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The Best Easy London Broil Recipe – delicious tender steak broiled to perfection in your oven!
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Table of contents
Broiled Flank or Bottom Round Steak
There is nothing better than London Broil when you’re craving a quick and delicious steak – it has a ton of meaty flavor, and takes almost no work. This London Broil was specifically designed to be made in your oven broiler at a perfect medium rare – so it is tender, juicy, and totally delicious. London broil is naturally gluten and grain free, so this steak makes a delicious keto dinner – without having to fire up the grill!
For a grilled take on this recipe, please check out our similar Grilled Flank Steak and Grilled Carne Asada recipes. This London broil is fantastic for an easy weeknight dinner, with potatoes, rice pilaf, scalloped corn, with asparagus – or even with fajitas!
London broil is a great way to make a whole meal out of an inexpensive cut of meat – it used to refer to only flank steak, but now is commonly made from lean, tougher cuts and usually refers to top round like we’re using in this recipe.
The marinade in London Broil is critical, since we’re relying on it to help break down some of the connective tissue in this lean meat – and infuse tons of flavor.
You can change up the herbs as you see fit (I am known to double or even triple the amount of garlic – you can’t get enough garlic in my opinion) – but keep the amount of oil and vinegar the same. You can change up what kind of oil or vinegar you use – but be sure to use the same amounts.
How to Make London Broil
To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:
- Top Round or Flank Steak (3 lb): This is the star of the dish. Top round and flank steak are lean cuts of beef with good flavor. When properly marinated and cooked, they become tender and flavorful.
- Olive Oil (3 tbsp): Olive oil serves as the primary fat in the marinade. It helps coat the steak, infuse it with flavor, and keep it moist during cooking.
- Red Wine Vinegar (3 tbsp): Red wine vinegar adds acidity to the marinade. It helps tenderize the meat and contributes a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
- Garlic (5 cloves): Garlic is a key flavor enhancer in this recipe. It adds a robust, aromatic quality to the marinade and infuses the steak with its savory essence.
- Fresh Chopped Parsley (1 tbsp): Fresh parsley brings a vibrant, herbaceous note to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh Chopped Oregano (1 tbsp): Oregano contributes earthy and slightly citrusy notes, complementing the other herbs and spices in the marinade.
- Fresh Thyme (½ tbsp): Thyme offers a subtle, earthy flavor with a hint of lemon. It pairs well with the other herbs and helps balance the marinade.
- Sea Salt (2 tsp): Sea salt not only seasons the meat but also helps tenderize it by drawing out moisture from the surface. It enhances the steak’s natural flavors.
- Ground Black Pepper (1 tsp): Black pepper provides a gentle heat and complements the other seasonings. It also adds a layer of complexity to the marinade.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use this method:
- Marinate. Mince garlic in a small bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, parsley, oregano, and thyme. Place steak into a casserole dish and pour marinade over the top. Cover, and place in the fridge for 3 hours. (If you are in a pinch 30 minutes minimum)
- Preheat. Remove steak from the fridge and let come to room temp (this should take about 20 minutes). Preheat oven broiler to 500 degrees F (broiler on high.) Add cast iron pan to oven to get it scorching hot while steak comes to room temperature.
- Broil. Place under broiler for 7 minutes each side. Remove from heat and let rest 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve. Cut pieces at an angle to serve. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks to Perfect London Broil
Choose the Right Cut: London broil typically uses a top round or flank steak. Look for a well-marbled piece of meat with even thickness for more consistent cooking.
Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the meat is essential for both flavor and tenderness. Use a marinade that includes acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, or yogurt, as these help break down muscle fibers. Flavorful marinade ingredients can include garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs.
Pierce the Meat: To allow the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat, pierce the steak with a fork or make shallow cuts with a knife before marinating.
Marinate Long Enough: Aim to marinate the London broil for at least 4-6 hours or, ideally, overnight in the refrigerator. This extended marination time enhances flavor and tenderness.
Bring to Room Temperature: Before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
Preheat the Grill or Oven: Whether you’re grilling or broiling, preheat your cooking surface thoroughly. A hot grill or broiler sears the meat quickly, sealing in juices.
Sear at High Heat: Sear the London broil over high heat for a short period, about 2-3 minutes per side. This caramelizes the outer surface, adding flavor and locking in juices.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To achieve the desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). Remember that the steak’s temperature will continue to rise slightly after removing it from the heat source during resting.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the London broil rest for about 5-10 minutes under loosely tented foil. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy result when sliced.
