how to cook london broil in the oven
DESCRIPTION:
This guide teaches you exactly how to cook London broil in the oven so it turns out tender, juicy, and perfectly caramelized every single time. Many people struggle with London broil because it’s a lean cut that can turn tough quickly, but with the right marinade, oven temperature, and resting time, it becomes one of the easiest and most flavorful weeknight meals you can cook.
Introduction
When I first learned how to cook London broil in the oven during my early restaurant years, I made every mistake possible. I overcooked it. I sliced it the wrong way. I didn’t rest it long enough. And yes, I even forgot to marinate it once. A disaster. But the beauty of London broil is that once you understand its rhythm, it becomes the simplest, most affordable steak recipe that feels like something from a fine dining kitchen.
Over the past decade of cooking professionally and teaching home cooks, I’ve learned that oven-cooked London broil is all about three things: strong marinade, intense heat, and a clean, thin slice against the grain. In this recipe, I’ll guide you through each step so your London broil comes out tender, deeply flavored, and impressive enough for guests.
Essential Ingredients
A classic London broil relies on bold, balanced flavors to tenderize the lean meat. I like using a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey to help with caramelization. Fresh herbs add aroma, and black pepper rounds everything out. The cut itself is usually flank steak or top round, both lean and perfect for quick oven cooking.
Alternative Ingredients
If you want to switch things up, there are plenty of variations. Swap balsamic for red wine vinegar for a sharper note. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness. If soy sauce isn’t your thing, coconut aminos work well. Rosemary and thyme can be changed for oregano or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a richer finish.
Recipe Info Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes (plus 2 to 12 hours marinating) |
| Cook Time | 12 to 15 minutes |
| Total Time | About 25 minutes active time |
| Servings | 4 |
| Yield | One 1.5 to 2 pound London broil |
Key Features
This oven-cooked London broil is bold, juicy, and reliable. It is perfect for meal prep and great for weeknight dinners. It works well for salads, sandwiches, and sliced platters. The marinade ensures tenderness, and the high-temperature broil creates a crisp, flavorful crust.
Nutrition Facts Table
(Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Place your London broil on a cutting board and pat it dry. This ensures the marinade sticks well and creates a proper sear later.
- Make the marinade by whisking olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Add the steak to a large resealable bag or glass dish. Pour the marinade on top and turn the meat several times to fully coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best tenderness.
- When ready to cook, remove the steak from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 25 minutes. This step helps it cook evenly.
- Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Position the rack so the steak sits about 6 inches away from the heating element.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly brush it with oil. Place the steak on the sheet and discard the marinade.
- Broil for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. The exact time depends on thickness. You are looking for a deep brown crust with slight charring at the edges.
- Check internal temperature. For medium rare, aim for 130 to 135 degrees F. Medium should reach 140 to 145 degrees F.
- Remove the steak and transfer it to a clean cutting board. Rest it for at least 10 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute so the steak stays tender.
- Slice thinly against the grain. This final step determines texture and tenderness. Cutting across the muscle fibers shortens them, giving you that perfect bite.
Pro Tips
Let the marinade work for you. The longer the marinating time, the more flavorful the outcome.
Do not broil too close to the heating element. About 6 inches is ideal to prevent burning.
Use a meat thermometer. London broil goes from perfect to tough in minutes.
Always rest the steak. If you skip this, the juices spill out and the meat becomes dry.
Slice very thin. This is the difference between restaurant quality and homemade frustration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It is affordable, yet feels luxurious. It cooks incredibly fast. It delivers big flavor with very little work. And most importantly, it is versatile and works with vegetables, potatoes, rice, pasta, salads, or simple sandwiches.
What Makes This Recipe Unique
After 10 years of cooking London broil for clients and readers, I have refined the process to be foolproof. The marinade is balanced, the broiling time is precise, and the slicing technique gives you the tenderness you are looking for. This recipe also avoids unnecessary steps and focuses only on what truly improves the final result.
FAQs
Why is my London broil tough?
It is usually overcooked or sliced incorrectly. Keep it medium rare and always slice against the grain.
How long should I marinate London broil?
Anywhere from 2 hours to overnight. Longer creates deeper flavor.
Can I cook it without marinating?
You can, but it will not be as tender. The marinade helps break down the muscle fibers.
Should I flip the London broil while cooking?
Yes. Broiling requires flipping to achieve even browning on both sides.
What temperature should London broil be cooked to?
For tenderness, aim for 130 to 145 degrees F depending on your preferred doneness.
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Conclusion
Cooking London broil in the oven is one of those simple kitchen techniques that rewards you again and again. With the right marinade, a hot broiler, and a sharp knife for thin slicing, you can transform a modest cut of meat into a bold, satisfying dinner that feels like it came straight from a high-end steakhouse.
Don’t forget to share your creations with #BeesRecipes on Instagram. We can’t wait to see your delicious take on this Middle Eastern classic!
