London broil is one of those phrases that sounds far more formal than it actually is. Despite the name, it has no real ties to London or to British cooking at all. The term began appearing in American kitchens in the early to mid-20th century, when home cooks were working with flavorful, traditional cuts of beef and needed a reliable way to make them shine. London broil originally referred not to a specific cut, but to a method: marinate, cook hot and fast, then slice very thinly across the grain. Over time, the name stuck, and round steak became one of the most common cuts used for this approach.
Round steak comes from the hind leg of the animal, a muscle built for movement rather than leisure. That work shows up as a more toothsome texture and a deeply beefy flavor. It isn’t meant to behave like a ribeye, and it doesn’t need to. When paired with the London broil method it was designed for, round steak becomes purposeful, satisfying, and surprisingly elegant on the plate.
Classic London Broil
Ingredients
1 beef round steak, approximately 1.5 pounds
1/4 cup Bariani Olive Oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
Directions
Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs. Place the round steak in a shallow dish or resealable bag and coat evenly with the marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 8 hours, turning once or twice.
Remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. Heat a grill or cast-iron skillet until very hot.
Lightly pat off excess marinade and cook the steak over high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, aiming for medium-rare to medium.
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest, uncovered, for at least 10 minutes. Before slicing, notice the direction of the muscle fibers running through the meat. Slice very thinly across those lines rather than parallel to them. Cutting against the grain shortens the fibers in each bite and makes a noticeable difference in how the steak eats.
Kitchen Tip: Chimichurri for Round Steak
A bright, herb-forward sauce is a natural match for round steak. Chimichurri adds freshness and balance without masking the beef. Stir together chopped parsley, minced garlic, Bariani Olive Oil, a splash of red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then spoon lightly over thinly sliced steak or serve on the side.
Serving ideas
Thinly sliced London broil is especially good served warm or at room temperature over a simple green salad with vinaigrette. It also pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, sautéed greens, or a grain salad dressed with olive oil and herbs. Leftovers make excellent steak salads, wraps, or sandwiches the next day.
Round steak may never draw the same attention as ribeye at the market, but it offers something different and equally worthwhile. If you’ve been curious about cooking beyond the usual suspects, now’s the time. We have beautiful round steaks ready for the taking, just waiting for a good marinade and a hot pan. Come see us at the market this weekend and give this classic cut the attention it deserves.
Come hungry,
Brenna & Kenny









