Perfect London Broil: Your Guide to a Tender, Flavorful & Budget-Friendly Steak Recipe

If you’re searching for a steak that consistently delivers tenderness and rich flavor without stretching your budget, London Broil is your answer. Despite its somewhat misleading British-sounding name, this culinary classic boasts proud American origins. It’s traditionally prepared using lean and robust cuts like flank steak or top round, which are known for absorbing marinades beautifully and offering a satisfying texture when cooked correctly.

The secret to an exceptional London Broil lies in an overnight marinade. A simple yet powerful blend of ingredients such as vinegar (white or balsamic), soy sauce, fresh garlic, a dash of salt and pepper, and a touch of olive oil works wonders. This mixture not only infuses the meat with a burst of savory flavor but also acts as a tenderizer, ensuring every bite is succulent. This delectable main course is also a fantastic addition to your meal plan, counting among our many Weight Watchers dinner recipes that are both satisfying and smart.

What Exactly is London Broil? Unraveling the Mystery

The term “London Broil” can be a bit confusing. Historically, it referred to a method of cooking (broiling) rather than a specific cut of beef. Over time, it evolved to commonly designate prepared flank steak or top round steak that has been marinated and then broiled or grilled to perfection, usually served thinly sliced against the grain. This method makes less tender, affordable cuts remarkably palatable and delicious. It’s a testament to how proper preparation can elevate simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.

Originating in the United States, London Broil gained popularity for its ability to transform tougher cuts of meat into a tender and flavorful meal. Its versatility and relatively low cost make it a staple in many households, offering a satisfying steak dinner without the hefty price tag associated with prime cuts.

Why This London Broil Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

There are numerous compelling reasons to incorporate this London Broil recipe into your regular meal rotation. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a smart culinary choice that balances taste, cost, and convenience.

1. Great Taste on a Budget: Affordable Elegance

   London Broil is a brilliant example of how simple culinary techniques can elevate an inexpensive cut of meat into something truly special. By utilizing flank steak or top round, you can enjoy a luxurious-tasting steak dinner without breaking the bank. The magic lies in the marination and precise cooking, which together transform these lean cuts into a remarkably tender and flavorful experience that feels far more extravagant than its cost suggests.

2. Quick and Convenient: Effortless Weeknight Dinners

   Beyond the marinating time—which is mostly hands-off—the actual cooking process for this London Broil recipe is incredibly fast. From start to finish, the cooking takes less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade, hearty meal but are short on time. The simplicity of the steps ensures a stress-free cooking experience.

3. A Crowd-Pleaser: Impress with Minimal Effort

   This London Broil recipe consistently wins over even the most discerning steak enthusiasts. My husband, a self-proclaimed steak connoisseur, considers this one of his absolute favorites. It’s a guaranteed hit if you’re looking to impress family or guests with a dish that tastes complex and rich but requires surprisingly little effort on your part. Its universal appeal makes it perfect for any gathering.

Before diving into the full recipe, here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

Servings: 4

Serving Size: Approximately 200 g (7 oz) of cooked steak

Prep Time: 15 minutes (active time, plus a minimum of 4 hours marinating time, ideally overnight)

Cook Time: 10-14 minutes

Weight Watchers Points: 8 WW Points Per Serving. You can find and track this recipe on the WW Apphere (WW login required).

Ingredients: What You’ll Need for a Perfect London Broil

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards a successful London Broil. This recipe uses simple, accessible items that come together to create a powerful flavor profile and tender texture.

• Flank Steak: 1.5 lbs (680 g) flank steak, trimmed of any excess fat. Choose a fresh cut for the best results.
• Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml). Provides a savory, umami depth that complements the beef beautifully.
• Fresh Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Essential for a pungent, aromatic flavor base.
• Salt: 1/2 tsp. Balances the flavors and helps penetrate the meat.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp. Adds a subtle kick and classic seasoning.
• Paprika: 1/2 tsp. Contributes a mild, sweet peppery note and a lovely color to the steak.
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml). Helps distribute flavors and promotes browning during cooking.
• Vinegar: 2 tbsp (30 ml) – Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar are highly recommended. The acid in vinegar is crucial for tenderizing the meat fibers.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook London Broil Like a Pro

Follow these detailed instructions to ensure your London Broil turns out incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor every single time.

