When I first decided to experiment with smoked meats, I didn’t expect to stumble upon a home-cooked gem that would soon become a family favorite. The moment the rich aroma of the Smoked London Broil filled my kitchen, I knew I had struck gold. This particular cut of beef, known for being budget-friendly, transforms into a tender, smoky delight that can elevate any dinner—from casual weeknights to special celebrations.
What’s truly remarkable about this recipe is how effortlessly it captures the essence of barbecue without the extensive time commitment. With just a few simple ingredients, including a savory gravy that harmonizes beautifully with the beef’s deep flavor, you can impress your family and guests alike. Ready to take your cooking to the next level? Join me as we dive into crafting a smoky tender Smoked London Broil that promises satisfaction with every bite!
Why is Smoked London Broil a Must-Try?
Tender, Smoky Goodness: This recipe transforms budget-friendly beef into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that’s bursting with flavor.
Effortless Preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll be serving up an impressive meal without the hassle.
Savory Gravy Bonus: The optional gravy takes this dish to new heights, ensuring each bite is rich and satisfying.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to please meat lovers.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Elevate your meal game and become the go-to host with this standout dish that’s perfect any night of the week.
Ready to dive into a comforting meal? Check out my tips for pairing side dishes that will complete your dinner experience!
Smoked London Broil Ingredients
For the Marinade
- Olive Oil – Adds moisture and flavor to the marinade.
- Soy Sauce – Provides umami and saltiness, enhancing the beef’s flavor.
- Brown Sugar – Contributes sweetness and helps caramelize the exterior.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Boosts the marinade’s depth with a tangy flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Adds acidity to balance the richness of the beef.
- Garlic Cloves – Infuse aromatic flavor into the marinade.
- Dijon Mustard – Enhances flavor complexity and adds a delightful tang.
- Ground Black Pepper – Provides seasoning and mild spice.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, for a hint of heat that kicks up the flavor.
- Beef Top Round – Main protein, known for its leanness and ability to absorb flavors.
For the Gravy
- Butter – Base for making the gravy, adding richness and depth.
- All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the gravy and gives it a satisfying texture.
- Beef Broth (or Chicken Stock) – Forms the liquid base for the savory gravy.
- Reserved Marinade – Used for adjusting flavor in the gravy for a consistent taste.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and brings the gravy to life.
Prepare to enjoy a delightful meal with this Smoked London Broil that’s sure to impress!
How to Make Smoked London Broil
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Marinate: In a bowl, mix together olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Reserve ¼ cup for gravy. Marinate the beef in the remaining mixture in the refrigerator for 6-10 hours.
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Preheat Grill: While the meat is marinating, set your smoker to a low temperature of 200°F, allowing it to reach the desired temperature before placing the meat on.
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Prepare Meat: Remove the London Broil from the marinade, pat it dry with paper towels, and discard the used marinade to prevent any unwanted flavors.
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Smoke: Lay the marinated roast on the smoker and close the lid. Smoke it for about 50 minutes, or until the outside develops a beautiful, rich color.
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Finish Cooking: After smoking, raise the heat of the smoker to 450°F. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for rare, checking periodically for thickness, as cooking time can vary.
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Rest & Slice: Once cooked, take the meat off the grill and let it rest for 15 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute. After resting, slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best texture.
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Make Gravy: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until blended, then gradually add beef broth and reserved marinade. Stir until thickened, simmering for a few minutes to develop the flavors.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkling of fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Smoked London Broil preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance, allowing it to absorb all those amazing flavors while keeping it fresh in the refrigerator. Additionally, the gravy can be prepared up to 3 days ahead; simply store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove before serving. To maintain quality, make sure to keep the London Broil in a sealed container to prevent it from drying out. When ready to impress your family, just smoke the marinated beef and finish with the reheated gravy for a delicious meal that tastes just as good as when freshly made!
Expert Tips for Smoked London Broil
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Marinade Duration: Longer is better: For the best flavor, marinate your Smoked London Broil for 8-10 hours. This allows the meat to absorb all the delicious flavors.
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Pat Dry: Don’t skip this step: Always pat the beef dry before smoking. Removing excess marinade helps achieve that perfect smoky crust.
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Check Temperature: Use a thermometer: Invest in an instant-read thermometer to ensure your meat is cooked to perfection. Aim for 125°F for a nice rare cut or adjust to your preference.
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Resting Time: Give it a break: Letting the meat rest for at least 15 minutes after cooking is essential for juicy, tender slices. It prevents juices from running out when you cut.
