Best London Broil Recipes: Marinating, Grilling, and Serving Ideas
Explore the bold flavors and techniques for preparing London Broil with inventive marinades, expert grilling tips, and unique serving suggestions.
London Broil Recipes: Marinating, Grilling, and Serving Tips
London Broil holds a special place in the world of hearty, flavorful beef dishes. Known for its bold taste and adaptability, this classic cut is favored by grilling enthusiasts and home cooks alike. Whether you’re looking for simple seasoning or a creative twist with vibrant marinades, London Broil offers a canvas for exciting flavor experiments. In this comprehensive guide, we explore essential techniques, top recipes, and expert advice to help you achieve perfect results every time.
What Is London Broil?
London Broil does not refer to a specific cut of beef but rather a method of preparation and cooking. Traditionally, it involves marinating, broiling, grilling, or pan-searing a thick, lean steak—most often top round or flank steak—and slicing it thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Common Cuts: Top round, flank steak, or sirloin.
- Preparation: Typically marinated to add flavor and improve tenderness.
- Cooking Method: Quick high-heat grilling or broiling.
- Serving: Thinly sliced across the grain for optimal texture.
Essential Tips for the Perfect London Broil
Mastering London Broil requires a blend of proper marination, quick high-heat cooking, and correct slicing. Below are the key tips followed by seasoned cooks:
- Marinate in advance: At least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Bring to room temperature: Before grilling, let the steak rest at room temp for even cooking.
- Grill or broil quickly: Use high heat for a beautifully charred exterior and juicy interior.
- Rest before slicing: Allow the steak to rest 5–10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Slice thinly, against the grain: This helps break down muscle fibers, making each bite tender.
Classic and Innovative London Broil Marinades
The marinade is crucial for both flavor and tenderness in London Broil. Here are some trusted favorites and bold new ideas:
- Traditional Marinade: Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and cracked black pepper.
- Balsamic Herbed Blend: Balsamic vinegar, fresh rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
- Asian-Inspired: Ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, scallions, and a hint of brown sugar.
- Spicy Chimichurri: Red wine vinegar, parsley, garlic, chili flakes, and olive oil for South American zing.
Marinade Recipe Table
| Marinade Style | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Soy sauce, Worcestershire, garlic, lemon | Savory, tangy, aromatic |
| Balsamic Herb | Balsamic vinegar, rosemary, Dijon | Herbaceous, sweet, slightly acidic |
| Asian | Ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce | Umami, sweet, spicy |
| Chimichurri | Parsley, red wine vinegar, chili flakes | Bright, spicy, herbal |
Top 8 Must-Try London Broil Recipes
We’ve gathered a range of London Broil recipes, from foundational approaches to creative updates that showcase new schools of flavor. Each option offers something unique for home cooks looking to take their steak game to the next level.
1. Classic Grilled London Broil
This recipe celebrates the basics—an uncomplicated marinade, high-heat grilling, and thin, juicy slices served with fresh herbs or a dollop of compound butter.
- Marinate steak overnight in olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, lemon, and pepper.
- Preheat the grill to high heat. Grill steak 4–6 minutes per side, aiming for medium-rare.
- Rest 5 minutes before thin slicing.
- Serve with a squeeze of lemon and chopped fresh parsley.
2. Sunny Anderson’s Grilled London Broil and Portobello Mushrooms
Sunny Anderson elevates the dish by pairing grilled steak with umami-packed portobello mushrooms and a lush compound butter, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Sauté a wild blend of mushrooms, season, and create a flavor-packed butter with garlic, ginger, red chile flakes, and lemon zest.
- Half of this compound butter is reserved to marinade the steak for at least 4 hours.
- Grill the marinated steak over high heat, searing each side for 6 minutes.
- Serve sliced London Broil with quartered grilled portobellos and dollops of the remaining butter for a luxurious presentation.
3. Balsamic-Marinated London Broil
A deeply flavorful and slightly tangy alternative, this marinade emphasizes depth with balsamic vinegar, aromatic herbs, and Dijon mustard.
- Combine balsamic vinegar, Dijon, rosemary, garlic, olive oil, and black pepper for a marinade.
- Soak steak 6–12 hours.
- Grill or broil 5–7 minutes per side, rest, and slice thinly.
- Serve garnished with fresh rosemary.
4. Asian-Inspired Soy-Ginger London Broil
This fusion recipe brings warmth and mild sweetness, featuring ginger, soy, sesame oil, and green onions for bold flavor contrasts.
- Marinate steak with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, scallions, sesame oil, and brown sugar for at least 4 hours.
- Grill over medium-high heat and finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
5. London Broil with Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri, the classic Argentine condiment, brings an herbaceous heat to the steak. Its vinegar and chili notes cut through the rich beef, invigorating every bite.
- Marinate steak in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and cumin overnight.
- Grill to desired doneness, then slice and drizzle generously with homemade chimichurri.
