round steak
• Quick broiled
• Thin slices with chimichurri
• Roasted potatoes

Lean Roast Beef

• Eye of round roast
• Low and slow oven roasted
• Thin slices for sandwiches
• Horseradish mayo

These examples showcase how preparation, cooking times, cuts, and pairings set the dishes apart when following conventions.

Should the Name Matter?

With so much common ground, does terminology really matter? For casual cooking, the lines blur a bit. But for traditionalists and chefs, the distinctions hold weight.

When dining out or buying meat, expected characteristics for “London broil” vs “roast beef” impact experience and quality. False labeling leads to disappointment.

For home cooks, understanding nuances elevates skills. Preparation choices can be tailored to intentionally create London broil or roast beef based on desired texture, time, pairing goals, and presentation.

Celebrating Two Beef Icons

While some key differences exist, London broil and roast beef both hold prestigious status as beef icons. They deliver indulgent satisfaction through signature flavors and cooking methods.

Whether craving the bold marinade of London broil or the rosy tenderness of slow-roasted beef, you simply can’t go wrong. With this guide’s insights, you can highlight their nuances when planning the ultimate steakhouse-worthy feast.

The next time you’re at the meat counter or perusing a menu, channel your inner connoisseur. Understand the distinctive pleasures of London broil vs roast beef, and make informed choices between these two heavy hitters of the beef world!