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Slice Against the Grain: Ensure tenderness: Always slice your Smoked London Broil against the grain. This ensures each bite is flavorful and easy to chew.
What to Serve with Smoked London Broil?
Creating the perfect dinner involves more than just a tasty centerpiece; it’s about balancing flavors and textures around your meal.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These classic potatoes offer a buttery, smooth texture that pairs beautifully with the rich, smoky flavors of the beef.
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Roasted Asparagus: The earthy and slightly crunchy asparagus adds a fresh contrast, elevating each bite of meat without overpowering it.
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Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed with garlic, these green beans add a vibrant burst of flavor and color to your plate, making everything look gourmet.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn complements the beef and adds a fun, summery touch to your meal’s presentation.
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Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy slaw acts as a refreshing palette cleanser, balancing the hearty nature of the Smoked London Broil.
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Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice infused with herbs offers a light, fragrant base that absorbs the delicious gravy, making every bite memorable.
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Red Wine: Pair your meal with a smooth red wine that enhances the beef’s richness while providing a deep, satisfying experience.
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Chocolate Lava Cake: End on a high note with this decadent dessert, providing a fun and indulgent finish that perfectly matches the meal’s sumptuousness.
Smoked London Broil Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor this dish to your taste preferences with these fun twists and swaps!
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Flank Steak: Swap out top round for flank steak to enjoy a slightly chewier texture with rich beefy flavor. It’s equally delightful when smoked!
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Herb-Infused Marinade: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to your marinade for an aromatic touch that lifts the smoky essence of the beef.
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Apple Cider Vinegar: Substitute balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a fruity note, enhancing the marinade’s complexity and brightness.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to give the dish an extra heat level that will excite your taste buds.
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Smoky Paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade for an even deeper smoky flavor that complements the natural taste of the beef.
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Beer Marinade: Replace the soy sauce with a dark beer for a unique flavor twist. The beer tenderizes the meat while adding intriguing notes to the overall profile.
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Yogurt Marinade: For a tenderizing option, you might use plain yogurt in place of olive oil. It gives a creamy consistency and a tangy bite.
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Onion Powder: Sprinkle in some onion powder for additional flavor depth, complementing the garlic notes beautifully in the marinade.
Let your flavor imagination run wild as you explore these variations to make your Smoked London Broil a truly personalized family dish!
How to Store and Freeze Smoked London Broil
Fridge: Store leftover Smoked London Broil in an airtight container for up to 3 days to retain its moistness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the smoked beef tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, freezing for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently in the oven at 250°F until warmed through, preserving tenderness.
Leftovers: Consider slicing the beef before storing to make it easier to use in sandwiches or salads later!
Smoked London Broil Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select beef for my Smoked London Broil?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose a beef top round that is bright red with minimal dark spots, as this indicates freshness. Look for a firm texture and marbling—this helps enhance flavor and tenderness. If you’re exploring options, flank steak can be a great alternative for a different texture!
How should I store leftover Smoked London Broil?
To keep your delicious leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the beef has cooled to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation, which can lead to sogginess. When ready to reheat, I recommend warming it gently to maintain its tender stature!
Can I freeze Smoked London Broil, and how do I do it?
Definitely! Wrap your cooled Smoked London Broil tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets for best preservation. Follow this by wrapping it in aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in the oven at 250°F until warmed through.
Why is my Smoked London Broil tough, and how can I fix it?
Sometimes, a tough texture results from slicing against the grain. To avoid this, take a moment to identify the direction of the muscle fibers and always cut across them. Additionally, ensure you’re not overcooking it—aim for an internal temperature of about 125°F for a medium-rare finish. If you find it not tender enough, consider marinating for 8-10 hours next time for optimal flavor infusion!
Is Smoked London Broil safe for my pets?
While small amounts of plain, cooked beef can be a healthy treat for pets, avoid giving them seasoned or marinated portions, like this Smoked London Broil. Ingredients like garlic, onion, and certain spices can be harmful to pets. Always check with your vet if you’re unsure about what your furry friends can safely enjoy!
Tender Smoked London Broil with Savory Gravy Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, mix together olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Reserve ¼ cup for gravy. Marinate the beef in the remaining mixture in the refrigerator for 6-10 hours.
- Preheat your smoker to a low temperature of 200°F.
- Remove the London Broil from the marinade, pat it dry with paper towels, and discard the used marinade.
- Lay the marinated roast on the smoker and close the lid. Smoke it for about 50 minutes.
- Raise the heat of the smoker to 450°F and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 125°F.
- Once cooked, let the meat rest for 15 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until blended, then add beef broth and reserved marinade, stirring until thickened.