Picture this: a beautifully marbled cut of beef, seared to perfection, then sliced thin to reveal juicy, tender meat. That’s the magic of a London broil made in the oven, and it’s a dish that never fails to impress. This recipe stands out for its ability to deliver a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Its savory flavor, combined with a delightful marinade, creates an experience that is both hearty and satisfying. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This London broil is a mainstay for good reason. It’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare.
- Deliciously tender and juicy when cooked correctly.
- Versatile for various sides and sauces.
- Marinates quickly, making it a great weeknight option.
- Perfect for entertaining guests without stress.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first tried making London broil in the oven, I was amazed at how simple it was. The aroma that filled my kitchen as it marinated was incredibly inviting.
As I pulled it out of the oven, the sizzling sound made my mouth water. My family gathered around the table, and the first bite confirmed that this was a recipe worth repeating.
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: London Broil
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories per Serving: 300
Equipment You Will Need
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Meat thermometer
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap or resealable bag
Ingredients for London Broil
- 2 pounds of flank steak
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Flank steak: This cut is perfect for London broil due to its flavor and texture. You can substitute with skirt steak if necessary.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the marinade. Tamari can be used for a gluten-free option.
- Red wine vinegar: Brightens the flavors in the marinade. Apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute.
How to Make London Broil
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, and oregano. This marinade infuses the meat with a savory flavor profile.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag or cover the dish, letting it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures a nice sear and helps lock in the juices.
Step 4: Remove the Steak from the Marinade
Take the steak out of the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off. This step prevents steaming and allows for better browning.
Step 5: Place in the Baking Dish
Transfer the steak to an oven-safe baking dish. Make sure it’s arranged flat, so it cooks evenly.
Step 6: Bake the Steak
Cook the steak in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).
Step 7: Rest the Steak
Once cooked, remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender bite.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Thinly slice the steak against the grain and serve. Slicing against the grain helps maintain tenderness in each bite.
Pro Tip: Always let your meat rest before slicing to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Tips for the Best London Broil
- Use a meat thermometer for precise cooking; this prevents overcooking.
- Marinate longer for more flavor, but avoid over-marinating as it can toughen the meat.
- Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution.
- Experiment with different herbs in the marinade for unique flavor combinations.
- Serve with a drizzle of the marinade (heated) for extra flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not marinating long enough; this can result in bland meat.
- Overcooking the steak; aim for medium-rare for the best texture.
- Cutting the steak with the grain; this makes it chewy instead of tender.
- Skipping the resting period; this leads to dry meat.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its rich flavors.
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed asparagus
- Fresh garden salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
Variations to Try
- Marinate with citrus juice for a zesty twist.
- Add Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami flavor.
- Top with chimichurri sauce for a fresh herb kick.
- Use a dry rub with spices instead of a marinade for a different flavor profile.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
- Low-carb/Keto: Perfect as is, just pair with low-carb veggies.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Slice the meat to help with quicker cooling.
- Keep the marinade separate to maintain moisture.
Freezer
For longer storage, freeze the sliced steak in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Use freezer bags to save space.
- Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Add a splash of beef broth for extra moisture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 36g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
This nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on exact ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of meat for London Broil?
Yes, you can use skirt steak or sirloin, but the cooking time may vary.
How long can I marinate the steak?
Marinate for at least 1 hour; up to 24 hours is ideal for maximum flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the steak a day in advance and cook it when ready.
What should I do if my steak is tough?
Make sure to slice against the grain and consider marinating longer next time.
Can I grill London broil instead?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time to suit your grill’s heat.
Final Thoughts
Making London broil in the oven is a delightful experience that yields fantastic results. I encourage you to try this recipe and savor the flavors of home-cooked goodness.
For more delicious ideas, explore a hearty baked steak recipe or a flavorful bone-in pork shoulder roast recipe. Happy cooking!
London Broil
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, and oregano.
- Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish, letting it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off.
- Transfer the steak to an oven-safe baking dish.
- Cook the steak in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes for medium-rare.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).
- Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Thinly slice the steak against the grain and serve.