6. Sheet Pan London Broil with Roasted Vegetables
For those who crave efficiency, the sheet pan version is a one-stop meal. Steak and a medley of vegetables roast together, making cleanup a breeze.
- Marinate steak, lay on a sheet pan with cut carrots, potatoes, and onions.
- Roast at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, let rest, then slice steak thinly.
- Add a final drizzle of marinade reduction for enhanced flavor.
7. London Broil Steak Salad
A lighter take, steak salad serves thin slices of marinated, grilled steak on a bed of greens, cherry tomatoes, and pickled red onions, topped with a creamy horseradish dressing.
- Prepare and grill steak as in the classic method.
- Slice thinly and serve over mixed greens, add vinaigrette and rustic bread.
8. Open-Faced London Broil Sandwiches
A hearty sandwich variant, perfect for leftovers. Creamy horseradish, arugula, and roasted bell peppers come together over artisan bread, layered with slices of juicy steak.
- Layer grilled steak on toasted rustic bread with horseradish cream.
- Add fresh greens and thinly sliced peppers for texture and spice.
Side Dishes that Shine with London Broil
A well-cooked London Broil shines even brighter when served with carefully chosen accompaniments. These sides complement the steak’s robust flavors:
- Roasted root vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness.
- Grilled asparagus or green beans: Adds crunch and color to the plate.
- Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery perfection for rich contrast.
- Classic Caesar or mixed green salad: Brightness cuts through savory steak.
- Baguette or crusty sourdough: The perfect vehicle for steak juices.
Expert Grilling Tips for London Broil
- Direct vs. Indirect Heat: Start the steak on direct heat to sear, then finish over indirect heat for even doneness without burning.
- Internal Temperature Guide: Aim for 130–135°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium. Avoid overcooking, as the steak is lean and can become tough.
- Charcoal or Gas: Both methods work—charcoal adds a smokier flavor, gas offers precise temperature control.
Grilling Time Table
| Thickness | Time Per Side | Doneness (Internal Temp) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 5-6 min | Medium-rare (130ºF) |
| 1.5 inches | 7-8 min | Medium (140ºF) |
| 2 inches | 9-10 min | Medium-well (150ºF) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best marinade for London Broil?
A: A marinade with acidic ingredients (like vinegar, lemon juice, or Worcestershire sauce), olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs tenderizes the meat and imparts rich flavor. Asian and herbed variations provide interesting alternatives.
Q: How do I slice London Broil for the best texture?
A: Always slice thinly against the grain. This shortens muscle fibers and yields the most tender bite.
Q: Can I cook London Broil in the oven instead of on a grill?
A: Yes. Use your oven’s broiler for similar high-heat cooking, or roast on a sheet pan at a high temperature for a slightly softer exterior.
Q: What is the recommended internal temperature for safe and juicy steak?
A: For juicy, tender steak, remove from heat at 130–135ºF for medium-rare and let it rest before slicing.
Q: Are there any gluten-free marinades for London Broil?
A: Absolutely! Use tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative), fresh herbs, citrus, and spices for gluten-free options.
Q: How far ahead can I marinate London Broil?
A: Six to twelve hours is ideal. Avoid more than 24 hours to prevent mushy texture from acidic marinades.
London Broil vs. Other Steak Cuts
| Cut | Tenderness | Flavor | Typical Cooking |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Broil (Top round or flank) | Moderate (best marinated) | Beefy, robust | Quick grill, broil, pan-sear |
| Ribeye | Very tender (more fat) | Rich, well-marbled | Grill, pan-sear |
| Sirloin | Moderately tender | Lean, beefy | Grill, pan-sear |
| Filet Mignon | Extremely tender | Mild | Quick sear, grill |
Creative London Broil Leftovers
Don’t let your perfectly cooked steak go to waste. Try these inventive ways to use leftovers:
- Steak and eggs: Sauté steak slices and top with poached or fried eggs for brunch.
- Steak tacos: Warm slices in a skillet and serve in tortillas with salsa, avocado, and pickled onions.
- Stir-fry: Use strips of steak with your favorite vegetables for a quick dinner.
- Grain bowls: Layer steak over rice or quinoa with roasted vegetables and a zesty sauce.
Pro Tips for Serving and Presentation
- Rest before slicing: Always rest steak at least 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Presentation matters: Arrange slices neatly on a platter, fan out for visual appeal, and garnish with herbs or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt.
- Serve with sauce: Chimichurri, horseradish cream, or herbed compound butter add the finishing touch.
Conclusion
London Broil is a universal favorite for its versatility, robust flavor, and impressive presentation. With a variety of marinades, expert grilling tips, and creative serving ideas, you can turn this lean and affordable cut into a truly memorable centerpiece for any meal. Experiment with bold seasonings, pair with crisp sides, and enjoy the endless possibilities of London Broil—your taste buds will thank you!
