London Broil Recipe – Tender & Flavorful Beef Dish
London Broil Recipe – Tender & Flavorful Beef Dish
London Broil is a culinary term that often sparks curiosity about its origins and preparation. While many think it’s just a cut of beef, it’s actually a technique that transforms tougher cuts into something remarkably tender and flavorful. By mastering the art of marinating and cooking, you can enhance your meals effortlessly. The magic lies not just in the ingredients but in how you treat the meat before and after cooking. Want to find out the secrets that can make your London Broil truly stand out?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you plunge into this London Broil recipe, you’ll quickly uncover its appeal lies not just in its rich flavors but also in its impressive nutritional benefits. This dish boasts a whopping 26.1 grams of protein per 3 oz serving, making it a fantastic choice if you’re looking to boost your protein intake. Plus, with zero carbs, it’s great for low-carb diets. You’ll also find that it’s a good source of iron and zinc, providing 12% and 40% of your daily values, respectively. These nutrients can benefit your immune system and support other essential functions in your body. Additionally, the high protein content of London Broil can aid in burning fat, making it a favorable option for those aiming for weight loss. Not only is it nutritious, but it’s also simple to prepare. You can start with basic ingredients like ketchup and garlic, and the cooking options are flexible—you can use an oven, slow cooker, or even pan-frying. With a prep time as short as 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings. Finally, you can serve your London Broil with a variety of sides, ensuring that it fits seamlessly into your meals. Enjoy this tasty and healthy dish that brings both flavor and nutrition to the table!
History
London Broil has an intriguing backstory that’s often misunderstood. While many might think it hails from London, it actually originated in Philadelphia. The name likely served to give the dish an air of sophistication and European prestige.
Interestingly, “London broil” can refer to both a specific cut of beef and a cooking method, adding a layer of complexity to its identity. The term underscores the importance of marination, as it significantly enhances the flavor and texture of the meat.
In the 1950s and 1960s, London Broil gained popularity, influenced by the culinary trends of that time. The acidic marinades used back then were a fashion statement, helping tenderize tougher cuts of meat while masking off flavors.
Initially cooked under a broiler, it’s more common today to grill the meat, which allows for better control over doneness. Flank steak is the most common cut for this dish, though other affordable cuts like top round and chuck can also be used.
In modern recipes, you might pound the meat for extra tenderness. The steak is typically cooked to medium-rare and sliced against the grain for a great texture.
Don’t forget to let it rest after cooking, as this helps retain its juiciness.
Recipe
London Broil Recipe
London Broil is a classic dish that delivers a rich and savory flavor, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Traditionally made with flank steak, top-round steak, or skirt steak, this dish requires marinating the meat to improve tenderness and infuse it with flavor. The combination of olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and robust herbs and spices creates a delicious marinade that guarantees each bite is succulent. Marinade ingredients like balsamic vinegar and lemon juice are crucial as they tenderize the meat.
Once marinated, the steak is seared on a hot skillet, sealing in the juices before being broiled to achieve that perfect medium-rare or medium doneness. The preparation method retains the natural flavors of the meat while introducing the aromatic notes of garlic and fresh herbs. Serve it with herb butter for an extra touch of richness and garnished with fresh parsley for visual appeal.
Ingredients:
– Marinade:
– Olive oil
– Soy sauce
– Balsamic vinegar
– Lemon juice
– Garlic
- Herbs and Spices:
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
-
Paprika
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Herb Butter:
- Unsalted butter
- Lemon zest
- Garlic
- Fresh chives
-
Finely minced herbs
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Meat:
- Flank steak, top-round steak, or skirt steak
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Cooking Instructions:
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In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and minced garlic to create the marinade. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
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Place your choice of steak into a zippered plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, making sure that the meat is well coated. Seal the bag, removing any excess air, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, ideally overnight.
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Preheat your oven to broil with the rack positioned in the middle. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Allow the steak to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
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Heat a skillet over high heat and add a little olive oil. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side until a nice crust forms.
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and broil the steak for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare or 14-15 minutes for medium, flipping halfway through to guarantee even cooking.
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Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps redistribute the juices within the meat.
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After resting, slice the steak against the grain into ¼-inch thick pieces.
For finishing touches, consider making a herb butter by mixing unsalted butter with lemon zest, garlic, and finely minced herbs. Spread this over the sliced steak just before serving.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different herb and spice combinations in the marinade to find your favorite flavor profile. Don’t forget to serve with a fresh parsley garnish to improve the presentation!
Final Thoughts
As you savor the delightful flavors of your London Broil, it’s clear that this dish isn’t just a meal, but a celebration of taste and texture. This versatile protein can be paired with a variety of vegetables for a satisfying dinner.
Consider serving it alongside sautéed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or even fried Brussels sprouts. It also complements classic steakhouse sides like roasted potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes.
Nutritionally, a 3 oz serving delivers 173 calories packed with 26.1g of protein, making it a great lean meat choice. High in iron and zinc, it supports overall health while being low in sodium and carbs. Additionally, this dish has a cholesterol content of 76.5mg, which is ideal for those monitoring their intake.
To achieve tenderness, remember to marinate your steak before broiling, and slice against the grain after allowing it to rest for 10 minutes. This keeps every bite juicy and flavorful.
If you have leftovers, get creative! Thinly sliced London Broil works wonderfully in salads, grain bowls, or even topped on baked potatoes with cheese.
You can enjoy this dish in many ways, ensuring tasty meals throughout the week. Enjoy your culinary adventure with London Broil!
FAQ
Cooking can sometimes raise questions, especially when trying a new recipe like London Broil. Let’s cover some common FAQs to help you out.
Key Ingredients: For a tasty marinade, mix olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and your preferred spices.
You can use top round steak, sirloin, or flank steak for the meat.
Cooking Methods: The broiler method involves preheating to 450°F and broiling for about 7-8 minutes per side, aiming for a temperature of 135°F for medium-rare. Additionally, you might want to consider grilling as an optimal method since it enhances the flavor and tenderness of the steak.
Alternatively, you can bake it at 420°F for 10-12 minutes or grill it over medium-high heat.
Tips for Tenderness: Marinate your meat for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 for a stronger flavor.
Use a meat mallet to pound it for even cooking, and always slice against the grain to guarantee tenderness.
Final Touches: Remember to let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting.
This helps keep the juices inside. With these tips, you’ll prepare a delicious London Broil to impress your guests!
