The Ultimate London Broil Recipe: Tender, Flavorful, and Budget-Friendly
This London Broil recipe has quickly become a dinner staple in my household, and for good reason! The marinade is absolutely perfect, the cooking method is incredibly simple, and the resulting steak is unbelievably tender and flavorful. Get ready to elevate your steak game with this easy and delicious recipe.
Author’s Note: From “Steak Sunday” to Family Favorite
This London Broil recipe took a few attempts to perfect, but trust me, the effort was well worth it! It all started with our family’s “Steak Sunday” tradition. Every few Sundays, we treat ourselves to some kind of steak with all our favorite side dishes. Think creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes, a vibrant kale salad, and a flavorful veggie or refreshing fruit salad.
While developing this recipe, we ended up having several Steak Sundays in a row. My kids are now lobbying for it to become a weekly occurrence, and I’m not complaining! However, buying expensive cuts of steak for the whole family can quickly add up. That’s why I love using more budget-friendly cuts like flank steak, which makes this type of dinner something I can realistically repeat.
What Exactly is London Broil? Understanding the Cooking Method
For those unfamiliar, London Broil isn’t a specific cut of steak, but rather a cooking method. This method involves marinating a tougher cut of steak, cooking it quickly over high heat, and then slicing it thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness and flavor. It’s this simple yet effective approach that transforms a budget-friendly cut into a Steak Sunday dinner my family consistently requests!
Key Ingredients for the Perfect London Broil
Let’s break down the key components of this incredible London Broil recipe:
| Ingredient Group | Helpful Tip |
|---|---|
| Flank Steak | Flank steak is a lean cut with long muscle fibers, making it ideal for marinating. When cooked hot and fast and sliced against the grain, it becomes wonderfully tender and flavorful. Look for a steak that is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for best results. |
| Marinade Base | A good marinade is essential for London Broil. It tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor. This marinade features a balance of oil, acid (vinegar), and sweetness (honey) to enhance the steak’s natural taste and prevent it from drying out during cooking. |
| Spice Rub | A simple spice rub adds extra depth of flavor and helps create a beautiful crust when the steak hits the hot pan. The combination of salt, pepper, cumin, and coriander complements the marinade and enhances the overall taste profile. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. |
| Cooking Oil | Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, to ensure the steak sears properly without burning. Avoid using olive oil, as it can smoke at high temperatures. The key is to get the pan screaming hot before adding the steak. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making This London Broil Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality London Broil at home:
- Marinate: Place the flank steak in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours). This allows the marinade to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
- Prep: Remove the steak from the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This will help it cook more evenly. Discard the marinade and pat the steak dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season both sides of the steak generously with the spice rub.
- Heat: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, until it’s very hot. Add the cooking oil and let it shimmer. The pan should sizzle immediately when the steak is added.
- Sear: Carefully place the steak in the hot pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, without moving it. This will create a beautiful, flavorful crust. If your steak is thinner than ¾ inch, cook it for closer to 2-3 minutes per side. If it’s thicker, aim for around 5 minutes per side. Adjust cooking time based on your desired level of doneness.
- Rest & Slice: Transfer the steak to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 8-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This is essential for a tender and juicy steak. Finally, slice the steak thinly against the grain on a slight diagonal. This is the key to maximizing tenderness! Serve immediately.
Choosing the Best Steak for London Broil: Flank Steak vs. Alternatives
While the term “London Broil” refers to the cooking method, selecting the right cut of steak is crucial for success. Here’s a breakdown of the best options:
- Flank Steak (Best Choice): My personal favorite! Flank steak readily absorbs marinades, cooks quickly, and slices up tender when cut against the grain. It offers the perfect balance of flavor and affordability.
- Flat Iron Steak (Second Choice): A great alternative if flank steak is unavailable. Flat iron steak is known for its rich flavor and stays tender when cooked over high heat. It’s a slightly more expensive option than flank steak, but still budget-friendly.
