If you’ve ever wondered how to transform a simple cut of beef into a juicy, flavorful masterpiece, this London Broil Marinade Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet ingredients, this marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with vibrant layers of flavor. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just treating yourself to a special dinner, mastering this marinade will elevate your London broil to restaurant-quality levels every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in building the marinade’s irresistible taste and ensuring your London broil is juicy and tender. From the depth of soy sauce to the aromatic herbs, every component brings something special to the party.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds a rich, salty umami base that deepens the beef’s flavor.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Helps keep the meat moist and aids in blending flavors smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Provides acidity to tenderize and a hint of sweetness for balance.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings a complex, savory punch with a slight tang.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant, pungent aroma that’s classic with grilled beef.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds subtle heat and tanginess to lift the overall marinade.
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar: Offers sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Delivers woodsy, pine-like notes for an earthy touch.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Introduces gentle herbal brightness that complements the rosemary.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spicy kick and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the meat.
How to Make London Broil Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Marinade
Start by combining soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey or brown sugar, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until every ingredient is perfectly blended into a rich, glossy marinade that promises incredible flavor.
Step 2: Coat the London Broil
Place your London broil in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade evenly over the meat, ensuring every inch is coated. This step is critical because the marinade works its magic by surrounding the beef with those lovely seasonings.
Step 3: Refrigerate and Marinate
Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish, then pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but ideally 4-6 hours or overnight. The longer the marinade has time to sink in, the more tender and flavorful your London broil will become, making this patience totally worthwhile.
Step 4: Prepare for Cooking
When you’re ready to cook, remove the beef from the marinade and let the excess drip off. This helps prevent flare-ups on the grill and ensures a beautifully seared crust without burning.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Grill or broil your London broil for about 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness. The marinade caramelizes on the surface while locking in juicy tenderness, creating a mouthwatering crust paired with a juicy interior — the hallmark of a perfect London broil.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Rest the meat for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This final step is the secret to maximum tenderness, allowing the juices to redistribute so every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
How to Serve London Broil Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can brighten the dish and add a fresh, vibrant note that complements the rich marinade flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
London broil pairs wonderfully with rustic sides such as roasted garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a crisp arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. These choices provide a nice balance of textures and flavors that round out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, thin slices of London broil marinated and cooked with this recipe can be piled onto crusty bread for a hearty sandwich or layered over a bed of creamy polenta for an elegant dinner. You can even chop the leftovers into strips for a vibrant steak salad or tacos the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover London broil, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The meat retains its flavor well for 3 to 4 days, making it convenient for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked London broil wrapped tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags. For best quality, consume within 2 months. When ready, thaw slowly in the fridge overnight to preserve tenderness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth to keep the meat moist. Avoid overcooking to maintain those beautiful juicy results.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in the London Broil Marinade Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh rosemary and thyme will add a brighter, more vibrant herbal flavor. Use about three times the amount when substituting fresh for dried to achieve the same potency.
How long should I marinate my London broil for best results?
While 2 hours is the minimum, marinating for 4 to 6 hours or even overnight will give your meat the most tenderness and deepest flavor penetration. Just be careful not to exceed 24 hours so the texture doesn’t become mushy.
Can I use this marinade for other cuts of beef?
Yes! This London Broil Marinade Recipe works wonderfully with flank steak, skirt steak, or even chuck. It’s versatile enough to elevate many types of beef that benefit from flavorful marination and grilling.
Is this marinade suitable for grilling and broiling?
Definitely. The marinade’s balance of oil, acid, and seasonings makes it perfect for both high-heat grilling and broiling, caramelizing beautifully while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
What can I do if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
Try substituting with a mix of soy sauce and a little balsamic vinegar or a dash of fish sauce for umami. While it won’t be exactly the same, your London broil will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about nailing a marinade that turns an everyday cut of beef into a standout dinner. The London Broil Marinade Recipe is simple, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic go-to for anyone looking to impress without fuss. Trust me, once you try this marinade, your London broil nights will be forever changed for the better!
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London Broil Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
- Yield: 1 serving (1 London broil, approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- Category: Marinade
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This flavorful London Broil Marinade recipe combines a blend of savory soy sauce, rich olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, and aromatic herbs to tenderize and infuse the meat with bold flavors. Perfect for marinating beef, it enhances the grilling or broiling process, resulting in a juicy and tender London Broil with a deliciously balanced taste.
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 shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the meat, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides.
- Refrigerate to Marinate: Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For best flavor and tenderness, marinate for 4 to 6 hours or preferably overnight.
- Remove Excess Marinade: Take the London broil out of the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off to avoid flare-ups during cooking.
- Grill or Broil the Meat: Cook the London broil on a grill or under a broiler, grilling about 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare depending on the thickness of the meat. Adjust cooking time according to your preferred doneness.
- Rest and Slice: Allow the meat to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking to let juices redistribute. Slice thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness and serve.
Notes
- Marinating overnight guarantees the most tender and flavorful results.
- If you prefer sweeter marinades, increase the honey or brown sugar slightly.
- Always slice London broil against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Discard any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw meat or boil it before using as a sauce to avoid foodborne illness.
- The marinade can also be used for other cuts of beef or even chicken for flavorful results.
