Grilled London Broil With Caramelized Onions

I can still recall summer evenings at my grandfather’s farm, the air thick with the scent of freshly cut grass and woodsmoke. He would often grill London Broil, marinated overnight and served with a mountain of sweet, caramelized onions. The slightly charred edges of the beef, the sweet-savory onions melting in your mouth – it was a symphony of flavors that defined those summer days and instilled in me a lifelong love for simple, perfectly cooked food. This recipe is my attempt to recreate that nostalgic taste and share it with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 18 hours 33 minutes (includes overnight marinating)
• Servings: 6-8
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free (check soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce labels)

Ingredients

• 4 lbs London Broil Beef

For the Marinade:

• ½ cup Ketchup
• ⅓ cup Vinegar
• ¼ cup Oil
• 3 tablespoons Mustard
• 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Grated Horseradish
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 teaspoon Grated Ginger
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley Flakes

Optional:

• Caramelized Onions (use your favorite recipe)

Equipment Needed

• Gallon-sized zip-lock bag
• Grill
• Meat Thermometer
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together all the marinade ingredients: ketchup, vinegar, oil, mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, honey, ginger, minced garlic, black pepper, onion powder, and dried parsley flakes.
2. Place the mixed marinade into a gallon-sized zip-lock bag.
3. Score the London Broil on both sides in a crosshatch pattern. This helps the marinade penetrate the meat, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness.
4. Place the scored London Broil into the zip-lock bag with the marinade, ensuring it is fully submerged.
5. Refrigerate the bag for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, turning the bag occasionally to ensure even marinating.
6. Remove the London Broil from the marinade. Do not discard the marinade.
7. In a saucepan, bring the marinade to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. This simmering process ensures the marinade is safe to use as a sauce.
8. Preheat your grill to high heat.
9. Grill the London Broil over high heat for 3-5 minutes on each side, turning only once. The goal is to get a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside medium-rare to medium.
10. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for a temperature of 120-125 degrees F. Remember, the meat will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the grill.
11. Remove the grilled London Broil from the grill and place it on a cutting board.
12. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful slice.
13. Slice the London Broil very thinly on the bias (at an angle) against the grain. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat easier to chew.
14. Serve the sliced London Broil immediately, topped with the simmered marinade and your optional Caramelized Onions.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Overcook: London Broil is best served medium-rare to medium. Overcooking will make it tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
• Score the Meat: Scoring allows the marinade to penetrate deeper and also helps to tenderize the meat.
• Simmer the Marinade: Simmering the marinade after removing the meat is crucial for food safety. It also concentrates the flavors, making it a delicious sauce.
• Rest is Best: The resting period is vital. Don’t skip it!
• Thin Slices are Key: Slicing the London Broil thinly against the grain is the secret to making this relatively tough cut of meat incredibly tender.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the grilled London Broil immediately after slicing, topped with the simmered marinade and a generous helping of Caramelized Onions. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (like asparagus or broccoli), or a simple green salad make excellent side dishes.

Storage: Leftover sliced London Broil should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a little bit of the simmered marinade or beef broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

Do not leave the cooked meat at room temperature for more than two hours.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	616.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	280 g	46%
Total Fat	31.2 g	48%
Saturated Fat	10.2 g	51%
Cholesterol	196.6 mg	65%
Sodium	1067.6 mg	44%
Total Carbohydrate	15.1 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	0.8 g	3%
Sugars	11.7 g	N/A
Protein	66.1 g	132%

Variations & Substitutions

• Marinade Variations: Experiment with different flavors in the marinade. Try adding a splash of red wine, balsamic vinegar, or hot sauce for a kick. You could also substitute the honey with maple syrup or brown sugar.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for some heat.
• Herb Options: Use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano instead of dried parsley flakes.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I marinate the London Broil for longer than overnight?
A: While overnight is ideal, you can marinate it for up to 24 hours. However, marinating for longer periods might make the meat too soft.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook this in the oven?
A: Yes, you can broil the London Broil in the oven. Preheat your broiler to high. Place the London Broil on a broiler pan and broil for 4-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches the desired internal temperature.

Q: How do I know when the London Broil is done?
A: The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bone. For medium-rare, aim for 120-125 degrees F.

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: While this recipe is specifically designed for London Broil, you could try it with flank steak or skirt steak. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these cuts are typically thinner and cook faster.

Q: What are some good sides to serve with London Broil?
A: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a green salad, or even a simple loaf of crusty bread are all excellent choices.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled London Broil with Caramelized Onions is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create memories around the dinner table. I encourage you to try this recipe and adapt it to your own tastes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Share your creations with friends and family, and let the aroma of grilled beef and sweet onions fill your home with warmth and joy. Pair it with a bold red wine for a truly unforgettable meal. Bon appétit!