How to Cook London Broil in The Oven: The Ultimate Guide for a Perfect Dish
London Broil is a classic beef dish that brings together robust flavors, a tender texture, and a gourmet feel without the hassle of complex preparation. Often associated with a marinated and broiled top round steak or flank steak, this recipe is a go-to choice for family dinners, special occasions, or even a weekend meal prep session.
In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how to cook London Broil in the oven, including tips to enhance its flavor, how to achieve perfect tenderness, and what sides pair best with it. Follow this step-by-step guide to master the art of London Broil and enjoy a delicious meal every time.
What Is London Broil?
London Broil isn’t a specific cut of meat; it’s more of a cooking method and a style of preparation. Traditionally, London Broil refers to a lean cut of beef, such as flank steak or top round steak, marinated to tenderize the meat and then cooked at high heat.
The hallmark of a great London Broil is its marinade. The acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice or vinegar, break down the tough fibers in the meat, ensuring it stays juicy and tender even after broiling or roasting. The meat is always sliced thinly against the grain, which further enhances its tenderness and makes it a show-stopping centerpiece for any meal.
Why Cook London Broil in the Oven?
Cooking London Broil in the oven allows for controlled, even heat, resulting in a perfectly cooked steak with a crusty exterior and a juicy interior. Oven cooking is ideal for this dish because it enables you to sear the meat first (to lock in those savory juices) and then roast it to your desired doneness.
Using an oven-safe skillet, like a cast iron pan, further enhances the process, as it retains heat exceptionally well and helps achieve a consistent sear.
Table of Contents
Recipe Details ( cook london broil in The oven )
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marination: 4–12 hours)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marination time)
- Servings: 4–6
- Yield: 1 London Broil (approximately 2 pounds)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| London Broil (Top Round or Flank Steak) | 2 lbs |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Soy Sauce | 1/3 cup |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | 2 tbsp |
| Brown Sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Optional: Fresh Herbs (Rosemary or Thyme) | 1 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Directions For ( cook london broil in The oven )
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and brown sugar.
- Add salt, black pepper, and any optional fresh herbs for an aromatic touch.
Tip: Use a zip-top bag for marinating. It ensures the meat is fully immersed and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Marinate the London Broil
- Place the steak in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Close the bag securely, ensuring all excess air is removed, or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator to marinate for 4–12 hours. Flip the steak halfway through for even marination.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Insert a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe pan into the oven to preheat thoroughly. This step ensures a perfect sear when you place the steak on the pan.
Step 4: Sear the Steak
- Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the used marinade or simmer it separately to create a sauce.
- With caution, take the heated skillet out of the oven and set it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the steak for 2–3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
Step 5: Roast the London Broil
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the steak for 10–15 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
- Medium-Rare: 135°F
- Medium: 145°F
- Medium-Well: 150°F
- After cooking, take the steak out of the oven and let it sit undisturbed for 10 minutes to rest. This step is crucial for retaining the juices.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
- Place the rested steak on a cutting board and slice it thinly against the grain. This technique helps break down the meat fibers, resulting in tender slices.
- Pair it with your choice of sides, like caramelized roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad, and serve right away for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 3g |
Tips for the Perfect London Broil
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: The marinade plays a crucial role in softening the steak while enriching it with delicious flavors. Be sure to let the steak soak for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures your steak is cooked to your preferred level of doneness without guesswork.
- Rest the Steak: Allowing the meat to rest for 10 minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, preventing dryness.
- Slicing Against the Grain: This method softens the muscle fibers, resulting in meat that’s more tender and effortless to eat.
FAQs
1. What’s the best cut of meat for London Broil?
Flank steak and top round steak are the most popular cuts for London Broil. Both are lean and benefit from marinating.
2. Can I cook London Broil at a lower oven temperature?
Yes, you can cook London Broil at 350°F for a longer time, but you may not achieve the same crust as with higher heat.
3. Can I use the marinade as a sauce?
Yes, but you must simmer the marinade for several minutes to kill any bacteria from the raw meat.
4. What sides go well with London Broil?
Roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad are excellent accompaniments.
You’ll Also Love
- Steak Skillet Recipes: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Grilled Flank Steak with Garlic Butter: A simple yet delicious dish.
- Honey Soy Beef Stir-Fry: A quick and flavorful meal for the whole family.
Final Thoughts
Cooking London Broil in the oven is an easy yet impressive way to enjoy steak at its best. With a simple marinade and a few preparation tips, you can create a dish that’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your creations with #BeesRecipes on Instagram. We can’t wait to see your delicious results!