London Broil may not always get the attention it deserves, but when prepared with care, it transforms into a tender, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. The real magic happens not only during marination but also in how you cook it afterward. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to cook London Broil in the oven, ensuring each bite is juicy, tender, and full of savory flavor.
Why Marinating Is Essential for London Broil
The importance of marinating London Broil can’t be overstated. This lean cut of beef benefits greatly from soaking up flavors before cooking. A well-balanced marinade helps tenderize the meat while adding layers of flavor. A blend of soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a bit of acid (like vinegar or lemon juice) works wonders, helping to break down the tougher fibers and infuse the meat with deliciousness. This simple step is the key to unlocking a truly mouthwatering London Broil.
Essential Ingredients and Tools for a Flavorful London Broil in the Oven
Ready to elevate your dinner game with a perfectly cooked London Broil? With the right ingredients and tools, you’ll create a juicy, flavorful steak that will impress every time. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish:
Flank Steak or Top-Round Steak (1 ½ pounds): These two cuts are ideal for London Broil, offering a balance of tenderness and rich flavor that’s perfect for roasting in the oven.
Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil not only helps your spices stick to the steak but also keeps it moist and flavorful as it cooks.
Worcestershire Sauce: This tangy, savory sauce adds a delicious depth of flavor to your marinade, bringing out the best in your steak.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the meat with aromatic flavor, complementing the beef’s natural richness.
Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a little heat and a savory kick that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds an earthy, aromatic touch that’s perfect for seasoning beef.
Ziploc Bag: Perfect for marinating, a Ziploc bag lets the steak soak in all the delicious flavors, ensuring a tender and flavorful result.
Cast Iron Skillet or Oven-Safe Pan: This essential tool allows you to sear the steak on the stove, then transfer it straight to the oven, giving you that crispy, golden exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.
How to Cook a Flavorful London Broil in the Oven: A Simple and Delicious Guide
London Broil is one of those cuts of beef that, when prepared the right way, can be absolutely delicious. This recipe will guide you through every step to ensure your steak comes out tender, juicy, and full of flavor every time. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this oven-baked method will leave them coming back for more!
Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Stir until everything is well incorporated. This marinade is packed with savory ingredients that help tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor.
Coat the Steak in the Marinade
Take your flank or top-round steak and place it in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully covered. For maximum flavor, you can even gently massage the marinade into the meat.
Marinate the Steak
Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For even better results, let it marinate overnight. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will soak into the meat.
Let the Steak Come to Room Temperature
Before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps ensure the steak cooks evenly and doesn’t become too tough.
Preheat Your Oven and Heat the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, place a cast iron skillet (or another oven-safe pan) on the stovetop over medium-high heat. A hot pan is key to getting that golden sear on the steak.
Sear the Steak
Add a little oil to the pan and place the steak in it. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes, creating a beautiful, brown crust. This step is essential for locking in all the juices and adding extra flavor to your London Broil.
Move the Skillet to the Oven
Once the steak has been seared, carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until the steak reaches your preferred level of doneness. A meat thermometer will help you know exactly when it’s done: aim for 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, or 160°F for well-done.
Rest the Steak
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes. This is a crucial step that lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making your steak extra tender and flavorful.
Slice Against the Grain
Once the steak has rested, place it on a cutting board and slice it against the grain. This technique makes each slice more tender and easier to chew.
Serve and enjoy!
Finish off your London Broil by garnishing it with fresh parsley. Serve it alongside your favorite sides, and don’t forget a drizzle of your preferred sauce. A light sprinkle of kosher salt will enhance the flavor even more. Now, enjoy a perfectly cooked, juicy steak!
Effortless Foil-Baked London Broil: A Hassle-Free Dinner
Some nights, you just want to relax and let the oven handle dinner. Enter the foil-baked London Broil-a simple, no-hassle meal that’s both tasty and impressive. With minimal prep, you can have a juicy, tender steak without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s practically foolproof.
Begin by seasoning the London Broil with black pepper, salt, and chopped red peppers and onions. Sprinkle an envelope of onion soup mix over the top, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap the meat in foil. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the foil packet for 50 minutes, adding scrubbed potatoes around the packet for a complete meal.
While the steak bakes, melt butter in a skillet and stir in Jiffy cornbread mix. Once 25 minutes have passed, place the skillet on the top oven rack to bake the cornbread until golden and crispy. When everything is ready, slice the steak and serve with the vegetables and flavorful juices from the foil. Enjoy your tender steak with perfectly moist, buttery cornbread—an easy and satisfying dinner!
The Perfect Way to Cook London Broil
Creating the perfect London broil starts with a flavorful marinade that tenderizes and infuses the meat with rich taste. A simple choice like zesty Italian dressing can work wonders, or you can craft your own marinade with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and fresh herbs. This step is key, as the marinade helps soften the tougher fibers of the meat, allowing the flavors to sink in. For the best results, let the steak marinate for several hours, or even overnight, to truly let the flavors meld together.
Once you’re ready to cook, it’s time to get the grill or cast-iron skillet roaring hot. The high heat is essential for developing that perfect sear, locking in the delicious juices while creating a crisp, flavorful exterior. Grill the steak for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for a medium-rare finish. Afterward, allow the steak to rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period ensures that the juices remain within the meat, making every bite juicy and tender. When it’s time to slice, remember to cut against the grain; this simple trick helps break down the fibers, making the meat easier to chew and enhancing its tenderness.
Why This Method Works
What makes this method so effective? The marinade acts as both a flavor booster and a tenderizer, breaking down the tougher muscle fibers. The high-heat cooking method helps develop that irresistible seared crust while preserving the juicy interior. Resting the steak ensures that the juices are redistributed, so each slice stays tender and flavorful. Finally, slicing against the grain guarantees a softer, more enjoyable texture. This approach results in a London broil that’s not only delicious but also tender and cooked to perfection every time.
Cooking London Broil Without Searing: A Simple Guide
Want a juicy, tender London broil without the need for searing? Start by marinating the steak for at least 4 hours-or even better, overnight. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), then place the steak on a rack or in a baking dish. Bake for 25-35 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for that perfect medium-rare finish. After removing it from the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes to lock in those flavorful juices, then slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness. If you prefer broiling, preheat your broiler to high, place the steak on a broiling pan, and broil for 4-6 minutes per side. Let it rest, slice, and enjoy!
