Guaranteed Winner London Broil

The aroma still takes me back. It was my first Thanksgiving away from home, a tiny apartment shared with equally clueless college friends. We were determined to pull off the holiday, and I volunteered for the meat, finding a recipe in a tattered community cookbook my grandmother had sent. To my utter shock, the London broil, marinated and roasted according to a mysterious Rachel Abittan’s instructions, emerged from our ancient oven, impossibly tender and flavorful. It was a culinary miracle, a taste of home amidst the chaos, and the start of my lasting love affair with this surprisingly simple and consistently impressive dish.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
• Cook Time: 30-50 minutes (depending on weight)
• Total Time: At least 45 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Servings: 8-10
• Dietary Type: Varies (see substitutions)

Ingredients

• 3-5 lbs London Broil Beef
• ¼ cup Oil (vegetable or olive)
• ⅓ cup Vinegar (red wine or balsamic preferred)
• 2 Onions, diced (or chopped)
• 6 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons Tamari (soy sauce)
• 3 tablespoons Brown Sugar
• ½ teaspoon Pepper

Ingredient Notes:

• For a gluten-free option, ensure your tamari is certified gluten-free.
• Feel free to experiment with different vinegars to subtly alter the flavor profile.
• Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference.

Equipment Needed

• Large Plastic Bag (resealable) or non-reactive container
• Roasting Pan

Instructions

1. In a large resealable plastic bag (or a non-reactive container), combine the oil, vinegar, diced onions, minced garlic cloves, tamari, brown sugar, and pepper. Whisk or stir well to ensure the brown sugar dissolves.

2. Add the London Broil to the bag. Seal the bag tightly, pressing out as much air as possible. If using a container, ensure the meat is well-covered by the marinade.

3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the meat marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. Turn the bag or meat occasionally to ensure even marination.

4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

5. Place the marinated London Broil in a roasting pan. Do not discard the marinade; pour it over the meat.

6. Cover the roasting pan tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.

7. Roast the meat in the preheated oven for 30 minutes per pound of meat, or until the meat is tender. A 3-pound roast will take approximately 90 minutes.

8. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C); for medium, aim for 135-145°F (57-63°C); and for medium-well, aim for 145-155°F (63-68°C).

9. Once the meat reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven.

10. Let the London Broil rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast. Tent loosely with foil while resting.

11. Thinly slice the London Broil against the grain. This is crucial for tenderness, as it shortens the muscle fibers.

12. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for perfection:

• Don’t be afraid to experiment with the marinade! Adding a touch of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce can deepen the flavor profile.
• If you’re short on time, you can marinate the meat for as little as 2 hours, but overnight is truly ideal.
• Using an oven thermometer ensures your oven is accurately heated, preventing undercooked or overcooked results.
• If desired, you can broil the meat for 5-10 minutes per side before roasting, as suggested in the original recipe, to add extra browning and a slightly crustier exterior. Just be sure to watch it carefully to avoid burning.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Make-Ahead Magic: The marinade can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can even marinate the London Broil for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor penetration.
• Rescue Remedy: If the London Broil is slightly overcooked, don’t despair! Slicing it thinly and serving it with a rich pan sauce or gravy will help to mask the dryness.
• Caramelization Boost: For extra caramelized flavor, you can sear the London Broil in a hot skillet before adding it to the roasting pan. Be sure to pat the meat dry before searing to promote browning.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the sliced London Broil hot, alongside your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze cooked London Broil for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, slice the meat thinly and gently warm it in a skillet with a little beef broth or gravy to prevent it from drying out. Avoid leaving cooked London Broil at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	364 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	171	47%
Total Fat	19.1 g	29%
Saturated Fat	6 g	29%
Cholesterol	110.6 mg	36%
Sodium	472.1 mg	19%
Total Carbohydrate	8.9 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0.6 g	2%
Sugars	6.3 g	–
Protein	37.3 g	74%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy twist.
• Herbaceous Delight: Incorporate fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the marinade for a more complex flavor profile.
• Citrus Zing: Add the zest and juice of an orange or lemon to the marinade for a bright, citrusy note.
• Soy-Free Option: Substitute coconut aminos for the tamari for a soy-free alternative.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
A: While London Broil is the recommended cut, you can also use flank steak or skirt steak. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these cuts may cook faster.

Q: How do I prevent the meat from drying out?
A: Be sure to marinate the meat for an adequate amount of time, and avoid overcooking it. Resting the meat after cooking is also crucial for retaining moisture.

Q: Can I grill the London Broil instead of roasting it?
A: Yes, grilling is a great option. Grill the marinated meat over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with London Broil?
A: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or grilled asparagus are all excellent choices.

Q: Can I freeze leftover cooked London Broil?
A: Yes, you can freeze cooked London Broil for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in freezer-safe packaging to prevent freezer burn.

Final Thoughts

I urge you to try this deceptively simple recipe. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of community cookbooks and the unexpected culinary gems they often hold. The combination of the savory marinade and the tender, flavorful beef is guaranteed to impress, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the marinade and make it your own. Serve it with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, and let me know what you think!