- Steaks Labeled “London Broil” (Not Recommended): While the name might seem fitting, these cuts are typically very large and thick, making it difficult to cook them evenly using this method. I recommend skipping them for this recipe.
Storage Tips for Leftover London Broil
London Broil is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later. Allow the steak to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftovers will keep for up to 3 days. For optimal texture, reheat gently in a skillet or oven, or enjoy cold, sliced thinly in salads or sandwiches.
More Delicious Steak Recipes to Explore
If you enjoyed this London Broil recipe, be sure to check out these other amazing steak creations:
Steak Kebabs with a Basil Sauce
Tender steak marinated and grilled on skewers, served with a fresh and flavorful basil sauce. Perfect for a summer barbecue!
Steak Fajita Recipe
Sizzling steak strips cooked with colorful bell peppers and onions, served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. A classic Mexican favorite!
Flat Iron Steak Recipe
A succulent and tender grilled flat iron steak served with a refreshing zucchini and corn salad on the side. A simple yet elegant meal.
Grilled Steak Salad Recipe
Tender grilled steak served over a bed of fresh greens with a variety of toppings. A light and healthy option.
London Broil Recipe
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London Broil Recipe
By Chelsea Lords
This London Broil Recipe has officially earned a spot on repeat at my house. The marinade is perfect and the method is easy and reliable.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Marinating Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 21 minutes
Servings: 2-4 servings (more when served with sides!)
Equipment
- Large pan
Ingredients
- ▢ 1/4 cup olive oil
- ▢ 2 cloves garlic coarsely chopped
- ▢ 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ▢ 1/4 cup honey
- ▢ 1/4 cup soy sauce
- ▢ 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- ▢ 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- ▢ 1-1/2 up to 2 pounds flank steak see note 1
Meat Rub
- ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- ▢ 1/4 teaspoon pepper
For Cooking
- ▢ 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil
Instructions
- Combine the first 7 ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth. Add the flank steak to a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag, pressing out excess air, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
- Remove the steak from the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking so it is not cold.
- Discard the marinade. Pat the steak very dry with paper towels. A dry surface helps it sear better. Mix the rub ingredients and sprinkle evenly over both sides of the steak.
- Set a cast iron skillet or other heavy pan over medium high heat for about 3 minutes until very hot. Add the oil and let it shimmer. The pan should sizzle as soon as the steak hits.
- Lay the flank steak in the pan and do not move it for 3 to 4 minutes to build a deep brown crust. Flip and cook the second side for another 3 to 4 minutes. If the steak is thinner than 3/4 inch, cook closer to 2 to 3 minutes per side. If thicker, go closer to 5 minutes per side.
- For best results, use a meat thermometer. Pull the steak at 125 to 130°F for medium rare. If you do not have a thermometer, check by feel. Press the center gently. Very soft means rare. Soft with a little spring means medium rare. Firmer with less give means medium. Flank steak is best cooked medium rare to medium. Cooking it more than that will make it tough.
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 8 to 10 minutes so the juices redistribute.
- Look for the long muscle lines running across the steak. Turn the steak and slice thin across those lines, not along them. Slice on a slight diagonal. This step is very important for tender steak.
Final step! Please let us know how it was by leaving a review.
Recipe Notes
Note 1: London broil refers to the cooking method, not the cut of meat. I have tested this method with many cuts, and flank steak is my hands down favorite for the best flavor and most reliable results. A thin flat iron steak is a great second option.
Storage: For best results, enjoy this London Broil Recipe fresh. Leftovers should be cooled completely, stored in an airtight container, and used within 3 days. Serve reheated gently or sliced thin and cold.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 536kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 1570mg | Potassium: 757mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 84IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Your London Broil
Classic Sides: Enjoy your thinly sliced London Broil with classic side dishes such as potatoes or rice. A fresh garden salad or a simple roasted vegetable are also excellent choices.
Creative Leftover Uses: Transform leftovers into exciting new meals! Use sliced London Broil in fajitas, steak bowls, salads, wraps, tacos, or sandwiches. It’s incredibly versatile and adds a delicious protein boost to any dish.