London broil can save any tough cut of beef, whether it’s round or flank steak. The secret is in marinating it for an extended period and then quickly broiling it at high heat to achieve the most tender and juicy results.
What’s London Broil, Anyway?
London broil originally referred to a method of cooking rather than a specific cut of meat. It involves marinating a tender cut of beef, broiling it in an oven or grilling it, and then thinly slicing it across the grain. Over time, however, the term has also come to be associated with particular cuts of beef that are commonly used for this method of cooking, such as top round or flank steak.
London Broil typically involves two main steps: tenderizing and broiling:
1. Tenderizing
Marinating is crucial for tenderizing London Broil. Acidic ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice, or wine help break down the tough muscle fibers in the meat. Besides acidic components, the marinade usually includes oil, garlic, herbs, and spices, all of which enhance flavor and aid the tenderizing process. To maximize the meat’s tenderness and flavor, it is recommended to marinate the meat for several hours, ideally overnight.
2. Broiling
High-temperature broiling refers to the process of cooking London Broil in an oven or grill at high temperatures for about 10-20 minutes. This method is used to achieve a quick sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
Why Try London Broil?
Why do I love this method? Well, it’s a game-changer for those tougher, leaner cuts of beef. Not only does it make them tender, but it also packs them with flavors, thanks to the marinating process. Plus, it’s super economical. You don’t have to splurge on a prime ribeye to enjoy a steak night at home!
What Cut of Meat is Best Used for London Broil Recipe?
If you’re planning to whip up a London broil, you’re probably wondering about the best cut of meat to turn this dish into a real show-stopper at your next meal.
- When it comes to choosing the perfect cut for a London Broil, traditionally, folks lean towards flank steak. It’s what I started with the first time I tried my hand at this recipe, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Flank steak has a great beefy flavor, and while it’s known for being a bit on the tougher side, that’s exactly what makes it ideal for the London Broil method. The magic of marinating and then cooking it quickly under high heat works wonders, transforming it into something truly tender and mouth-watering.
- Another fantastic option is the top round steak. It’s a bit leaner than flank and usually comes at a friendly price, which makes it a hit if you’re feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. I’ve had great success with top round — just remember that the key is in the marinade and not skipping that crucial step of slicing it thinly against the grain after cooking. This way, you’ll ensure each bite is as tender as can be.
So, there you have it! Whether you go with flank or top round, the real secret to a fantastic London Broil lies in giving your beef a good soak in that yummy marinade and cooking it just right.
London Broil Marinade
London Broil is incredibly simple to prepare. Aside from the main ingredient, which can be either flank steak or round steak, all you need is a good London broil marinade.
To make the best marinade for London broil, you need below ingredients:
- 3 oz soy sauce
- 1/8 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic clove minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp crushed black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1.1 oz honey
How to Cook London Broil
1. Preheat your oven to 482°F (250°C).
2. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Place the flank steak in a container or ziploc bag, and pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is well-coated. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for deeper flavor.
3. To broil: remove the steak from the marinade, place it on an oven tray, and then position the tray on a middle rack in the preheated oven. To ensure the steak is cooked to perfection, it’s recommended to use an oven-safe meat thermometer to monitor the steak’s internal temperature. The best internal temperature for London broil is 135°F (57°C).
To monitor the doneness accurately, use the Typhur Sync wireless meat thermometer is the best option. Simply insert the probe into the thickest part of the steak, and set the target temperature to 135°F (57°C) using your smartphone app. Start the cooking process through the app, which will alert you once the steak reaches the desired internal temperature.
4. Once cooked, carefully remove the tray from the oven using oven gloves and place it on a heat-resistant surface. Allow the steak to rest for at least 3 minutes to let the juices redistribute. This rest period helps the meat retain moisture, making it juicier and more flavorful when sliced.
5. Remove the probe and slice the steak against the grain for the best texture.
More Delicious Steak Recipes
Steak has always been our favorite meal with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Here are some of our favorite steak recipes for you.
Tender London Broil
Video
Equipment
- Oven
- Tongs
- Bowl
- Oven Gloves
- Chef Knife
Ingredients
- 32 oz flank steak
- 3 oz soy sauce
- 1/8 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic clove minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp crushed black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1.1 oz honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 482℉ /250℃.
- Prepare a bowl. Add soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, honey, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and stir well. Set aside.3 oz soy sauce, 1/8 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp garlic clove, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp crushed black pepper, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1.1 oz honey
- Place the flank steak and marinade in a container or ziploc bag. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.32 oz flank steak
- To ensure accuracy, insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, making sure the safety line is completely immersed.
- Select beef→ steak→ flank in the parameters list. Set the target temperature to 135℉/57°C. Place the steak on the oven tray, then place the oven tray on a rack in the oven.
- To begin the process, press the start button on your phone. You will be notified when the steak is cooked and ready.
- Using a pair of oven gloves, carefully remove the tray with the flank steak and transfer to a heat-resistant surface. Let it rest for at least 3 minutes. (Note: the internal temperature will continue to rise.)
- Carefully remove the probe.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition PER SERVING
(Nutrition information is calculated automatically by Spoonacular API and should be considered an estimate.)
