If you’re not familiar with London broil, perhaps it’s time to experiment with something new. You can learn to cook London broil on the grill, in the oven, in an air fryer, or however you prefer to cook it, really.
Regardless of the cooking method you choose, there’s one thing you should remember when it comes to London broil: This steak needs a good marinade to truly become a mouthwatering staple on your dinner plate. Continue reading this guide to learn how to create the perfect London broil marinade.
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Tips for the Perfect London Broil Marinade
First, let’s start with the basics. A good steak marinade needs fat, acid, and flavor. For London broil, the fat usually comes from olive oil or a similar type of oil, and the acid usually comes from beef-friendly ingredients like balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce.
The “flavor” part can really go many different ways. This is where you’ll add in your spices and herbs, like black pepper, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, or chili powder. Whatever herbs and spices you love most for steak, feel free to add them to your marinade.
Just be sure their flavor profiles work together well. For example, a sweeter marinade might call for a little nutmeg or brown sugar, which probably wouldn’t pair well with something more savory like garlic. Meanwhile, an Asian-inspired marinade might use sesame oil, orange juice, garlic, and ginger, but adding in rosemary might throw off those flavors.
Another tip: Make sure your entire steak is covered in the marinade for best results. This ensures that all parts of the meat get the benefits of the marinade, including tenderizing and flavoring the steak.
Finally, give the steak several hours to marinate in the refrigerator. If possible, let the steak marinate for the full night before you’re ready to cook it. If you can’t do that, allow it to marinate for at least 2-4 hours.
Best Method for Cooking Marinated London Broil
London broil gets its name because it’s usually broiled. Broiling gives it a crispy crust while allowing just enough time for the steak to cook internally, too. We also suggest this method for marinated London broil, and we’ve included a recipe below if you’d like to try it for yourself.
Another benefit of broiling marinated London broil is that it’s quick. You can usually cook it in about 10-15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners.
London Broil Marinade Recipe
The following recipe is one of our favorite London broil marinades to prepare steak for broiling while keeping it juicy and flavorful.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp minced onion
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients until well combined.
- Place the steaks in a food storage bag or airtight container, and pour the marinade over them so that the steak is covered completely.
- Store in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours or, if possible, overnight.
- Before cooking, drain all liquid and pat the steak dry before seasoning it with salt.
- Finish cooking as desired.
Flavor and Recipe Variations
As we mentioned earlier, there are virtually endless ways to make a delicious London broil recipe that adds flavor and tenderizes the meat before cooking it. Need some inspiration as you venture into making your own twist on a classic marinade? Try these variations:
- Tropical: Infuse tropical flavors into your London broil with a marinade consisting of pineapple or lime juice, coconut milk, curry powder, and cilantro.
- Spicy: Let your taste buds be your guide to add a kick of heat to your London broil marinade. Add some cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and a little hot sauce. Just don’t forget to balance it with a little sweetness from brown sugar.
- Aromatic: If you’re looking for full-fledged savory flavors, add more herbs to your marinade, like rosemary, parsley, or basil. Balance out the flavors with red wine or balsamic vinegar, or go a bit lighter with lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Summary
A marinade is a must for a steak to transform into London broil. For your first time creating this dish, consider using the easy, classic London broil marinade in this guide. Then, you can adjust and experiment with future London broil dishes to help your steak hit all the right notes with your taste preferences.
London Broil Marinade FAQs
London Broil Marinade
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp minced onion
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients until well combined.
- Place the steaks in a food storage bag or airtight container, and pour the marinade over them so that the steak is covered completely.
- Store in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours or, if possible, overnight.
- Before cooking, drain all liquid and pat the steak dry before seasoning it with salt.
- Finish cooking as desired.