Why You’ll Love this Tender London Broil with Caramelized Onions
When you’re looking for a show-stopping dinner that doesn’t break the bank, this Tender London Broil with Caramelized Onions hits all the right notes.
I’m obsessed with how this recipe transforms an affordable cut of beef into something truly restaurant-worthy.
What makes it special? The diamond scoring pattern on both sides of the steak is the secret to tenderness, while those butter-sautéed onions add incredible sweetness that balances the savory meat.
Trust me, that garlic-lemon marinade works magic, infusing flavor while tenderizing.
And can we talk about how impressive this looks sliced thin across the grain? Your dinner guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen.
What Ingredients are in Tender London Broil with Caramelized Onions?
This London Broil recipe brings together simple, high-quality ingredients to create a truly impressive meal. I’m particularly fond of how the marinade blends garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the beef without overpowering it.
The caramelized onions add a beautiful sweetness that perfectly complements the savory richness of the steak—it’s that perfect balance that makes this dish so special.
For this Tender London Broil with Caramelized Onions, you’ll need:
- 1 pound beef flank steak (get the best quality you can find)
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
When shopping for ingredients, the quality of your flank steak really matters here. Look for a piece with good marbling, as this will contribute greatly to the tenderness and flavor of the final dish.
Don’t be tempted to substitute the fresh garlic with garlic powder—the fresh stuff makes all the difference in the marinade.
And while it might seem like a simple touch, that bit of lemon juice is actually doing important work, helping to tenderize the meat through its acidity while brightening all the other flavors.
How to Make this Tender London Broil with Caramelized Onions
The secret to this amazing London Broil starts with creating a diamond pattern on both sides of your 1-pound flank steak. Just take a sharp knife and make shallow cuts (about 1/8 inch deep) in a crisscross fashion. This isn’t just for looks — these little cuts help the marinade penetrate the meat and create a more tender result. Trust me, the few extra minutes this step takes are absolutely worth it.
While your steak is getting ready for its flavor bath, let’s focus on those gorgeous onions. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet, then add your 2 thinly sliced medium onions with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become beautifully tender and caramelized. A quality dutch oven set will distribute heat evenly for perfect caramelization every time.
There’s something almost magical about watching sharp, pungent onions transform into sweet, golden ribbons of deliciousness. Once they’re done, keep them warm while you focus on the star of the show.
Now for the marinade that makes all the difference: Mix together 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 2 crushed garlic cloves. Brush half of this mixture on one side of your scored steak, then position it under the broiler about 3 inches from the heat.
For an even more controlled cooking experience, you could use a premium indoor grill to achieve perfect temperature and beautiful grill marks.
Let it broil for 5 minutes, then flip the steak, brush the remaining marinade on the second side, and broil for another 5 minutes. This timing should give you a perfect medium-rare, but you can adjust according to your preference.
Remember the cardinal rule of flank steak—always, always slice it thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve those beautiful slices topped with your warm caramelized onions, and prepare for the compliments to roll in.
Tender London Broil with Caramelized Onions Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s talk about making it your own with some creative substitutions and variations.
I love swapping flank steak with skirt or hanger steak when I’m feeling adventurous.
Can’t handle onions? Try shallots or leeks for a milder, more delicate flavor profile.
The marinade’s quite flexible too—add some Worcestershire sauce for umami depth, or a splash of red wine for richness.
Herbs like rosemary or thyme can replace garlic if you’re not a fan.
For a sweeter finish, try caramelizing the onions with a teaspoon of brown sugar. Delicious.
What to Serve with Tender London Broil with Caramelized Onions
When selecting sides for your tender London Broil with caramelized onions, balance is absolutely key.
I like to pair this rich, flavorful meat with something starchy and something green.
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes make a perfect companion, soaking up those delicious meat juices. Or try a twice-baked potato if you’re feeling fancy.
For greens, consider a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or steamed asparagus with a touch of butter.
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze also complement the caramelized flavors beautifully.
Want something lighter? A cool cucumber salad provides invigorating contrast to the warm, savory meat.
Final Thoughts
After mastering this tender London Broil recipe, you’ll find yourself returning to it whenever you’re craving something both impressive and straightforward.
The caramelized onions add a sweet depth that perfectly complements the savory beef, creating a restaurant-worthy dish right in your kitchen.
I’m convinced that the diamond scoring pattern makes all the difference, allowing the marinade to penetrate deeply into the meat.
Don’t skip the vital step of slicing against the grain—it transforms what could be tough meat into tender, mouthwatering bites.
This dish proves that elegant dining doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, just attention to detail.
For a delightful appetizer to serve before your main course, consider preparing fresh bruschetta topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic for a burst of Italian flavor.
For another weeknight-friendly option that combines simplicity and flavor, try a creamy Chicken Alfredo made with convenient ingredients like cream of mushroom soup and Parmesan cheese.