Slice Thinly Across the Grain: To maximize tenderness, slice the London broil thinly and against the grain. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite more tender.
Serve with a Sauce or Marinade: London broil pairs well with sauces or marinades. You can use the leftover marinade (boiled to kill any bacteria) or make a fresh sauce with complementary flavors.
Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to season the meat with additional herbs and spices before cooking to enhance flavor further.
FAQs
When is London broil done?
The internal temperature on a London broil should read 135 degrees for medium rare and 145 degrees for medium, 155 for well done.
London broil cooks extremely quickly under a broiler – about 6-7 minutes per side.
London broil is a cooking method rather than a specific cut of meat. It typically involves marinating and grilling or broiling a lean cut of beef, often top round or flank steak. The name “London broil” likely originated from a traditional method of preparing tougher cuts of meat by broiling or grilling them to improve tenderness.
While top round and flank steak are commonly used for London broil, you can experiment with other lean cuts like sirloin or skirt steak. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require slightly adjusted cooking times.
It’s recommended to marinate London broil for at least 4-6 hours or, ideally, overnight in the refrigerator. Longer marination times allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it further.
You can use the leftover marinade as a sauce, but it should be boiled first to kill any potential bacteria from the raw meat. Boil it for a few minutes, then you can use it as a sauce or glaze for the cooked London broil.
The best way to determine the doneness of London broil is by using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). Remember that the meat will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
London broil pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or garlic bread. Consider your preferences and any accompanying sauces or marinades when choosing sides.
To reheat London broil without overcooking, slice it thinly and reheat in a skillet with a bit of butter or oil over low to medium heat. This method helps maintain the meat’s tenderness.
Yes, you can freeze cooked London broil. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
What to Serve With London Broil
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic complement the savory flavors of London broil.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli make a colorful and nutritious side dish.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Freshly grilled corn with a brushing of butter and seasoning is a classic choice that pairs beautifully with grilled London broil.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with homemade croutons and creamy Caesar dressing adds freshness and contrast to the meal. Try a surf and turf twist with our Salmon Ceasar Salad.
Green Beans: Steamed green beans lightly seasoned with salt and pepper provide a simple and healthy side, or try our green beans with red onions.
Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes with herbs and garlic make for a hearty and satisfying accompaniment.
Creamed Spinach: Creamed spinach is a rich and creamy side dish that complements the steak’s flavors.
Garlic Bread or Baguette: Crusty garlic bread or a fresh baguette is perfect for mopping up any delicious juices or sauces from the London broil.
Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus spears with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese are a delightful addition.
Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf with herbs, toasted nuts, and dried fruits adds a touch of elegance to the meal.
Coleslaw: Tangy coleslaw with a creamy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the savory steak.
Quinoa Salad: A cold quinoa salad with fresh vegetables and a zesty vinaigrette dressing offers a light and nutritious side option.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and herbs bring a savory and earthy element to the plate.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing and colorful side dish.
Grilled Zucchini: Grilled zucchini slices seasoned with herbs and a touch of lemon juice are a simple and tasty choice.
Homemade Salsa: A fresh tomato salsa with cilantro and lime juice adds a burst of freshness and acidity to the meal.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots glazed with honey and a sprinkle of fresh herbs create a sweet and savory side dish.
Try these sides:
For more keto side dishes, please visit our keto side dish archive here.
For more delicious easy side dishes, please visit our side dish recipe index here.
To get even more of our favorite steak recipes, click to see our steak archives here.
The Best Easy London Broil Recipe
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The Best Easy London Broil Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lb top round or flank steak
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped oregano
- ½ tbsp fresh thyme
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mince garlicIn a small bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, parsley, oregano, and thyme.
- Place steak into a casserole dish and pour marinade over the top.
- Cover, and place in the fridge for 3 hours. (If you are in a pinch 30 minutes minimum)
- Remove steak from the fridge, rinse the marinate off the meat and pat it dry. Season the meat with salt and pepper and let come to room temp (this should take about 20 minutes.)
- Preheat oven broiler to 500 degrees F (broiler on high.)
- Add cast iron pan to oven to get it scorching hot while steak comes to room temperature.
- Add steak to pan after marinating.
- Place under broiler for 7 minutes each side.
- Remove from heat and let rest 10 minutes before serving.
- Cut pieces at an angle to serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Do you add the salt & pepper to the marinade? Listed as ingredients, but not seeing when to add
Woops, actually you will want to pat the meat dry after marinating and season it generously with salt and pepper before cooking. I will update the recipe!