If you’ve ever wondered how to transform a simple cut of beef into a juicy, flavor-packed masterpiece, then this London Broil Marinade Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Bursting with a harmonious blend of tangy, savory, and just a touch of sweet notes, this marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with layers of mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re grilling for a weekend cookout or broiling for a cozy dinner, this classic marinade ensures your London broil comes out tender, juicy, and irresistibly delicious every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this London Broil Marinade Recipe lies in its straightforward yet powerful combination of ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, tenderizing the meat, and giving the marinade its perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and spice. Ready to gather your essentials? Let’s dive in.
- Soy sauce: Adds rich, salty umami depth while helping tenderize the beef.
- Olive oil: Brings smoothness and helps the marinade coat the meat evenly.
- Red wine vinegar: Provides bright acidity that breaks down tougher fibers.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity with its tangy, savory notes.
- Lemon juice: Offers fresh citrus zing to brighten the flavor profile.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers fragrant sharpness that permeates the meat.
- Dijon mustard: Balances the tang with a subtle, peppery creaminess.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness that complements the savory elements perfectly.
- Black pepper: Introduces gentle heat for a slight kick.
- Onion powder: Brings a mild, sweet onion flavor that rounds out the marinade.
- Dried oregano: Infuses a hint of herbaceous aroma and earthiness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a touch of spicy warmth.
How to Make London Broil Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice in a medium bowl or large measuring cup until smooth and well blended. This flavorful base sets the stage for all the aromatic additions that follow and ensures your marinade has the perfect balance of tang and richness.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters
Next, stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Whisk everything until the marinade is beautifully emulsified, which means all the flavors have melded together in a luscious, smooth consistency. This step is key to making sure every bite of your London broil is packed with savory, sweet, and zesty notes.
Step 3: Marinate the Meat
Place your London broil (about 1.5 to 2 pounds) in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure it’s fully coated and that those flavors are soaking in. Seal the bag securely or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion. Oh, and if you want to amp up the flavor even more, give the meat a few pokes with a fork before marinating.
Step 4: Prep Before Cooking
Before you cook your marinated London broil, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps the meat cook evenly and prevents it from becoming tough or dry once it hits the grill or broiler.
How to Serve London Broil Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme on top adds a fresh, vibrant touch that contrasts beautifully with the bold flavors of the London broil. Thinly sliced green onions or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze can also elevate your presentation and flavor profile, making the dish as stunning to look at as it is to eat.
Side Dishes
This London Broil Marinade Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette. For something heartier, try serving it alongside grilled vegetables or creamy polenta that can soak up the delicious juices from the meat.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Slice the London broil thinly across the grain and fan it out on a large platter with the garnishes and a side of au jus or chimichurri sauce. Alternatively, serve it as a filling for hearty sandwiches or wraps with crisp lettuce and tomatoes for an elevated casual meal that’s packed with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (and trust me, that might be wishful thinking), wrap the London broil tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, letting you enjoy the delicious flavors without any sacrifice in quality.
Freezing
You can also freeze leftover marinated London broil slices by storing them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Keep them for up to 2 months, making sure to label and date the package so you never forget the treasure stored inside.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meat in a skillet over medium-low heat or wrap it in foil and bake in the oven to keep it tender and juicy. Avoid high heat reheating, which can dry the meat out and mute those fantastic flavors you worked hard to develop with the London Broil Marinade Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use this marinade for other cuts of beef?
Absolutely! This London Broil Marinade Recipe works wonderfully for flank steak, top round, and other lean cuts because it tenderizes the meat while infusing robust flavor.
How long should I marinate the meat for best results?
For tender, flavorful meat, marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This gives the acids and spices time to really soak into the beef.
Is this marinade gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, this marinade is completely gluten-free and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I reuse the marinade as a sauce?
It’s best to discard used marinade since it has raw meat juices. However, you can boil it thoroughly to kill bacteria if you want to repurpose it as a sauce.
What cooking methods work best with this marinade?
Grilling and broiling are top picks because they develop a smoky char that complements the marinade’s flavors beautifully, but pan-searing followed by finishing in the oven works great too.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a marinade that effortlessly transforms everyday cuts of beef into tender, savory delights—and this London Broil Marinade Recipe does exactly that. Simple to make and bursting with balanced flavors, it’s an absolute game-changer for your next steak night. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen just like I did. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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London Broil Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 1 batch (enough for 1.5–2 lbs of meat)
- Category: Marinade
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This London Broil Marinade is a flavorful and easy-to-make marinade that tenderizes and enhances the taste of beef cuts like London Broil, flank steak, or top round. Combining soy sauce, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a blend of spices, this marinade infuses your meat with a balanced mix of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes, making it perfect for grilling or broiling.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice until they are well combined. Then add minced garlic, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Continue whisking until the marinade is smooth and emulsified.
- Marinate the Meat: Place a 1.5 to 2-pound London Broil in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure it is fully coated on all sides. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the meat with the marinade for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate and tenderize the beef.
- Prepare to Cook: Remove the marinated meat from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This helps cook the meat more evenly.
- Cook the Meat: Grill or broil the London Broil as desired to your preferred doneness. Ensure to discard any used marinade or boil it thoroughly if you wish to use it as a sauce.
Notes
- This marinade is also excellent for flank steak or top round beef cuts.
- For deeper flavor, pierce the meat with a fork before marinating to help the marinade penetrate more effectively.
- Always discard used marinade after removing the meat, or boil it well if you plan to use it as a sauce to avoid contamination.
