London Broil Marinade

Contrary to what many people believe London broil is not actually a specific cut of meat but rather a cooking method.

It is a type of beef dish that typically consists of marinated flank steak, skirt steak, or top round steak that is grilled or broiled. It is known for its rich flavor and tender texture when cooked properly.

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: 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 marinade.

Tips for the Perfect London Broil Marinade

First, let’s start with the basics. A good steak marinade needs fat, acid, and flavor. 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 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.

Marinade Ingredients

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon minced onion
• Kosher salt, to taste (optional)

Marinade Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, thyme, black pepper, and minced onion.

2. Place your steak in a large resealable plastic or food storage bag, airtight container or shallow dish.

3. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is completely covered.

4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight.

5. When you are ready to cook the steak, preheat your broiler on high heat.

6. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

7. Place the steak on a broiler pan and broil for about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness or until meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.

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 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 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.

Time Saving Tips:

Stock up on steaks and place the marinade with your steak in a freezer bag. Then freeze. When you are ready to eat steak, your London broil will marinade while it is thawing! That means this steak is also freezer friendly.

If you don’t have the freezer space, another time-saving tip is to marinate the London broil overnight. This way, you can simply take it out of the fridge and cook it when you’re ready without having to wait for the marinade to work its magic.

Consider making a double batch of the marinade and storing it in the refrigerator for future use. This will save you time and effort when preparing meals in the future.

What to Serve with Marinated London Broil

When serving marinated London broil, it’s important to choose side dishes that complement the flavors of the meat.

1. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms make a great side dish. The charred flavors from the grill complement the smoky flavors of the steak.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish. The richness of the potatoes balances out the tanginess of the marinade.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic glaze add a savory and sweet element to your meal. The crispy texture of the sprouts contrasts nicely with the tender steak.

4. Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing side dish. The freshness of the greens helps balance out the richness of the steak.

5. Garlic Bread: A loaf of freshly baked garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser. The buttery and garlicky flavors enhance the overall dining experience.

6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob with butter and herbs is a delicious addition to your meal. The sweetness of the corn complements the savory flavors of the steak.

7. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf cooked with broth, aromatics, and herbs makes for a versatile side dish that can soak up any leftover marinade from the steak.

When serving marinated London broil, feel free to mix and match these side dishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal for you and your guests. Enjoy!

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