If you want a steak dinner that is juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, this London Broil Marinade recipe is one of my favorite ways to transform an affordable cut of beef into something truly delicious. A good marinade does more than just add flavor—it helps tenderize the meat while creating those bold savory notes that make every bite irresistible.

Whenever I prepare London broil for family dinners or weekend grilling, this recipe is always my first choice because it consistently delivers tender and flavorful results.
This London Broil Marinade combines simple pantry staples like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice to create the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. The longer the steak marinates, the deeper the flavor penetrates into the meat, making every slice juicy and satisfying. Whether you grill it outside during summer or broil it in the oven on a busy weeknight, this marinade works beautifully every time.
One of the reasons I love this London Broil Marinade recipe so much is because it is incredibly versatile. You can use it for flank steak, top round steak, or even sirloin. The ingredients are affordable, easy to find, and come together in just minutes. After marinating, the steak cooks quickly and slices beautifully for sandwiches, salads, rice bowls, or classic steak dinners with vegetables and potatoes.
If you have ever struggled with tough London broil, the secret usually comes down to two things: a great marinade and proper slicing. This recipe takes care of the first step perfectly, and I will also share helpful cooking tips later in this guide to ensure your steak turns out restaurant-quality every single time.
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 4-12 hours
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 5-13 hours
Ingredients
For the London Broil Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Beef
- 2 1/2 to 3 pounds London broil steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, brown sugar, garlic, Dijon mustard, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely.
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Marinate the Steak: Place the London broil steak into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the London Broil Marinade over the meat, making sure every side is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate overnight.
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Bring to Room Temperature: About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator. Letting the meat sit at room temperature helps it cook more evenly and prevents a tough texture.
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Preheat the Grill or Oven: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If broiling indoors, preheat the oven broiler and position the oven rack about 5 inches from the heat source.
-
Cook the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and allow excess marinade to drip off. Discard the used marinade. Lightly brush the steak with olive oil and place it on the grill or broiler pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness.
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Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer for accurate results. Medium-rare is around 130-135°F, medium is 140-145°F, and medium-well is 150°F.
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Rest the Meat: Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
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Slice and Serve: Slice the steak thinly against the grain. This step is essential for achieving tender bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips or Variations
Marinate Longer for Better Flavor
The beauty of this London Broil Marinade is how deeply it flavors the meat over time. While 4 hours works well, overnight marinating creates the most tender and flavorful steak.
Use Fresh Garlic and Lemon Juice
Fresh ingredients make a huge difference in the final taste. Fresh garlic gives the marinade a stronger savory flavor, while fresh lemon juice brightens everything naturally.
Do Not Overcook
London broil can become tough if overcooked. Medium-rare to medium is ideal for juicy and tender slices. A meat thermometer is the easiest way to avoid overcooking.
Try Different Herbs
You can customize this London Broil Marinade with thyme, oregano, parsley, or even fresh cilantro depending on your flavor preferences.
Add Heat
If you enjoy spicy steak, add extra red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the marinade for a little kick.
Perfect Side Dishes
I love serving London broil with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, grilled corn, rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad. The rich marinade pairs well with almost any side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is London broil?
London broil is usually a lean cut of beef, commonly top round steak or flank steak, that benefits greatly from marinating and high-heat cooking methods.
How long should I marinate London broil?
For the best results, marinate the steak for at least 4 hours. Overnight marinating is ideal because it allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
Can I freeze the steak in the marinade?
Yes. One of my favorite meal prep tricks is freezing the steak directly in the marinade. As it thaws, the meat continues to absorb flavor beautifully.
Can I cook London broil in a skillet?
Absolutely. A cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for this recipe. Sear the steak over high heat for a flavorful crust, then finish cooking to your desired temperature.
Why should I slice against the grain?
Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak easier to chew and much more tender.
Can I reuse the marinade?
No. Once the marinade has touched raw meat, it should be discarded. If you want extra sauce for serving, prepare a separate batch.
What is the best cooking method for London broil?
Grilling and broiling are both excellent methods because they cook the steak quickly over high heat while creating a flavorful crust.
Conclusion
This London Broil Marinade recipe is one of the easiest ways to create a steak dinner that tastes rich, tender, and full of bold flavor without spending a fortune. I love how a handful of simple ingredients can completely transform an inexpensive cut of beef into something that feels restaurant-worthy. Whether you grill it outdoors for a summer barbecue or broil it in the oven for a cozy dinner at home, this recipe delivers reliable and delicious results every single time.
The combination of soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and herbs creates the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly smoky flavors. Once you try this London Broil Marinade, it will quickly become a regular part of your dinner rotation because it is simple, versatile, and incredibly satisfying.
If you make this recipe, experiment with your favorite sides and seasonings to make it your own. Great food is all about sharing memorable meals with family and friends, and this flavorful steak recipe is perfect for exactly that. Enjoy every juicy bite!
London Broil Marinade Recipe
If you want a steak dinner that is juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, this London Broil Marinade recipe is one of my favorite ways to transform an affordable cut of beef into something truly delicious.
Ingredients
For the London Broil Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Beef
- 2 1/2 to 3 pounds London broil steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, brown sugar, garlic, Dijon mustard, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the London broil steak into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the London Broil Marinade over the meat, making sure every side is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate overnight.
- Bring to Room Temperature: About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator. Letting the meat sit at room temperature helps it cook more evenly and prevents a tough texture.
- Preheat the Grill or Oven: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If broiling indoors, preheat the oven broiler and position the oven rack about 5 inches from the heat source.
- Cook the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and allow excess marinade to drip off. Discard the used marinade. Lightly brush the steak with olive oil and place it on the grill or broiler pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer for accurate results. Medium-rare is around 130-135°F, medium is 140-145°F, and medium-well is 150°F.
- Rest the Meat: Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the steak thinly against the grain. This step is essential for achieving tender bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 306Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 1302mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 16g





