Easy London Broil Recipes: Perfect Marinade & Simple Broiling

London broil is a fantastic, flavorful cut of beef that’s surprisingly easy to prepare for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Known for its rich taste and tender texture when cooked correctly, it often comes from the flank or top round. The key to an incredible London broil dish lies in a good marinade and precise cooking. This recipe focuses on a simple yet effective marinade that tenderizes the meat and infuses it with mouthwatering flavor, followed by the perfect broiling technique to achieve a beautiful sear and juicy interior. Get ready to impress yourself and your dinner guests with minimal effort!

Ingredients for Perfect London Broil

Making a delicious London broil starts with selecting a good cut and preparing a flavorful marinade. This recipe uses common pantry staples that combine to create a savory and slightly tangy profile.

Steak and Marinade Staples

• 1.5 to 2 lb London broil steak (flank steak or top round)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium is fine)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

How to Make London Broil

The process is straightforward: marinate the steak, then broil it to perfection. Following these steps will ensure your London broil turns out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor every time.

Marinating the Steak (Crucial Tenderizing Step)

The marinade is where the magic happens. It not only adds flavor but also helps to break down the connective tissues in the beef, making it wonderfully tender. Aim for at least 4 hours of marinating time, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor infusion.

Broiling to Perfection

Broiling is a quick and effective way to cook London broil, creating a beautiful crust while keeping the inside moist. Keep a close eye on the steak to avoid overcooking, as this cut can become tough quickly if cooked too far past medium-rare.

1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl or a large resealable plastic bag, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, rosemary, black pepper, and any optional ingredients like Worcestershire sauce or red pepper flakes.
2. Marinate the steak: Place the London broil steak in the marinade, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate. Marinate for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight.
3. Preheat the broiler: About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator. Preheat your broiler to high. Position an oven rack about 4-6 inches from the heat source.
4. Prepare the broiler pan: Line a broiler pan with foil for easy cleanup and lightly grease the pan.
5. Broil the steak: Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the steak on the prepared broiler pan. Broil for 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature of 130-135°F), or longer for more well-done. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your broiler’s intensity.
6. Rest the steak: Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy result.
7. Slice and serve: After resting, slice the London broil thinly against the grain. This is vital for tenderness. Arrange the slices on a platter or individual plates.

Serving Ideas and Tips

London broil is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a main course with your favorite side dishes, or even incorporate the leftovers into other meals.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious steak pairs wonderfully with classic sides. Consider serving it with roasted potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Grilled asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple rice pilaf also make excellent accompaniments. It’s also fantastic sliced thinly and used in sandwiches or stir-fries.

Tips for the Best London Broil

• Cut against the grain: Always slice your London broil against the grain, perpendicular to the muscle fibers. This shortens the fibers, making the meat significantly more tender.
• Don’t over-broil: London broil is best served medium-rare to medium. Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure optimal doneness without overcooking.
• Let it rest: This cannot be stressed enough! Resting the steak allows the juices to settle, preventing them from running out when you slice into it.
• Experiment with marinades: Feel free to adapt the marinade. You can add ginger, honey, different herbs, or even a touch of citrus juice for variation.

Enjoy your incredibly flavorful and tender homemade London broil! It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to become a favorite.