This easy London Broil recipe transforms a budget-friendly cut of beef into a tender, restaurant-quality steak right in your own kitchen. It is the perfect savory meal for a busy weeknight or a special weekend family dinner.
Many people think this specific meat is always tough and chewy. I promise you can forget that old rumor completely! My secret marinade breaks down those stubborn fibers beautifully. Cooking it quickly under the high heat of a broiler or grill seals in all the juicy flavor.
Imagine pulling a sizzling, perfectly medium-rare steak out of the oven. The incredible smell of roasted garlic and tangy lemon will fill your house. It feels just like a fancy steakhouse meal, but it costs a fraction of the price. Serve this gorgeous steak with some homemade savory mashed sweet potatoes and watch everyone beg for seconds.
Table of Contents
What is London Broil, Actually?
Have you ever wondered what is London broil exactly? Let me clear up a very common kitchen myth for you right now. It is actually a brilliant cooking method and not a specific cut of beef.
Years ago, clever cooks discovered that soaking a tough piece of meat in a flavorful marinade and cooking it quickly under high heat worked wonders. They called this fantastic technique the London broil method. You get a mouth-watering crust on the outside and a super tender inside.
Today, grocery stores and local butchers make shopping a little confusing. They often put a “London Broil” sticker directly on thick cuts like top round steak or flank steak. Just grab one of those affordable cuts! We will use this cooking style to make it taste amazing, just like my popular honey garlic beef tenderloin.
The Secret to a Tender London Broil Marinade
Let me share my absolute favorite London broil marinade with you! Figuring out how to make London broil tender is the real key to this entire recipe. It all comes down to the perfect balance of ingredients in your soaking liquid.
We start with a strong acid like fresh lemon juice and savory Worcestershire sauce. These bright liquids break down the tough muscle fibers in the beef beautifully. This important step guarantees a soft and easy-to-chew steak every single time.
Next, high-quality olive oil plays a huge role in the mix. The oil wraps around the meat and locks in all the essential moisture during the hot cooking process. You want your steak incredibly juicy, just like the beef in my crock pot pepper steak.
Finally, we build deep, mouth-watering flavor with our special aromatics. Minced garlic, zesty Italian seasoning, and a pinch of smoked paprika create a bold crust. The meat drinks up these amazing spices while it rests in the fridge.
How to Cook London Broil (Two Easy Methods)
Are you ready for the fun part? We have two fantastic ways to cook this marinated steak to perfection. You can choose the exact method that fits your schedule today.
I always recommend letting the meat sit on the counter for about thirty minutes before cooking. This simple step takes the chill off the beef. Room temperature steak cooks much more evenly from the edges to the very center.
In the Oven (Broiler Method)
Learning exactly how to cook London broil in oven settings will save your dinner on a rainy day! You still get that amazing charred flavor without stepping outside. It is so incredibly easy to do.
First, preheat your oven broiler to medium heat. This setting usually reaches around 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a sturdy sheet pan and coat it lightly with some non-stick cooking spray.
Take your marinated beef out of the bag and shake off any excess liquid. Place the steak directly onto the prepared pan. Slide the pan under the hot broiler and let it sizzle for about seven minutes.
Carefully flip the steak over and broil the other side for another seven minutes. The hot oven creates a wonderful crust quickly.
On the Grill
Nothing beats the smoky taste of a beautiful grilled London broil on a sunny weekend! If you enjoy making my delicious grilled honey mustard chicken, you will absolutely love this steak technique. It brings out the very best savory notes in the meat.
Start by preheating your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. You can absolutely use an indoor grill pan right on your stove instead. Just make sure the grates get nice and hot before adding the food.
Lay the steak gently onto the hot grates and listen to that wonderful sizzle. Let the beef cook undisturbed for about seven to eight minutes per side. You want to see those gorgeous dark grill marks form on the outside.
London Broil Internal Temperature Guide
Let us talk about the perfect London broil temp for a minute. You definitely need a trusty meat thermometer for this recipe! Guessing the doneness is the absolute fastest way to ruin your beautiful dinner. Cooking this specific cut past medium turns it into tough shoe leather.
You want a juicy and soft texture instead. To get that amazing result, you must check the London broil internal temp very carefully. Pull the meat off the heat right when it reaches your favorite number below. If you trust my cajun steak tips in cheesy rigatoni parmesan sauce, you know I take my beef seriously!
- Rare: 125 degrees Fahrenheit
- Medium-Rare: 135 degrees Fahrenheit (Highly Recommended)
- Medium: 145 degrees Fahrenheit
Remember that the steak continues to cook while it rests on your cutting board. The temperature will rise a few degrees during those crucial five minutes.
Crucial Step: How to Cut Against the Grain
Wait! Do not slice that beautiful steak just yet. You must let the meat rest on your cutting board for at least five to seven minutes. This short break allows all those delicious juices to move back into the center of the beef. If you cut it too soon, all that moisture will simply run out onto the board.
