Craving a hearty, satisfying meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Look no further than the humble London Broil! This cut of beef, often overlooked, is a fantastic option for a delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly dinner. And guess what? It's incredibly easy to cook in your oven! Forget the fancy restaurant, with a few simple steps you can create a mouth-watering meal right at home.
The Magic of Marinating
The secret to a truly tender and flavorful London Broil lies in the marinade. Think of it as a spa day for your steak! It infuses the meat with delicious flavors and breaks down the muscle fibers, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Before you start, remember:
- No freezing with the marinade – stick to refrigerating for best results.
- Don't forget the rest! Allow the meat to rest after cooking before slicing to lock in those tasty juices.
- Slice against the grain – this technique is key for ensuring the most tender bite.
- Leftovers can be amazing! Freeze them for up to three months and use in sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes. Don't let a single delicious morsel go to waste!
- Avoid Overcooking: If your steak goes too far and starts to resemble shoe leather, don't panic. Shred it and add a flavourful liquid like beef broth with gelatin to bring it back to life.
Oven Temperature: 350°F is Your Friend
Many cooks swear by 350°F as the sweet spot for cooking London Broil in the oven. It's a moderate temperature that allows the meat to cook evenly without drying out. Here's a simple recipe to guide you:
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
Instructions:
- Marinate: Whisk all the marinade ingredients together. Place your London Broil in a dish or Ziploc bag and pour the marinade over the meat. Make sure it's fully coated, then cover or seal tightly and put it in the refrigerator. Allow to marinate for at least 4 hours, or up to 2 days, turning the meat regularly.
- Get Ready to Bake: Remove the meat from the fridge and marinade and let it dry slightly. Discard the marinade. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook it up! Place the London Broil on a broiling rack in a broiling pan. This will help catch the drippings and prevent any unwanted flare-ups. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Ensure an even cook!
- Check Doneness Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meat is between 120-130°F (for medium-rare). The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the meat from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes. This resting period is very important as it allows the juices to redistribute through the meat and makes the steak more flavourful. After the rest, slice the meat thinly across the grain.
Serving Suggestions
Your perfectly cooked London Broil can be the star of a fabulous meal! Serve it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, brown butter asparagus, roasted cauliflower, or glazed carrots. Or why not create a vibrant salad with mixed greens, crunchy vegetables and a delicious vinaigrette!
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