If you have ever wondered how to elevate a simple cut of beef into a tender, flavorful masterpiece, this London Broil Marinade Recipe is your ultimate go-to. Combining the perfect harmony of tangy, savory, and herbaceous ingredients, this marinade transforms your London broil into a juicy, mouthwatering delight that’s sure to impress at any dinner table. Whether you’re a grilling pro or just starting out, this recipe not only simplifies the marinating process but also guarantees a tender texture and a depth of flavor that keeps everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this London Broil Marinade Recipe are simple, common pantry staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor. They bring balance, moisture, and a subtle aromatic punch that enhances the meat without overpowering it.
- Soy sauce: Adds a rich umami depth and a salty punch that tenderizes the meat beautifully.
- Olive oil: Provides moisture and helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the meat.
- Balsamic vinegar: Offers a sweet acidity that brightens the overall taste.
- Worcestershire sauce: Contributes complex savory undertones and a little tang.
- Garlic, minced: Brings a sharp, aromatic base that compliments beef perfectly.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle heat and emulsifies the marinade for better coating.
- Honey or brown sugar: Balances acidity with a subtle sweetness and promotes browning when cooked.
- Dried rosemary: Infuses a fragrant, pine-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with red meat.
- Dried thyme: Introduces an earthy, slightly minty note.
- Black pepper: Offers a mild heat and complexity.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps break down the meat’s fibers for tenderness.
How to Make London Broil Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk all the ingredients—soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey or brown sugar, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, and salt—until the mixture comes together into a harmonious blend. This step ensures all the flavors are evenly distributed and ready to do their magic on the meat.
Step 2: Coat the London Broil
Place your London broil in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the meat. Make sure every inch is well-coated, as this will allow the flavors to soak deeply into the beef during marination.
Step 3: Refrigerate and Marinate
Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For the best results, let it marinate for 4 to 6 hours or even overnight. Patience at this stage truly pays off by allowing the meat to absorb all those wonderful tastes and become tender.
Step 4: Prepare for Cooking
Take the London broil out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off naturally. This prevents flare-ups on the grill and too much liquid in your cooking pan, helping the meat sear perfectly.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Grill or broil the meat according to your liking. Usually, cooking for 4 to 6 minutes per side lands you around medium-rare, but it depends on the thickness of your cut. This method locks in the juices and caramelizes the flavorful marinade, giving you that irresistible caramelized crust.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Allow the meat to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period lets the juices redistribute so the meat stays moist and tender. Always slice against the grain to maximize tenderness and make every bite melt in your mouth.
How to Serve London Broil Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
Simple fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt can brighten the rich flavors and add a fresh aroma. For a bit of extra zing, try some thinly sliced red onions or fresh lemon wedges alongside.
Side Dishes
This marinade’s robust flavor pairs beautifully with classic sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Grilled asparagus or garlic butter mushrooms also compliment the herby, savory notes of the beef spectacularly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, slice the London broil thin and use it as a hearty filling for sandwiches or wraps with fresh veggies and a smear of horseradish sauce. You can even toss the slices in a warm grain bowl with quinoa, kale, and roasted peppers, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cooked London broil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep the slices separate from heavy sauces to maintain the meat’s texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze both marinated uncooked meat or cooked slices. For the uncooked version, seal tightly in a freezer bag and use within 3 months. For cooked meat, wrap well in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn, and consume within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftover London broil gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of broth or water helps keep the meat moist during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use this marinade for other cuts of beef?
Absolutely! This London Broil Marinade Recipe works wonderfully on flank steak, skirt steak, or even sirloin. The robust flavors and tenderizing ingredients make it versatile across many beef cuts.
How long should I marinate the meat for best results?
While a minimum of 2 hours works, marinating for 4 to 6 hours or overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply and helps tenderize tougher cuts for optimal taste and texture.
Do I need to discard the marinade after marinating?
It’s best to discard the used marinade to avoid any contamination from raw meat. If you want to use it as a sauce, bring it to a boil for several minutes to kill bacteria or prepare a fresh batch before serving.
Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried rosemary and thyme?
Yes, fresh herbs can be used, just increase the quantity to about three times the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried. They’ll add a bright, vibrant flavor, enhancing the marinade in a slightly different way.
What is the best cooking method for London broil after marinating?
Grilling or broiling are ideal because they create a beautiful crust from the sugars in the marinade while keeping the interior juicy. However, pan-searing followed by oven roasting also works well for a tender result.
Final Thoughts
Trying this London Broil Marinade Recipe will open a whole new world of flavor for your dinners. It’s simple, forgiving, and incredibly rewarding – perfect for those weekday meals or weekend cookouts when you want to impress without the fuss. Give it a go, and watch your London broil transform into a tender, juicy star of the table.
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London Broil Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 17 minutes (includes minimum marinating time)
- Yield: Enough marinade for 1-2 lbs of London broil
- Category: Marinade
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and easy London Broil marinade that tenderizes and enhances the beef with a balanced blend of soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for marinating 1-2 lbs of London broil to achieve juicy, tender, and savory grilled or broiled steak.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey (or brown sugar), dried rosemary, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Marinate the Meat: Place the London broil in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade evenly over the meat, ensuring every surface is coated thoroughly for maximum flavor absorption.
- Refrigerate: Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate for 4 to 6 hours or overnight if possible.
- Prepare for Cooking: Remove the London broil from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Discard the used marinade as it has been in contact with raw meat.
- Cook the Meat: Grill or broil the London broil over medium-high heat. Cook approximately 4 to 6 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness, depending on the thickness of the meat.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the cooked meat to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to redistribute juices. Slice thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness before serving.
Notes
- Marinating overnight will yield the most tender and flavorful steak.
- You can substitute honey with brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
- Always discard leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw meat to avoid contamination.
- Adjust cooking times based on your preferred level of doneness and the thickness of the steak.
- Slicing against the grain is key to maximizing tenderness.
