Flavorful London Broil: Your Go-To Marinade for Tender, Juicy Beef
Welcome to your new favorite way to prepare London Broil! This robust recipe features a simple yet incredibly effective marinade with tangy balsamic vinegar, zesty Dijon mustard, and a generous amount of garlic. It’s designed to transform an economical cut of beef into a tender, juicy, and flavor-packed family meal. London Broil has always been a crowd-pleaser in my home, and I’m sure it will be in yours too. Get ready to impress your family with a steak dinner that’s both delicious and budget-friendly!
London Broil is a fantastic cut of beef that often goes on sale, making it an excellent choice for a hearty and economical meal. I recently picked one up at a great price, eager to prepare a delicious steak dinner for my husband. While I’m mindful of calorie intake, London Broil is a leaner cut, allowing us to enjoy a satisfying steak without the guilt. Its versatility and value mean you can often get several meals from a single good-sized steak, making it a staple for smart home cooks.
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This post was originally shared in November 2009 and has since been updated with new photos and expanded content to provide even more value and deliciousness! This is an original photo.
I recently prepared this London Broil recipe again, and my family’s enthusiastic praise confirmed it’s still a beloved dish. It seems steak remains a cherished treat in our household, no matter how often I make it. The secret to its enduring appeal? A simple yet incredibly powerful marinade that tenderizes the beef and infuses it with layers of incredible flavor.
What Exactly is London Broil? Understanding This Versatile Cut
Before diving into the marinade, it’s helpful to understand what “London Broil” actually refers to. Interestingly, London Broil isn’t a specific cut of beef but rather a cooking method for tougher cuts, typically involving marinating and then broiling or grilling, followed by thin slicing against the grain. In North America, the term commonly refers to flank steak, top round steak, or sirloin tip steak. These cuts are lean and flavorful but can be tough if not prepared correctly. That’s where a good marinade comes in!
Crafting the Perfect Marinade for Tender London Broil
I’ve been relying on this London Broil marinade recipe for over a decade, and it consistently delivers fantastic results. The key to its success lies in its simplicity and the balance of its four core ingredients. This blend of acid, umami, and aromatic flavors works together to tenderize the meat and infuse it with an irresistible taste.
The Essential Ingredients in Our London Broil Marinade:
- Balsamic Vinegar: This is our primary acidic component. The vinegar not only adds a wonderful tang and slight sweetness but also helps break down the muscle fibers in the beef, leading to a more tender result.
- Dijon Mustard: Beyond its pungent, savory flavor, Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil (if you choose to add any, though not strictly necessary in this recipe) and vinegar combine effectively. It also provides a delightful depth that complements the beef beautifully.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A powerhouse of umami! Worcestershire sauce brings a complex savory note that enhances the beef’s natural flavor, adding a layer of richness you won’t want to skip.
- Fresh Garlic: Loads of minced garlic are crucial here. Garlic infuses the meat with an aromatic, slightly spicy flavor that is simply divine. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your personal preference – some like a little, I prefer a lot!
This marinade yields approximately 1/3 cup, which is ideal for a 1 1/2 pound cut of London Broil. I find that using a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow Pyrex storage dish works best for marinating. Be sure to periodically massage the meat through the bag or flip it in the dish to ensure every surface is evenly coated and fully absorbs the flavors.
The Importance of Marinating Time
The longer your London Broil soaks in this fantastic marinade, the more tender and flavorful it will become. While a minimum of 4-5 hours is recommended to truly allow the flavors to penetrate and the acid to work its magic, letting it marinate overnight or even all day (up to 24 hours) in the refrigerator will yield the most exceptional results. Always ensure your meat is kept refrigerated during the marinating process for food safety.
Cooking London Broil: The Best Method for Tenderness
While London Broil can certainly be excellent on the grill, my preferred method for consistent tenderness and a perfectly cooked interior is in the oven, utilizing high heat for a quick and effective broil. The high heat creates a beautiful crust while keeping the inside juicy. Before placing your steak in the hot oven, always allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This simple step helps the meat cook more evenly, preventing the outside from overcooking while the inside remains cold.
Step-by-Step Oven Broiling Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to a high temperature, specifically 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This intense heat is crucial for achieving a good sear quickly.
- Prepare for Broiling: Carefully remove the steak from its marinade using tongs and place it on a broiler pan. You can spoon about 2 tablespoons of fresh marinade over the steak before cooking for an extra boost of flavor (ensure this is fresh marinade, not the one that came into contact with raw meat, or boil the used marinade if you wish to serve it as a sauce).
