Transform a simple cut of beef into a culinary masterpiece with our incredibly **easy London Broil recipe**. This dish features perfectly tender beef infused with a delightful sweet and savory marinade, quickly broiled to achieve a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Craving more exceptional beef recipes? Explore our guides for crafting a superb pan-seared ribeye steak, a comforting chopped steak, the perfect burgers, and a elegant New York strip roast with brandy au jus.
Easy London Broil: Your Guide to a Tender, Flavorful Steak
London Broil is more than just a name; it’s a promise of a delicious meal when prepared correctly. Many mistakenly believe it’s a specific cut of beef, but it actually refers to a cooking method that transforms tougher cuts like flank steak or top round into remarkably tender and flavorful dishes. Our recipe embraces this method, making it accessible for home cooks to achieve restaurant-quality results.
- Understanding London Broil: The Method, Not the Cut. Learn why this culinary technique is crucial for tenderizing lean beef, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a rich flavor profile without excessive fat. We’ll guide you through selecting the right cut for optimal tenderness.
- Unlocking Unrivaled Tenderness & Flavor. Our signature marinade is at the heart of this recipe. A harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes, it penetrates the beef fibers, breaking them down to ensure every slice is juicy and exceptionally tender. Broiled to a perfect medium-rare, the steak emerges with a beautiful crust and a succulent interior.
- Impressively Simple: Perfect for Any Occasion. Despite its gourmet appeal, this London Broil recipe is surprisingly straightforward. It’s elegant enough to impress guests at a dinner party, yet so easy that it fits seamlessly into a busy weeknight schedule. Prepare the marinade ahead of time, and dinner can be on the table in minutes.
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect London Broil
Creating an outstanding London Broil starts with a careful selection of ingredients for both the beef and its tenderizing marinade. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after balance of tenderness and robust flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Beef: The cornerstone of your London Broil. Classically, this dish is made with either a top round steak or flank steak. These cuts are lean and flavorful but can be tough if not properly tenderized. Sometimes, you’ll find beef simply labeled as “London Broil,” indicating it’s an ideal cut for this specific preparation method. Aim for a piece around 1.5 to 2 pounds for best results.
- Pineapple Juice: This isn’t just for sweetness; pineapple juice contains bromelain, a natural enzyme that acts as a powerful tenderizer. It helps to break down the tough muscle fibers in the beef, ensuring a more tender bite, while also imparting a subtle, delicious sweetness. Be sure to use canned, not fresh, pineapple juice for consistent results.
- Soy Sauce + Worcestershire Sauce: These two powerhouses are essential for building a deep, savory, and umami-rich flavor profile. Soy sauce contributes saltiness and depth, while Worcestershire sauce adds a complex, tangy, and slightly sweet undertone that enhances the beef’s natural flavors. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to better control the overall saltiness of your marinade.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is chosen for its fruity notes and its ability to help carry the fat-soluble flavors of the marinade into the meat. It also contributes to a richer mouthfeel and helps to prevent the meat from sticking during broiling.
- To Season:
- Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic foundation, adding a pungent, savory kick that is indispensable for a robust marinade.
- Dried Onion Flakes: These add a concentrated onion flavor that disperses beautifully throughout the marinade, contributing an essential savory depth. If you don’t have flakes, 2 teaspoons of onion powder can be substituted.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a hint of warmth and a subtle spicy kick. You can easily adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to increase or decrease the heat level to your personal preference, making the dish as mild or fiery as you desire.
- Oven-Safe Digital Thermometer: This is your secret weapon for achieving perfect results every time. An oven-safe digital thermometer allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your London Broil precisely, guaranteeing it’s cooked to your desired doneness (ideally medium-rare) without overcooking or undercooking. This tool ensures juicy, tender beef consistently.
Mastering London Broil: A Step-by-Step Guide
The key to an exceptionally tender and flavorful London Broil lies in proper marination. This crucial step not only infuses the beef with incredible taste but also helps to tenderize it. Ensure you allow at least 2 hours for the beef to marinate, though 8-12 hours yields the most remarkable results.
1. Preparing the Irresistible Marinade
- Begin by gathering all your marinade ingredients. In a small bowl or a shallow dish, whisk together the pineapple juice, low-sodium soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, extra virgin olive oil, finely minced garlic, dried onion flakes, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is uniform.