The final secret is learning how to cut London broil correctly. Look closely at the surface to find the long lines of muscle fiber, which we call the grain. Take a sharp knife and slice perpendicular to those lines. You want very thin slices for the best texture.
Cutting through those fibers makes every single bite incredibly soft and easy to eat. It is the same trick I use for my honey garlic beef tenderloin to ensure a perfect meal. You will be amazed at how tender your budget steak becomes!
What to Serve with London Broil
You now have a perfectly cooked steak, so let us complete the meal with some amazing sides! I love to pair this savory beef with my savory mashed sweet potatoes. The sweetness of the potatoes balances the salty marinade beautifully.
If you want something crunchy, try a fresh cucumber feta salad or even some crispy zucchini chips. These lighter options keep the dinner feeling balanced and bright. You really cannot go wrong with any of these delicious combinations!
FAQs About London Broil Recipe
How long should I marinate London Broil?
You should soak the meat for at least 2 hours to let the flavors sink in. For the most tender and juicy results, marinating for 12 to 24 hours is your best bet.
Why is my London broil tough?
This usually happens if the meat did not marinate long enough or if it cooked past a medium temperature. Forgetting to slice the steak thinly against the grain also makes it feel quite chewy.
Can I freeze the leftover steak?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze your cooked leftovers for later! Just wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What is the best cooking method for London broil?
The best way to cook this cut is using high, direct heat to sear the outside quickly. Most people prefer using the oven broiler or a very hot outdoor grill to get that perfect crust.
How does Gordon Ramsay cook a London broil?
Gordon Ramsay uses a savory marinade with soy sauce, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to break down the fibers. He then broils the steak on high heat for about 10 minutes total to keep it juicy.
Does London broil get tender the longer you cook it?
If you use high heat, cooking it longer will actually make it very dry and tough. However, you can make it “fall-apart” tender by using a slow cooker for several hours on low heat instead.
What is the fastest way to tenderize a London broil?
The quickest trick is to use a meat mallet to physically break up the tough muscle tissues. You can also use a “crosshatching” technique with a sharp knife before adding it to your marinade.
More Mouth-Watering Meals to Try
If you loved this tender steak, you will definitely enjoy these other family favorites from my kitchen! I have picked out a few special dishes that are just as easy and flavorful. These recipes are perfect for keeping your weekly menu exciting and delicious.
- Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy: Try these tender beef tips for another cozy and comforting red meat dinner tonight!
- Crock Pot Pepper Steak: Let your slow cooker do all the hard work with this colorful and savory bell pepper steak.
- Honey Garlic Beef Tenderloin: This impressive main course features a sticky, sweet glaze that tastes like a total dream.
- Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak: Get that classic crispy crunch without the heavy oil using your favorite handy air fryer.
I really hope these recipes inspire you to get cooking and try something new this week. Each one is tested and loved by my own family. Please let me know which dish becomes your new favorite at home!
Final Thoughts on This Tender London Broil Recipe
I truly hope you feel ready to master this amazing London broil recipe in your own kitchen! Remember that the secret to success is all in that tangy, savory marinade and keeping a close eye on the internal temperature. By slicing your steak thinly against the grain, you ensure every single bite is incredibly soft and flavorful. It is such a smart and budget-friendly way to serve a high-quality meal to your family any night of the week.
Please let me know how your steak turned out in the comments below! I love hearing about your kitchen wins and seeing your beautiful dinner photos. If you want more easy dinner inspiration and tasty ideas, make sure to follow me on Facebook. I’m always sharing new favorites that make cooking at home a total breeze. Happy cooking!
Print
London Broil Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This budget-friendly cut of beef transforms into a flavorful, tender steak after soaking in a savory marinade. Whether you choose to fire up the grill or cook it under the broiler, this easy recipe delivers a delicious, restaurant-quality dinner with minimal hands-on effort.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs London Broil (sirloin or flank steak)
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium is fine)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl or a resealable gallon-sized freezer bag, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk or shake until well combined.
- Marinate the steak: Add the meat to the marinade, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor and maximum tenderness, marinating for a full 12 to 24 hours is highly recommended.
- Broiler Method: Preheat your oven’s broiler to medium (450°F). Place the marinated meat on a sheet pan coated with non-stick cooking spray. Broil for approximately 7 minutes per side.
- Grill Method: Preheat an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the meat on the grates and cook for approximately 7 to 8 minutes per side.
- Check the temperature: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the steak does not overcook. Internal temperature should register between 135-140°F for medium-rare to medium. Exact cook times vary by thickness.
- Rest and slice: Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-7 minutes. Thinly slice against the grain, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinate 12-24 hours for maximum tenderness.
- Don’t skip the resting step, it keeps the steak juicy.
- Slice against the grain for tender bites.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grill/Broiler
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6oz cooked steak
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
Keywords: london broil, marinated steak, budget steak recipe, grill steak
