Greek Inspired London Broil: A Taste of the Mediterranean at Home

The scent of grilling meat, infused with herbs and bright lemon, always transports me back to a tiny taverna I stumbled upon in Santorini. The air was thick with bougainvillea and the sound of the Aegean Sea. The owner, a wizened woman with a smile that could melt stone, served us grilled lamb drizzled with olive oil and a vibrant tomato salsa. This recipe, while using London Broil instead of lamb, attempts to capture that same essence – the simple, bold flavors of Greece, perfectly married to a satisfying cut of beef.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Dietary Type: Dairy-Free (if feta is omitted), Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon dried basil, divided in half
• 1 teaspoon crushed dried oregano, divided in half
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 lbs london broil beef, trimmed of fat
• 1 cup diced roma tomato
• 1 large shallot, diced
• 1⁄2 cup sliced kalamata olive
• 1⁄4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Resealable plastic bag
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Roasting pan
• Aluminum foil
• Oven rack

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together half of the dried basil and dried oregano (that’s 1/2 teaspoon of each); the minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice. This fragrant mixture will form your marinade.
2. Prepare the london broil for maximum flavor absorption. Before placing the meat inside a resealable plastic bag, lightly score both sides of the beef with a sharp knife. Make diagonal cuts against the grain. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively and also provides a helpful guide for slicing later.
3. Pour the prepared marinade over the london broil in the plastic bag. Ensure the meat is well-coated by massaging the marinade into it. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for two hours. After one hour, turn the bag over to ensure even marination.
4. While the meat is marinating, and specifically after one hour has passed, prepare the Greek “salsa”. Lightly combine the diced roma tomatoes, diced shallot, and sliced kalamata olives in a separate bowl. Add the remaining half teaspoon each of dried basil and dried oregano to the mixture.
5. Cover the “salsa” bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. If using, add the crumbled feta cheese to the “salsa” mixture just before serving.
7. Preheat your oven. Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray and insert it into the pan.
8. Remove the marinated london broil from the bag, discarding the bag and any excess marinade. Do not reuse the marinade, as it has been in contact with raw meat.
9. Place the london broil on the prepared rack inside the roasting pan. Place the pan on the center rack inside the preheated oven.
10. Roast the london broil for 20 minutes, then carefully turn the roast over.
11. After the roast has cooked for the first 20 minutes and then turned over, continue cooking. Approximately 15 more minutes will result in a rare finish and 20 minutes will bring you to a medium-rare finish.
12. Remove the london broil from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Allow the meat to rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful outcome.
13. Slice the london broil thinly against the grain. This is where those initial score marks you made come in handy.
14. Serve the sliced london broil immediately with the chilled Greek “salsa”.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Marinating Time: While the recipe calls for 2 hours of marinating, you can marinate the london broil for up to 4 hours for an even deeper flavor. Avoid marinating for much longer than that, as the acids in the marinade can start to break down the meat fibers and make it mushy.
• Room Temperature Matters: For a more even cook, let the london broil sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before marinating. This helps the meat relax and absorb the marinade more readily.
• Internal Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the london broil is cooked to your desired doneness. Rare is around 125-130°F, medium-rare is 130-135°F. Remember that the temperature will continue to rise slightly as the meat rests.
• Charred Flavor: For a more intense, charred flavor, consider searing the london broil in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes on each side before roasting.
• Make Ahead Salsa: The salsa can be made a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully overnight. Just add the feta right before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the sliced Greek-inspired london broil immediately with the refreshing tomato and olive “salsa.” A sprinkle of fresh oregano or parsley adds a nice touch. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or a side of grilled vegetables.

Leftover cooked london broil should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. The “salsa” should also be stored separately in an airtight container and will keep for up to 2 days.

To reheat, gently warm the sliced london broil in a skillet over medium-low heat, or in a 300°F oven. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry. You can also enjoy the leftovers cold in sandwiches or salads.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	357 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	202	N/A
Total Fat	22.5 g	34%
Saturated Fat	6.9 g	34%
Cholesterol	103.8 mg	34%
Sodium	237 mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	3.9 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.9 g	3%
Sugars	1.2 g	N/A
Protein	33.6 g	67%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. % Daily Value is not available.

Variations & Substitutions

• Lamb Alternative: For a truly authentic Greek experience, substitute the london broil with lamb leg or shoulder. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as lamb may require slightly longer cooking.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme in the marinade for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Salsa Customization: Add a touch of heat to the salsa with a pinch of red pepper flakes. You could also include other vegetables like chopped cucumber or bell pepper.
• Dairy-Free Option: To make this completely dairy-free, simply omit the feta cheese from the salsa. It will still be incredibly flavorful.
• Vinegar Swap: If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I grill the London Broil instead of roasting it?
A: Absolutely! Grill it over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the time based on your desired doneness.

Q: What is the best way to slice London Broil?
A: The key is to slice it thinly against the grain. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and cut perpendicular to them. This will make the meat much more tender.

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: While London Broil is ideal, you can also use flank steak or skirt steak as a substitute. Cooking times may vary slightly.

Q: How long can I store the leftover London Broil?
A: Cooked London Broil can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze the leftover London Broil?
A: Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to bring a taste of the Greek Isles into your own kitchen. The combination of tender, marinated beef, and a vibrant tomato salsa is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and vegetables to create your own unique twist on this classic dish. And when you do, please share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear about them! Consider serving this Greek Inspired London Broil with a crisp glass of Assyrtiko or a refreshing Greek salad for a complete and unforgettable meal. Kali Orexi!