1. Tenderize the Meat for Maximum Tenderness

   Begin by preparing your flank steak. Place the steak on a clean cutting board. Using a meat tenderizer, gently but firmly pound the entire surface of the steak. This physical tenderizing process helps to break down the tough muscle fibers, ensuring a more tender steak. It also creates tiny channels that allow the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat, boosting both flavor and texture significantly.

2. Craft the Flavor-Packed Marinade

   In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, olive oil, and your chosen vinegar (apple cider or balsamic). Whisk everything together thoroughly until all components are well integrated. This creates the flavor foundation for your steak.

3. Marinate the Steak for Deep Flavor

   Transfer the tenderized flank steak into a shallow dish or a durable, resealable plastic bag. Pour the freshly prepared marinade over the steak, ensuring it is completely and evenly coated on both sides. If using a dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent air exposure. Place the steak in the refrigerator to marinate. For optimal flavor and tenderness, marinate for a minimum of 4 hours, though ideally, allow it to soak overnight (8-12 hours).

4. Preheat Your Cooking Appliance

   When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven’s broiler on high. Position the oven rack approximately 4-6 inches from the heat source. If you prefer grilling, heat a heavy-bottomed grill pan or an outdoor grill over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. You should hear a distinct sizzle if you sprinkle a few drops of water onto the cooking surface, indicating it’s ready for searing.

5. Broil or Grill the Steak to Perfection

   Carefully remove the steak from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place the steak directly onto the preheated broiler pan or grill pan. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes per side for a medium-rare doneness (internal temperature reaching about 130°F or 54°C). For a medium steak, you might cook it slightly longer (135°F or 57°C). It’s crucial to avoid overcooking flank steak, as it can quickly become tough and dry past medium doneness.

6. Rest and Slice Against the Grain

   Once cooked to your desired doneness, transfer the London Broil to a clean cutting board. Crucially, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is vital as it allows the internal juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a significantly juicier and more flavorful steak. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain—the direction perpendicular to the muscle fibers. This technique shortens the fibers, ensuring the most tender bite possible.

Cooking Methods: Broiling vs. Grilling London Broil

While the recipe specifically calls for broiling, London Broil can be excellently prepared using a hot grill. Both methods achieve a fantastic sear and cook the steak quickly.

• Broiling: This method uses direct, intense heat from above, similar to an upside-down grill. It’s excellent for achieving a nice char and cooking the steak evenly. Ensure your oven rack is close enough to the heating element for effective searing.
• Grilling: If you have an outdoor grill or a cast-iron grill pan, this is another superb option. The high heat of grilling creates beautiful grill marks and adds a smoky flavor dimension. Make sure the grill is preheated to a high temperature before placing the steak to achieve that perfect crust.

Whichever method you choose, the key is high heat and quick cooking to prevent the lean meat from drying out and becoming tough. A meat thermometer is your best friend here to hit that perfect medium-rare or medium doneness.

London Broil Variations and Substitutions: Get Creative!

One of the most appealing aspects of London Broil is its incredible flexibility. You can easily adjust ingredients to match your personal preferences, dietary needs, or what you simply have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and accompaniments!

1. Choice of Meat: Beyond Flank Steak

   While flank steak is the traditional and highly recommended cut for London Broil, several other lean cuts can be used with equally delicious results. Consider top round, sirloin, or skirt steak as excellent alternatives. These cuts share a similar lean texture and absorb marinades exceptionally well. Regardless of your choice, remember the golden rule: always slice the cooked steak thinly against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and a delightful eating experience.

