Neighbors’ Favorite London Broil Marinade

I still remember the frantic email chain. It was a summer barbecue season a few years back, and everyone on our block was suddenly obsessed with a London broil recipe. The subject lines were all variations of “That Amazing Marinade!” and “Please Share Your Secret!” The funny thing was, the recipe wasn’t a secret at all; it was just that good. After tasting it myself, I understood the frenzy. The perfectly tender, flavorful meat was unforgettable and elevated any cookout. I’ve been making it ever since, and it never fails to impress.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 24 hours
• Cook Time: Varies (see instructions)
• Servings: 9-10
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free (check soy sauce label)

Ingredients

• 3 lbs london broil beef (about 3 pounds, 2 inches thick)
• 1 cup salad oil
• ¾ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup prepared mustard
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Equipment Needed

• Large Ziplock Bag or Container
• Fork
• Grill or Broiler Pan
• Meat Thermometer

Instructions

1. In a large ziplock bag (gallon size is ideal) or a non-reactive container, combine the salad oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chopped onion, cracked black pepper, and minced garlic cloves. Whisk or shake the ingredients together to ensure they are well combined. This creates the flavorful marinade that will tenderize and infuse the London broil.
2. Take the london broil beef and pierce it thoroughly with a fork on both sides. This crucial step allows the marinade to penetrate deeply into the meat fibers, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Don’t skip this step!
3. Carefully place the pierced london broil into the ziplock bag or container with the marinade. Ensure the meat is fully submerged. If using a bag, squeeze out any excess air and seal tightly. If using a container, make sure it is airtight.
4. Marinate the london broil in the refrigerator for 24 hours, turning the bag or meat occasionally. This ensures even distribution of the marinade and allows the flavors to fully develop. While marinating, turning the meat every 6-8 hours is ideal, but even turning it a couple of times during the 24-hour period will make a big difference.
5. After 24 hours, remove the london broil from the refrigerator and discard the marinade. Pat the meat dry with paper towels. This will help it achieve a nice sear during cooking.
6. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your broiler. For grilling, aim for a temperature of around 450-500°F (232-260°C). If broiling, position the rack about 4-6 inches from the broiler element.
7. Grill or broil the london broil to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare (an internal temperature of 130-135°F or 54-57°C), grill or broil for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat and the heat of your grill or broiler. For medium (an internal temperature of 135-140°F or 57-60°C), cook for 7-9 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat to accurately gauge the internal temperature. Be careful not to overcook the london broil, as it can become tough.
8. Once cooked to your liking, remove the london broil from the grill or broiler and place it on a cutting board. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result.
9. After resting, slice the london broil thinly against the grain. This is crucial for tenderness, as it shortens the muscle fibers.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcrowd the grill or broiler pan. This will lower the temperature and prevent the meat from searing properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
• For a deeper flavor, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the marinade. The sugar will caramelize during cooking, adding a subtle sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• If you don’t have salad oil, you can substitute it with another neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or vegetable oil. Olive oil can also be used, but it may impart a slightly stronger flavor.
• To ensure even cooking, pound the london broil to an even thickness before marinating. This will help it cook more evenly on the grill or under the broiler.
• Use a reliable meat thermometer. It’s the best way to ensure your london broil is cooked to the perfect level of doneness.
• For extra flavor, try adding some smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the sliced london broil hot off the grill or broiler. It’s delicious on its own or as part of a larger meal. It pairs well with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes. Leftover london broil can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best reheated gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent it from drying out. Sliced London Broil also makes fantastic sandwiches or can be added to salads for a protein boost. It is not recommended to leave cooked london broil at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. For longer storage, you can freeze leftover london broil in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	477.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	316 g	66%
Total Fat	35.2 g	54%
Saturated Fat	7.8 g	39%
Cholesterol	98.3 mg	32%
Sodium	1576.6 mg	65%
Total Carbohydrate	4.8 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.6 g	2%
Sugars	1.8 g	7%
Protein	35.1 g	70%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Version: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Asian-Inspired: Substitute the Worcestershire sauce with hoisin sauce and add a tablespoon of grated ginger to the marinade.
• Herbaceous: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the marinade for a more aromatic flavor.
• Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content of the dish.
• Sweet & Savory: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I marinate the London broil for longer than 24 hours?

A: While 24 hours is ideal, you can marinate it for up to 48 hours. However, be mindful that the lemon juice can start to break down the meat fibers if marinated for too long, potentially resulting in a slightly mushy texture.

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef for this marinade?

A: Yes, you can use other cuts like flank steak or skirt steak. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the thickness of the cut.

Q: What is the best way to slice London broil?

A: Always slice the London broil thinly against the grain after it has rested. This will ensure maximum tenderness.

Q: Can I bake this in the oven instead of grilling or broiling?

A: Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches your desired internal temperature.

Q: Can I use dried onion instead of fresh chopped onion?

A: While fresh onion is preferable for optimal flavor, you can substitute it with 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Neighbor’s Favorite London Broil Marinade is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors creates a truly irresistible dish. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. Don’t be surprised if your neighbors start asking for the recipe – it’s just that good! Try it tonight and share your feedback, and consider pairing it with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.