- Cook to Perfection: Place the broiler pan in the preheated oven. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for approximately 5-7 minutes per side for a medium-rare to medium doneness. Adjust cooking time for thicker cuts or if you prefer your steak more well-done. Remember, London Broil is best enjoyed medium-rare to medium to maximize tenderness and juiciness. An internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare or 135-140°F for medium is ideal.
- Rest the Meat: Once your steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. It is absolutely critical to let the steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much juicier and more tender steak. Skipping this step will cause the juices to run out immediately upon slicing, leaving you with dry meat.
- Slice Against the Grain: The final, and perhaps most important, step for tender London Broil is slicing it correctly. Always slice the steak against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers) into thin strips. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite incredibly tender and easy to chew. For a visual demonstration, click here.
Delicious Side Dishes to Pair with London Broil
One of the beauties of this London Broil recipe is how easily it pairs with a variety of side dishes. To keep things simple and efficient, I often roast vegetables alongside the steak. My go-to choices are roasted tomatoes and asparagus, which can often share the oven space, simplifying cleanup and cooking time.
- Roasted Vegetables: Any roasted vegetable works wonderfully. For the tomatoes, simply halve some plum tomatoes, drizzle with a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until tender and slightly caramelized. A sprinkle of fresh basil at the end adds a burst of freshness. For a foolproof recipe, try my easy Roasted Asparagus.
- Potatoes: Potatoes are always a fantastic companion to steak. We frequently make these Roasted Red Potatoes with Smoked Paprika, which offer a smoky, savory contrast to the beef.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the steak.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For a more comforting meal, a classic serving of creamy mashed potatoes never disappoints.
Creative Ways to Enjoy London Broil Leftovers
One of the best parts about making London Broil is the potential for delicious leftovers! The thinly sliced beef is incredibly versatile and can be repurposed into a variety of exciting meals, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
- Steak Salad: My favorite way to enjoy leftover London Broil is sliced thinly over a fresh salad for lunch the next day. This Steak Spinach Salad with Grilled Peaches and Red Onion is a perfect example of how to elevate your leftover steak into a gourmet meal.
- Quesadillas or Tacos: The savory slices are excellent in quesadillas, paired with cheese and your favorite toppings, or as a flavorful filling for tacos or burritos.
- Stir-Fry: Add sliced London Broil to a quick stir-fry with your favorite vegetables and a savory sauce for a speedy weeknight dinner.
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Pile it onto a crusty roll for a steak sandwich or wrap it in a tortilla with some fresh veggies and a creamy dressing.
- Pasta Dishes: Try incorporating the beef into something unexpected, like this Thai Curry Spaghetti Squash, where the rich beef can add a wonderful protein component.
With these ideas, your London Broil won’t just be one meal, but a source of multiple delicious possibilities!
If you try this incredible London Broil recipe, please let me know your thoughts! Leave a comment below, rate it after you’ve tasted it, and be sure to take a picture and tag it #aggieskitchen on Instagram. I absolutely love seeing what you’re cooking in your kitchens!
London Broil with Mustard, Balsamic Vinegar and Garlic Marinade
Author: Aggies Kitchen
Prep Time: 4 hours (includes marinating time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Oven
Cuisine: American
My go-to london broil marinade recipe with mustard, balsamic vinegar and garlic. This tender cut of beef is a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb London Broil
- 1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
- 2 TB stone ground Dijon mustard
- 1 TB Worcestershire sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (or less depending on your love of garlic!)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine Balsamic vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and salt and pepper. Place the London Broil in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade into the bag, making sure to fully coat and massage the steak with the marinade. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours) for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Using tongs, carefully pull the steak out of the ziplock bag and place it on a broiler pan. Spoon over about 2 tablespoons of fresh marinade (or a small amount of the used marinade if you plan to discard it after this step) over the steak for extra flavor before cooking.
- Place the broiler pan with the steak in the preheated oven. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes per side for a 1-inch thick steak to achieve a medium doneness. Adjust cooking time for a thicker steak or if you prefer it more well-done. For the most tender results, aim for medium-rare to medium.
- Once the steak is done cooking, transfer it from the broiler pan to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result. After resting, make sure to slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. (For a demonstration on how to slice against the grain, click here.)
Explore More Easy and Healthy Beef Recipes:
If you enjoyed this London Broil, you’ll love these other fantastic beef dishes:
Grilled Flank Steak with Brown Sugar Rub
Easy Pepper Steak
Beef and Spinach Stuffed Peppers