London broil recipe

London Broil is a classic dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Despite its fancy name, it’s actually a simple and affordable meal to prepare. This recipe will guide you through the steps to make a mouthwatering London Broil that’s sure to impress your guests.

What is London Broil?

London Broil originally referred to a cooking method rather than a specific cut of meat. Traditionally, it involved marinating a flank steak, broiling it, and then slicing it against the grain. Today, the term often refers to top round steak or flank steak. Regardless of the cut, the secret to a tender and flavorful London Broil lies in the marinade and the cooking technique.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the London Broil:

• 2-3 pound top round steak or flank steak
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, dried thyme, and black pepper. Whisk until the brown sugar is dissolved and all the ingredients are well combined.
2. Marinate the Steak:
   Place the steak in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful and tender the steak will be.
3. Preheat the Broiler:
   When you’re ready to cook, preheat your broiler to high. If your oven doesn’t have a broiler, you can use a grill set to high heat.
4. Broil the Steak:
   Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Place the steak on a broiler pan or a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Broil for about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of the steak. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.
5. Rest and Slice:
   Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the broiler and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers, which helps make the meat more tender.
6. Serve:
   Arrange the slices on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve the London Broil with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Tips for the Perfect London Broil

• Marinate Properly: Ensure the steak is fully coated in the marinade and marinate for at least 4 hours. Overnight is best for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: This helps you achieve the perfect doneness without overcooking the steak.
• Slice Against the Grain: This is crucial for tender slices. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite more tender.

Conclusion

London Broil is a fantastic dish that combines affordability, simplicity, and deliciousness. With the right marinade and cooking technique, you can turn a humble cut of beef into a gourmet meal. Try this recipe for your next family dinner or special occasion, and enjoy the compliments from your delighted guests. Happy cooking!

Feel free to add personal anecdotes, serving suggestions, or photos of your cooking process to make the blog post more engaging. Enjoy your culinary adventure with London Broil!