If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a truly unforgettable steak experience, then you absolutely must try this London Broil Marinade Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of savory, tangy, and subtly sweet flavors that transform a simple cut of beef into a tender, juicy masterpiece. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in breaking down the meat’s fibers and infusing it with deep, mouthwatering flavor – making your next dinner an occasion worth celebrating. You’ll be amazed at how this marinade turns an everyday London broil into a restaurant-quality dish that your friends and family will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and here’s where the magic begins. Each element of this marinade is simple yet essential, working together to create layers of flavor and tenderize the meat perfectly.
- Soy sauce: Provides a rich, salty umami base that soaks right into the beef for depth.
- Olive oil: Helps carry the marinade flavors and keeps the meat moist during cooking.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and a hint of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- Worcestershire sauce: Boosts complexity with its unique, bold tanginess.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings aromatic punch and unmistakable savory warmth.
- Dijon mustard: Introduces gentle heat and creaminess that complements the texture.
- Honey or brown sugar: Sweetens just enough to round out the bold flavors and help caramelize the crust.
- Dried rosemary: Infuses a piney, fragrant herbiness that pairs beautifully with beef.
- Dried thyme: Adds subtle earthiness and layers of herb flavor.
- Black pepper: Gives a mild kick and aroma while helping balance sweetness.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and seasoning the meat evenly.
How to Make London Broil Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
Start by combining the soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey or brown sugar, dried rosemary, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk everything thoroughly until you see a smooth, homogenous mixture. This ensures every flavor melds beautifully for maximum impact.
Step 2: Marinate the London Broil
Place your London broil in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade evenly over the meat, making sure every inch is coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Then pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the flavors seep in. For the best results, aim for 4 to 6 hours or even overnight — patience truly pays off here!
Step 3: Prepare to Cook
When you’re ready to cook, remove the London broil from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. This prevents flare-ups on the grill and helps you get that perfect sear. Discard the used marinade or boil it if you want to use it as a sauce base.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Grill or broil your marinated London broil for about 4 to 6 minutes on each side, depending on thickness and your preferred doneness. Medium-rare is a favorite for many, allowing the meat to stay tender and juicy. Once done, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This crucial step lets the juices redistribute, guaranteeing every bite is moist and tender.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Always slice the London broil against the grain to break up the muscle fibers and maximize tenderness. Thin, uniform slices will make your steak easier to enjoy and showcase that perfectly cooked interior.
How to Serve London Broil Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your dish easily. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme to add color and freshness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Roasted vegetables like carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are classic companions, soaking up any meat juices beautifully. Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice provide a comforting, hearty base that balances the bold, herby marinade. For lighter options, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is always a refreshing choice.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your London broil into stunning sandwiches layered with caramelized onions and melted provolone for a flavor-packed lunch or dinner alternative. Or slice thinly for a vibrant steak salad, topped with blue cheese crumbles and candied nuts. Whatever presentation you choose, the flavorful marinade guarantees star-quality results that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 to 4 days. Slicing the meat before storing can make reheating easier and more even, but be sure to keep it covered to retain moisture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, place sliced or whole cooked London broil in freezer-safe bags or containers. Properly wrapped, it can keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and taste.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers gently, use a low oven setting or warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or water to keep it from drying out. Avoid microwave reheating when possible, as it tends to toughen the meat.
FAQs
Can I use this marinade for other cuts of beef?
Absolutely! This London Broil Marinade Recipe works beautifully with flank steak, skirt steak, or even sirloin. Just adjust marinating times depending on the cut’s thickness and toughness.
How long should I marinate the meat for best results?
While 2 hours is the minimum, marinating for 4 to 6 hours or overnight really allows the flavors to deeply penetrate and create maximum tenderness. Just avoid going over 24 hours to prevent too much acidity breaking down the meat texture.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day or two in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Whisk it again before use to recombine any separated ingredients for consistent flavor.
Is this marinade gluten-free?
Most soy sauces contain gluten, so for a gluten-free version, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best cooking method for London broil after marinating?
Grilling and broiling are top choices for that perfect char and caramelization. However, you can also pan-sear the steak or cook it under a hot broiler for similar delicious results.
Final Thoughts
This London Broil Marinade Recipe is honestly one of my all-time favorites to add incredible flavor and tenderness without fuss. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings when you want to impress without the stress. Give it a try, and watch your ordinary beef transform into a juicy, flavorful feast everyone will remember and ask for again and again.
Print
London Broil Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes to overnight (including marinating time)
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This London Broil Marinade recipe features a flavorful blend of soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, and herbs, designed to tenderize and enhance the natural taste of the beef. Perfect for marinating London broil cuts prior to grilling or broiling, it imparts a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile that complements the meat beautifully.
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 emulsified.
- Marinate the Meat: Place the London broil in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the meat, ensuring it is completely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the Meat: Refrigerate the marinating London broil for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate. For best results, marinate for 4 to 6 hours or overnight, turning the meat occasionally if possible.
- Remove Excess Marinade: Take the London broil out of the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off before cooking. Discard the used marinade.
- Cook the Meat: Grill or broil the London broil to your preferred doneness. Typically, cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side over medium-high heat to achieve medium-rare, adjusting timing based on thickness.
- Rest and Slice: Let the cooked meat rest uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes. Then slice thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness and serve.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderizes the meat more effectively.
- Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic if preferred, but fresh garlic provides better flavor.
- If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar can be a substitute.
- Adjust the sweetness by using honey or brown sugar according to your taste.
- For safety, discard any leftover marinade that has come in contact with raw meat; do not use it as a sauce unless boiled.
- Resting the meat after cooking helps retain juices and improves texture.
