There’s something extraordinary about the way marinated flank steak transforms into a tender, flavorful dish known as London Broil. The first time I tried my hand at this recipe, I was simply looking for a fresh way to revitalize my dinner table. Little did I know, I’d stumble upon a culinary treasure that would become a family favorite.
Imagine the sizzle of high heat as you slide that marinated steak under the broiler, a few minutes away from a juicy masterpiece. The sweet and tangy notes of balsamic vinegar and soy sauce blend seamlessly, each bite bursting with flavor that defies its simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a casual weekend get-together or just looking to elevate a weeknight meal, this dish promises both elegance and ease.
Plus, you’ll be thrilled to learn that it requires minimal prep time and can serve a crowd, making it perfect for busy nights when you want to impress. So grab your meat mallet and let’s dive into this around-the-table favorite; I promise it’s worth every minute of marinating!
Why is London Broil a must-try?
Simplicity at its finest: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
Flavor explosion: The marinade brings together sweet, tangy, and savory elements that really elevate the meat, making each bite unforgettable.
Impressive serving size: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, one roast can feed 8 to 10 people without breaking a sweat.
Quick turnaround: With only 10 minutes of prep and a total of 25 minutes to the plate, you’ll have dinner ready in no time—even with marinating!
Herb butter bonus: The lush herb butter adds a gourmet touch that everyone will love; it’s an easy way to impress guests.
You’ll appreciate this flavorful dish, especially when you’re bored of fast food. If you’re looking for more ways to spice up your meals, check out my tips on creating perfect marinades.
London Broil Ingredients
For the Marinade
• Flank steak – Aim for 1 ½ to 2 ½ pounds for juicy results.
• Olive oil – 1/2 cup adds richness without overpowering the meat.
• Reduced sodium soy sauce – 1/3 cup enhances umami while keeping it heart-friendly.
• Balsamic vinegar – 1/4 cup brings a delightful tang and depth of flavor.
• Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons brighten up the marinade.
• Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons balance the acidity with a hint of sweetness.
• Worcestershire sauce – 1 1/2 tablespoons amps up savory notes.
• Dijon mustard – 1 tablespoon adds a subtle kick to the marinade.
• Onion powder – 1 tablespoon for a mellow, sweet onion flavor.
• Garlic powder – 1 tablespoon ensures every bite is infused with aromatic goodness.
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon introduces a smoky depth.
• Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon lends an Italian twist.
• Dried parsley – 1 teaspoon adds herbal freshness.
• Dried basil – 1 teaspoon enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Pepper – 1 teaspoon for a touch of heat.
• Dried thyme – 1/2 teaspoon contributes earthiness.
• Dried rosemary – 1/2 teaspoon offers aromatic flavor.
• Salt – 1/2 teaspoon brings out all the flavors.
• Red pepper flakes (optional) – 1/2 teaspoon for those who love a spicy kick.
For the Herb Butter
• Unsalted butter – 8 tablespoons (1 stick) for a creamy, rich base.
• Lemon zest – 1 1/2 teaspoons brightens the butter with citrus notes.
• Garlic – 1 clove, finely minced, infuses a bold garlic flavor.
• Chopped fresh chives – 1 1/2 tablespoons for a fresh, onion-like taste.
• Finely minced herbs – 2 tablespoons (choose 2-3 of your favorites, like parsley, tarragon, and thyme) to personalize your herb butter.
• Salt – 1/8 teaspoon to season the butter perfectly.
• Pepper – 1/8 teaspoon for a finishing touch of warmth.
This delightful combination of ingredients will elevate your London Broil experience, turning a simple meal into a culinary celebration.
How to Make London Broil
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Pound the flank steak with a meat mallet or the side of a can until it’s about 1 inch thick. This tenderizes the meat, ensuring that it absorbs all that delicious marinade flavor.
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Whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a freezer-size Ziploc bag. Don’t forget to reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade for later use to drizzle over the finished steak.
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Add the steak to the bag, press out the excess air, and seal it tightly. Massage the marinade into the steak through the bag for about a minute, making sure it’s well-coated.
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Marinate the steak in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or up to 12 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavor it will soak up!
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Remove the steak from the marinade and place it in a foil-lined baking dish. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes while you preheat your broiler.
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Preheat the broiler to high heat (550°F) for 10 minutes. This ensures that your steak develops a beautiful sear when it’s cooking.
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Broil the steak 6 inches away from the broiler for 5-7 minutes per side. Use an internal thermometer to check for 130-135°F for medium rare or 140-145°F for medium.
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Remove the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps to lock in those juicy flavors as you carve it.
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Slice the steak into strips across the grain. Drizzle those reserved 2 tablespoons of marinade over the top and serve with your delightful herb butter.
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To make the Herb Butter, mash all the ingredients together in a medium bowl until blended. Transfer to plastic wrap, form into a log, and place it in the fridge until firm (about 1 hour) or ready to use.
Optional: Try adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for London Broil
Tenderizing Tip: Use a hefty meat mallet or a can to pound the flank steak, making it absorb the marinade better and enhancing tenderness.
Marinating Time: Aim for a minimum of 4 hours, but leave it up to 12 hours for maximum flavor absorption in your London Broil.