2. Marinade Adjustments: Unleash Your Inner Chef

   The basic marinade typically features an acid (like wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or apple cider vinegar) to tenderize, oil to encourage browning, and essential salt and pepper for seasoning. However, this is just a starting point! Feel free to mix and match various spices to create unique flavor profiles. Experiment with global influences by adding cumin, oregano, or thyme for a Mediterranean touch, or a pinch of allspice for something warmer. Beyond spices, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or even a bit of red wine can add incredible depth and complexity to the marinade without overwhelming the natural beef flavor.

3. Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings

   London Broil is incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. It pairs wonderfully with a wide array of accompaniments, from comforting classics to lighter, fresher options. For a low-carb alternative, mashed cauliflower is a fantastic substitute for traditional mashed potatoes. Grilled vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini make for a vibrant and healthy addition. If you’re aiming for a lighter meal, a crisp, fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. To elevate the flavor even further, consider serving your London Broil with a dollop of creamy horseradish sauce or a vibrant chimichurri on the side, offering an extra burst of zest and herbaceous notes.

Expert Tips for a Flawless London Broil Every Time

Achieving a consistently perfect London Broil is easy when you know a few key secrets. These expert tips will help ensure your steak is tender, juicy, and flavorful, leaving everyone wanting more.

1. Maximize Marinade Power: Don’t Rush It

   The longer the marinating time, the better the results. Ideally, you want to allow the flank steak to soak in the flavorful marinade overnight, or for at least 8-12 hours. This extended period gives the acid and flavors ample time to penetrate deeply into the meat fibers, maximizing both tenderness and taste. Resist the urge to shorten this crucial step.

2. The Tenderizing Secret: Pound It Out

   If you own a meat tenderizer (a mallet with a textured surface), make it your best friend for this recipe. Before marinating, gently pound the steak across its entire surface. This process mechanically breaks down tougher muscle fibers and creates tiny indentations, which allows the marinade to absorb even more effectively, significantly enhancing the tenderness and overall flavor of the final dish.

3. Achieving the Perfect Sear: Heat is Key

   Always ensure your grill or broiler is preheated to a scorching hot temperature before you place the steak on it. High heat is essential for quickly searing the outside of the steak, forming a delicious crust that locks in the precious juices. To test if your cooking surface is hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water on it; they should sizzle and evaporate almost immediately.

4. Temperature Matters: Time it Carefully

   Flank steak cooks relatively quickly due to its lean nature. For thinner steaks, typically weighing less than 1.3 pounds (600 g), about 3-5 minutes per side under a hot broiler or on a grill is usually sufficient for medium-rare. For larger or thicker pieces, you might need up to 7 minutes per side. However, continuously monitor the steak with a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking. Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare to medium, as going past this can result in a tough, dry steak.

5. The Art of Resting and Slicing: Crucial for Juiciness

   Once your London Broil is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest undisturbed for 5-10 minutes. This critical resting period allows the meat’s internal juices, which have been pushed to the center during cooking, to redistribute throughout the entire steak. The result is a uniformly juicy and tender slice every time. After resting, remember to slice the steak thinly against the grain (perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers) to shorten those fibers and provide the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Storage and Reheating London Broil

Cooked London Broil can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results when reheating, slice the steak if you haven’t already. Gently warm slices in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying. You can also reheat it briefly in the oven at a low temperature (around 275°F or 135°C) until just warm, covered with foil, to maintain moisture. Avoid high heat and prolonged reheating, as this can make the steak tough.

Frequently Asked Questions About London Broil

• Can I use a different type of vinegar? Yes, you can experiment with red wine vinegar, sherry vinegar, or even lemon juice for the acidic component in your marinade.
• How do I know when the steak is done? The most accurate way is to use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C); for medium, 135-140°F (57-60°C).
• What if I don’t have a meat tenderizer? You can use the blunt side of a heavy pan or a rolling pin to gently pound the steak and break down the fibers.
• Can I marinate for longer than overnight? While overnight is ideal, marinating for up to 24 hours is generally safe. Beyond that, the acid in the marinade can start to “cook” the meat, changing its texture.