Name: Grilled London Broil with Balsamic Fig Marinade Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 4 h 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup fig jam; 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 lemon (juice and zest); 2 tablespoons dried thyme; 2 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp black pepper; 1 2-pound beef top round roast (London Broil)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 50 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with this Grilled London Broil with Balsamic Fig Marinade Recipe, a sensational twist on a classic cut that bursts with rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. The tender London Broil soaks up a luxurious blend of balsamic vinegar, fig jam, and an array of vibrant herbs and spices, making each bite irresistibly juicy and packed with luscious depth. Whether you're grilling for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe promises to deliver mouthwatering results that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You'll Need

A close-up of a clear plastic bag with raw red meat inside, placed on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is pouring a dark brown liquid marinade from a clear glass measuring cup into the bag. The measuring cup shows red measurement markings and the red liquid flows in a smooth stream. The bag has a white label with

Simple, fresh, and perfectly balanced – the ingredients for this recipe may look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the complex flavors and tender texture that make the dish so unforgettable.

Olive Oil: Acts as the perfect base for the marinade, adding smoothness and helping to tenderize the meat.

Balsamic Vinegar: Provides a rich, tangy acidity that brightens the sweet notes and balances the savory flavors.
Soy Sauce: Adds a subtle umami depth and saltiness, enhancing the beef’s natural taste.
Fig Jam: Introduces a luscious sweetness with a hint of fruitiness, making the marinade unique and memorable.

Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a savory, slightly smoky complexity to the marinade.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Offers a fresh, zesty lift that sharpens the marinade’s flavor profile.
Dried Thyme: Infuses an earthy, herbaceous aroma to complement the meat perfectly.

Garlic Powder: Brings a warm, robust punch that harmonizes the flavors together elegantly.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle spicy tang that helps emulsify the marinade.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the meat’s natural juices.

Black Pepper: Delivers a mild heat and aromatic sharpness that rounds out the dish.
2-pound Beef Top Round Roast (London Broil): The star of the show, known for its great flavor and perfect for grilling when marinated properly.

How to Make Grilled London Broil with Balsamic Fig Marinade Recipe

Step 1: Whisk and Prepare the Marinade

Begin by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, fig jam, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and zest, dried thyme, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper. This vibrant mix is where all the magic happens, marrying sweet, tangy, and savory elements that will deeply infuse the London Broil.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef

Place your London Broil into a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the meat is fully coated by gently massaging the bag from the outside. Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor and tenderness. This slow soak is key to unlocking that mouthwatering richness.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to 450˚F to achieve a perfect sear. A hot grill locks in the juices and caramelizes the fig and balsamic glaze beautifully on the meat’s surface, creating an irresistible crust.

Step 4: Grill the London Broil

Remove the steak from the marinade and place it directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until your instant-read thermometer hits 130-135˚F for that perfect medium rare. Resist the urge to overcook so you can savor the tender texture.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once grilled, transfer the steak to a cutting board and tent with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender. Slice thinly across the grain to maximize tenderness and enjoy!

How to Serve Grilled London Broil with Balsamic Fig Marinade Recipe

The dish shows three slices of medium-rare steak placed at the front on a white plate with blue and brown lines. The steak is pink inside with a browned edge and small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. Behind the steak, there is a colorful pasta salad with small tube-shaped pasta, chunks of green zucchini, orange pepper pieces, black olives, white cheese balls, and bits of salami all mixed together. A fork with a blue and white striped handle rests on the edge of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with blurred food in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme can brighten the presentation and add a fresh herbal note to every bite. A drizzle of extra balsamic glaze over the sliced meat also highlights the sweet and tangy components beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with savory sides like garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a vibrant mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. These options complement the robust flavors without overpowering the delicate fig and balsamic marinade.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your London Broil thinly sliced over a bed of wild rice or atop toasted baguette slices for an elevated appetizer. You can even turn leftovers into gourmet sandwiches with arugula and creamy goat cheese for a delicious next-day treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled London Broil can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the meat covered well preserves its moisture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save it longer, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. This method helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the meat's texture intact for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a warm skillet with a splash of beef broth or water to maintain juiciness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the meat. Slow and steady warmth brings back that grilled flavor perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While London Broil is ideal for this marinade due to its robust texture, flank steak or skirt steak can also work well as they absorb marinades beautifully and grill quickly.

How long should I marinate the beef for the best flavor?

For the deepest flavor and tender results, marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. The longer the meat marinates, the more the flavors meld and the texture improves.

What if I don’t have fig jam on hand?

You can substitute with another fruit preserve like apricot or raspberry jam. The idea is to add a hint of natural sweetness that complements the balsamic vinegar and savory elements.

How do I know when the London Broil is cooked to medium rare?

Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. Medium rare is usually at 130-135˚F. Remember, the temperature will rise slightly as the meat rests.

Can I make the marinade ahead and store it?

Yes, you can mix the marinade a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just make sure to give it a good whisk before pouring over the steak, as some ingredients might separate while sitting.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about firing up the grill and creating a dish that’s both elegant and approachable like this Grilled London Broil with Balsamic Fig Marinade Recipe. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to impress without stress. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your new favorite way to enjoy London Broil packed with layers of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Grilled London Broil with Balsamic Fig Marinade Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need