Slicing Technique: Always slice the steak against the grain; this ensures each piece is tender and easy to chew, maximizing your enjoyment.
Thermometer Check: Invest in an instant-read thermometer to get your steak to the perfect doneness without second-guessing.
Resting Matters: Letting the steak rest for 10 minutes post-broiling allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
By following these tips, you’ll create a mouthwatering London Broil that your family will love!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing London Broil in advance is a meal prep dream come true! You can marinate the flank steak up to 12 hours ahead of time, letting the flavors infuse deeply—perfect for busy schedules. Simply follow the steps to prepare the marinade, add the steak to the bag, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. For the herb butter, you can mix and form the log up to 3 days in advance; just keep it wrapped in the refrigerator for the freshest flavor. When it’s time to serve, broil the marinated steak and slice through the grain to ensure that each piece is just as delicious as if you had cooked it fresh that day!
How to Store and Freeze London Broil
Fridge: Store leftover London Broil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its flavor and tenderness.
Freezer: If you want to savor it later, wrap the cooled steak tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen London Broil in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Marinade Storage: If you have leftover marinade, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days; just remember not to reuse it unless it has been cooked!
London Broil Variations
Feel free to make this London Broil recipe your own with these delightful twists.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil in the herb butter recipe for a lighter, plant-based option.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for a fiery flavor that will tingle your taste buds.
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Herb Blend: Experiment with different fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to bring a fresh twist to your herb butter, creating an exciting flavor profile.
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Citrus Twist: Swap lemon juice for fresh orange juice in the marinade for a bright, zesty contrast that enhances the meat’s natural flavors.
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Smoky Flavor: Incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika in place of regular paprika for an extra layer of depth and warmth in your dish.
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Umami Boost: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a sweet and savory punch, making every bite more delectable than the last.
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Garlic Lovers: Include 2 additional cloves of minced garlic in the marinade for those who love a more pronounced garlic flavor.
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Asian Flair: Toss in a tablespoon of sesame oil in the marinade to give your London Broil a tasty Asian-inspired twist that pairs perfectly with rice or stir-fried veggies.
What to Serve with London Broil?
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of crafting a flavorful meal around a beautifully broiled steak, enticing your senses with every bite.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness of mashed potatoes perfectly complements the savory flavors of the steak, creating a comforting plate.
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Grilled Asparagus: Charred to perfection, asparagus adds a fresh crunch that balances the tenderness of London Broil beautifully.
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Garden Salad: A light salad with crisp greens and tangy dressing refreshes the palate, making each bite of steak more enjoyable.
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Roasted Root Vegetables: Sweet, caramelized veggies like carrots and parsnips add a lovely earthy note, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
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Garlic Bread: This crispy, buttery delight is perfect for soaking up any juices left on your plate, creating a heavenly bite of flavor.
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Red Wine: A glass of bold red complements the rich flavors of the steak and mimics its depth, enhancing the dinner experience.
Elevate your meal with these delightful pairings, and let your family enjoy a dinner that feels both satisfying and inspired!
London Broil Recipe FAQs
What type of flank steak should I choose for London Broil?
Absolutely! Look for flank steak that’s bright red with no dark spots. Aim for a cut that’s about 1 ½ to 2 ½ pounds for the best results. This will ensure you have enough meat to serve a generous portion for your gathering.
How should I store leftover London Broil?
After enjoying your delicious London Broil, remember to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep it fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor that wonderful flavor a little longer!
Can I freeze London Broil for later use?
Absolutely! If you want to save it for later, let the steak cool completely after cooking. Then, wrap it tightly in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
How do I reheat frozen London Broil safely?
To reheat, please follow these steps: First, thaw the London Broil in the refrigerator overnight. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the steak in an oven-safe dish covered with foil to retain moisture. Heat for approximately 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Can I use the leftover marinade?
Great question! If you’ve reserved some marinade before adding it to the raw steak, you can certainly use it—just make sure to cook it thoroughly. If not, any leftover marinade should be discarded after use for food safety.
Is London Broil safe for pets?
While it may be tempting to share, seasoned London Broil is not safe for pets due to ingredients like garlic and onion. Always check with your vet before sharing table scraps with furry friends!
What if I find my steak is tough after cooking?
Very! If your meat turns out tougher than expected, it could be due to slicing against the grain. Ensure to slice perpendicular to the muscle fibers to achieve tenderness. If it’s still tough, it may not have marinated long enough; aim for a minimum of 4 hours next time.
Savory London Broil with Herb Butter in 25 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pound the flank steak with a meat mallet or the side of a can until it's about 1 inch thick.
- Whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a freezer-size Ziploc bag. Reserve 2 tablespoons for later use.
- Add the steak to the bag, press out excess air, and seal tightly. Massage the marinade into the steak for about a minute.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or up to 12 hours.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and place in a foil-lined baking dish. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes while preheating your broiler.
- Preheat the broiler to high heat (550°F) for 10 minutes.
- Broil the steak 6 inches away from the broiler for 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the steak into strips across the grain. Drizzle reserved marinade over top and serve with herb butter.
- To make the Herb Butter, mash all the ingredients together until blended and form into a log. Refrigerate until firm.