2. Marinating for Maximum Flavor and Tenderness
- Place your chosen cut of beef (top round or flank steak) into a large, sturdy resealable storage bag or a shallow, non-reactive dish. Carefully pour the prepared marinade over the beef, ensuring it is fully coated. Gently massage the bag or turn the beef in the dish to evenly distribute the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. For the absolute best flavor and tenderness, allow the beef to marinate for 8-12 hours, or up to 24 hours. Do not exceed 24 hours, as the tenderizing agents can begin to break down the meat too much, leading to a mushy texture.
Kristen’s Tip
While a storage bag simplifies cleanup considerably, it’s always a good practice to place the bag in a larger bowl or on a rimmed plate before refrigerating. This provides an extra layer of protection in the unlikely event of a leak, keeping your refrigerator clean.
3. Broiling to Perfection
- When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven’s broiler to high heat. Position an oven rack about 4-5 inches away from the broiler element (flame). Carefully remove the beef from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade; it should not be reused. Place the marinated beef onto a rimmed baking sheet or a broiler pan.
- Transfer the baking sheet with the beef into the preheated oven. Broil for 5 minutes on the first side. Carefully remove the pan, flip the beef, and return it to the oven. Continue broiling for another 3-4 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 130-132°F (54-56°C) is reached for a perfect medium-rare doneness. Using an oven-safe digital thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the beef is highly recommended to ensure accuracy.
Alternative Cooking Method: Grilling
While broiling is the traditional method for London Broil, grilling offers a fantastic alternative, especially during warmer months. If you prefer to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the beef from the marinade and grill for 7-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). The smoky char from grilling adds another layer of incredible flavor.
4. The Crucial Resting and Slicing
- After broiling, immediately remove the London Broil from the oven and transfer it to a clean cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil. This resting period, lasting for 10 minutes, is absolutely critical. It allows the juices within the meat to redistribute evenly throughout the steak, ensuring every single bite is incredibly juicy and tender. Skipping this step often results in dry, less flavorful beef. While resting, the internal temperature will continue to rise by a few degrees (known as carryover cooking), reaching around 135°F (57°C).
- Once rested, it’s time to slice your London Broil. This step is as important as marinating for achieving maximum tenderness. Always cut the London Broil against the grain into very thin slices. To identify the grain, look for the long, parallel lines of muscle fibers running down the meat. Slice perpendicular to these lines. Cutting against the grain shortens these fibers, making the beef much easier to chew and enjoy. Serve immediately to savor its optimal flavor and texture.
Tips for Unforgettable London Broil
- Embrace the Marinade – Don’t Skip It! The marinade is the heart and soul of this recipe. For flavorful and tender London Broil, you absolutely must marinate the beef for at least 2 hours. The enzymes in the pineapple juice and the acids in the soy and Worcestershire sauces work together to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Respect Marinating Times: Not Too Long, Not Too Short. While marinating is essential, there’s a sweet spot. Do not marinate longer than 24 hours. Beyond this timeframe, the powerful tenderizing action of the pineapple juice can begin to break down the beef too much, leading to a mushy, undesirable texture. Aim for the optimal 8-12 hour window.
- Achieve Medium-Rare Perfection. London Broil is unequivocally best served medium-rare, or an internal temperature between 130-135°F (54-57°C). Because it’s a lean cut, cooking it any longer will dry out the beef and make it tough. Trust the thermometer!
- Invest in an Oven-Safe Digital Thermometer. This tool is non-negotiable for consistently perfect results. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the steak before broiling and set the alarm for 130-132°F (54-56°C). Remember, the temperature will rise slightly during resting, reaching the ideal 135°F (57°C). This precision eliminates guesswork and prevents overcooking. You can find a reliable oven-safe digital thermometer online or at most kitchen stores.
- Pat Your Beef Dry Before Broiling. For the best sear and a beautiful caramelized crust, ensure your marinated beef is patted thoroughly dry with paper towels before placing it under the broiler. Excess moisture will steam the meat instead of searing it, preventing that delicious exterior.
Elevate Your Meal: Delicious Serving Suggestions for London Broil
London Broil is incredibly versatile, making it an impressive centerpiece for a formal entrée or a flavorful addition to casual dishes. Its rich flavor pairs beautifully with a wide array of sides. Let these suggestions spark your culinary creativity:
- For a Hearty Family Dinner: Serve tender, sliced London Broil alongside classic comfort foods like fluffy parsley potatoes or light and flavorful orzo rice. Complement with a vibrant mandarin orange salad for a complete meal that even picky eaters will enjoy!
