Every time I think of London Broil, I can’t help but remember that time I completely overcooked it—like, leather shoe status. But when done right, it’s a symphony on a plate, a perfectly tender bite with a hint of char. It’s like finding the perfect pair of worn-in jeans—comforting, familiar, and just right.
Steps
- Prepare the marinade by mixing olive oil, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and fresh rosemary in a large zip-top bag.
- Place the beef into the marinade, seal the bag, and massage to evenly coat the meat. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but preferably up to 24 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
- Preheat your grill to 450°F (232°C) for direct heat grilling. Remove the beef from the marinade and grill it directly over the heat for 4 to 6 minutes per side, rotating regularly for even cooking.
- Once the internal temperature of the steak reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium rare, take it off the grill. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Serve the sliced London broil with a sprinkle of fresh salt and pepper for enhanced flavor, and enjoy the tender, savory beef.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds top round roast (often labeled as “London Broil”)
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3200kcal | Carbohydrates: 168g | Protein: 220g | Fat: 200g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 690mg | Sodium: 4510mg | Potassium: 4770mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 148g | Vitamin A: 594IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 25mg
FAQ
- What exactly is a London Broil?
- London broil is not a specific beef cut but rather a cooking method. It involves roasting a seasoned beef piece at high temperatures to enhance its savory taste. Usually, it refers to top round steak, which is quite tough, but can also be applied to flank, flap, or skirt steak.
- Why is marinating important for a London Broil?
- Marinating is crucial because it infuses the beef with flavor and helps tenderize the naturally tough cuts like top round steak. A good marinade, like the one described, can transform an economical cut into a flavorful dish.
- How long should I marinate my beef for the best results?
- For tougher cuts like top round, it’s recommended to marinate for at least 2 hours but ideally up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the marinade to fully penetrate the meat, enhancing both flavor and tenderness.
- What is the ideal grilling temperature and time for a London Broil?
- Preheat your grill to around 450°F for direct heat cooking. A 1-1.5 inch thick piece of beef should be grilled for about 4-6 minutes per side. Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F for medium rare.
- How should I prepare and serve London Broil after grilling?
- After grilling, let the steak rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period makes it easier to slice against the grain, resulting in tender bites. Before serving, consider adding a sprinkle of salt and pepper for additional flavor.
Tips
- Adjust Marinade Ingredients: Feel free to customize the marinade based on what you have available. Substitute vegetable oil for olive oil, use balsamic or apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar, or swap honey for brown sugar. This flexibility allows you to tailor the flavor to your liking.
- Optimal Marinating Time: For the best results, marinate the beef for at least 2 hours, but if possible, aim for a full 24 hours in the refrigerator to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness. Avoid marinating for longer than 24 hours to prevent the meat from breaking down too much.
- Monitor Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to around 450 degrees F for direct heat cooking. This high temperature helps achieve a quick cook with a delicious char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the steak to rest for about 10 minutes after grilling before slicing it. This resting period helps retain juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite. Slice against the grain for the best texture.
Equipment
- Instant-read thermometer – Essential for checking the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Grill – If you don’t already own one, a charcoal or gas grill is necessary for grilling the London broil as described in the recipe.
- Zip-top gallon bags – Useful for marinating the meat.
- Grill tongs – Helpful for rotating and managing the steak on the grill.