- For an Intimate Date Night: Create an inexpensive yet elegant date night at home. Pair London Broil with crispy smashed baby potatoes or a savory mushroom rice pilaf. Add a side of delicate green beans almondine for a truly special experience.
- As a Protein-Packed Salad Topping: Transform your salad into a robust meal by adding thinly sliced London Broil. It’s an exceptional addition to an Asian noodle salad or can be used as a flavorful substitute for chicken in a zesty southwest Cobb salad with cilantro lime dressing.
- Craft Flavorful Rice Bowls: Build an incredibly satisfying rice bowl by layering sliced London Broil over fragrant pineapple rice or zesty Instant Pot cilantro lime rice. Top with fresh avocado slices and a dollop of homemade salsa verde for an inexpensive yet gourmet twist on a burrito bowl.
- Get Creative with Leftovers: Don’t let a single slice go to waste! If you have a small amount of leftover London Broil, it’s perfect for adding to vibrant veggie fajitas, enhancing simple cheese quesadillas, or creating an epic steak sandwich. Thinly sliced cold London Broil also makes for a fantastic addition to packed lunches.
More Delicious Marinated Entrees to Try
If you loved the flavor and tenderness achieved through marinating in this London Broil recipe, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic marinated dishes:
- Greek Chicken Marinade
- Chicken Thigh Marinade
- Chicken Pineapple Kabobs
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
- Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
- Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- Easy Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Did you make this recipe?
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London Broil
By: Kristen Chidsey
Servings: 6
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Marinating Time: 2 hrs (up to 24 hrs)
Total: 2 hrs 15 mins
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Sweet, savory, and cooked to perfection, this London Broil marinade recipe results in an insanely delicious and tender cut of beef.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup pineapple juice, canned (not fresh)
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ tablespoon dried minced onion
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, more or less to taste
- 2 pounds round steak or flank steak
Instructions
- For the London Broil Marinade, whisk together ⅓ cup pineapple juice, ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 8 cloves garlic, ½ tablespoon dried minced onion, and ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Place the beef into a large storage bag or bowl and pour the marinade over the meat. Toss the meat in the marinade to coat and distribute the marinade evenly. Marinate the beef in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. 8-12 hours is best for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- When ready to prepare, preheat the broiler on your oven to high heat and adjust an oven rack to be about 4-5 inches from the flame.
- Remove the meat from the marinade and place it onto a rimmed baking sheet or broiler pan. Discard the marinade.
- Place the sheet pan into the oven and broil for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, flip the meat, and return to the oven to broil for 3-4 minutes more, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-132℉ (54-56℃) for medium-rare.
- Remove the meat from the oven, place on a cutting board, loosely tent with foil, and allow to rest for 10 minutes. The internal temperature will rise to about 135℉ (57℃) while resting.
- After resting, cut the London Broil against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers) into very thin slices and serve immediately.
Equipment
- Oven Safe Digital Thermometer
- Large resealable storage bag or shallow dish
- Rimmed baking sheet or broiler pan
- Sharp chef’s knife
Notes
- Cut of Beef: Remember, London Broil is a preparation method, not a cut. It typically uses flank or top round steak. You might find some cuts pre-labeled as London Broil, which are ideal for this recipe.
- Temperature of the Meat: For the most tender and juicy results, London Broil is best served medium-rare, with an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). Using an oven-safe digital thermometer inserted into the center of the steak is the most accurate way to monitor this.
- Dried Onion Flakes: If dried onion flakes are unavailable, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of onion powder for a similar flavor profile.
- Storage: Store any leftover London Broil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, gently warm slices in a dry skillet for a minute or two per side until just heated through, or broil an unsliced portion for 2 minutes per side to warm without drying.
- Grill London Broil: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the meat from the marinade (discarding the marinade). Grill for 7-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C). Remove from grill, rest for 10 minutes, then slice against the grain and serve.
Nutrition (per serving, approximately)
Calories: 257 kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 92mg
Sodium: 845mg
Potassium: 642mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 3 IU
Vitamin C: 3mg
Calcium: 45mg
Iron: 4mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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This post was originally shared in 2021 and updated in 2025.