How to Smoke a London Broil (In 9 Easy Steps)

Do you want to smoke a London broil?

it’s one of my picks for an easy, cheap, and flavorful steak which is one of my favorite recipes.

However it tough cut needs some extra love!

So follow my easy step-by-step guide to on how to smoke London broil style.

What Is London Broil?

I want to set the record straight right now. 

London broil is a marinade and not a particular cut of meat or type of steak.  

Oh, and it also isn’t from London!

What it is though, is a fantastic way to get the flavor in cheaper cuts of beef with tough meat fibers.

When combined with smoking it delivers a delicious and economical meal.

The term ‘broil’ is a method of cooking that exposes the meat to high heat but we won’t be doing that today as we want to smoke it.

Let’s get cooking!

Want to Try Sous Vide London Broil

Sous vide London broil is another great way to cook it. The low and slow method leaves you with melt-in-the-mouth meaty!

See the sous vide London Broil recipe here.

The Seasoning Behind a Smoked London Broil

Are you wondering about the seasoning behind a smoked London broil?

We mentioned this method is a marinade that seasons and tenderizes the meat.

London Broil style is a wet marinade consisting of oil, seasoning, acid, sweet, and aromatics. 

Traditionally the marinade will contain virgin olive oil, wine vinegar, salt, herbs, and Worcestershire sauce.

We will go in-depth on specific ingredients further on as now it’s important to understand what these do to the meat protein.

All of the ingredients in this marinade help to break down and penetrate on a cellular level. 

The end result is a cheaper piece of meat as juicy as your favorite wagyu ribeye steaks!

NOTE: We have covered in depth the science behind brining and marinades here (input link)

What Cut of Meat for a Smoked London Broil?

So what cuts of meat for a smoked London broil?

Traditionally the cut would be a cheaper piece of beef like a flank or shoulder steak. 

Any cheap or tough cut with lots of connective tissue will benefit from a slow cooking process. 

Of course, though a lean steak or piece of beef will also work. 

NOTE: Of course, this marinade can be used on pork chops or pork butts – experimenting is the key!

Why You Should Smoke London Broil Style Cuts of Beef

Are you wondering why you should be smoking marinated meat?

Smoking is a cooking method and level to get the desired flavor and texture into those cheaper cuts. 

Traditionally smoking meat is done with indirect cooking heat, lower temperature, and a longer cook time. 

This will give the required target temperature for the Millard reaction and who doesn’t love a smokey flavor?

A pellet smoker or smoker box that uses wood chips will be ideal for this recipe. 

A flame broiler was traditionally used in this recipe but I believe it’s better as the smokey flavor enhances the marinade.

What Temperature Do We Smoke a London Broil Steak?

So what cooking temperature should we smoke at?

The ideal temperature in the cooking chamber to smoke a London broil-style steak will be around the 250F mark.

How Long Do We Need to Cook a Smoked London Broil Steak

How long will we be smoking the London broil steak?

Well, it first depends on the size of your meat. 

We recommend a cooking duration of the standard 30 minutes per pound of meat.

TIP: We recommend you get 1-3 pound cuts so it doesn’t have to take an entire day like you would with a brisket.

What Internal Temperature Does the Meat Need to Be?

So what’s the desired internal temperature of your meat should be? 

The internal temp should be between 125F and 140F. 

The best way to measure the cooking temperature and avoid letting the meat dry is by using an internal meat thermometer.

How to Prepare a Smoked London Broil Steak?

Is there much prep time for a smoked London broil and what do I need to do?

The preparation time is up to you really.

We advise at least 6 hours to marinade but this can be reduced by half if you are short on time.

It’s also determined by how large the cut of meat you’re cooking is. 

A larger mass = more time to smoke.

Should You Brine a Smoked London Broil Steak?

Steak brines are a good way to flavor and tenderize cheaper cuts of meat. 

In this recipe, we do not recommend brining as the marinade is enough.

I will say though, that it wouldn’t hurt if you had more time but it’s not necessary.

Should You Trim a Smoked London Broil Steak?

Should you trim the steak?

As predominately this recipe is for cheaper cuts there will be a need to trim.

Look for any silver skin and excess fat before marinading.

Our Method for a Smoked London Broil Steak

So, here we are again.

I hope this recipe finds you well as always, feel free to experiment yourself – especially with the marinade. 

Below is our complete method for smoked steak with a London broil marinade for lots of flavors you deserve. 

Ingredients

• Flank steak

London Broil Marinade Ingredients

• Cup of Balsamic vinegar 
• Cup of Worchester sauce
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• Cup of vegetable oil
• Half a cup of light soy sauce 
• Tbsp fresh oregano
• Tbsp of honey
• Tbsp black pepper 
• Tbsp kosher salt
• Bay leaf 
• Chili pepper flakes

Equipment

• Pellet grill, charcoal smoker, or gas grill (we used a Pit Boss smoker)
• Sharp knife
• Wood pellets (we used mesquite wood)
• Meat thermometer
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Paper towels
• Ziplock plastic bag
• Tinfoil

Preparing The Meat

Trimming

– Take the steak and trim off any excess fat and silver skin with a sharp knife. 

Marinating

– In a large mixing bowl, add all of the marinating ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon.

– Take the trimmed steak and put it into the ziplock bag.

– Pour the mixed marinade into the bag and close.

– Shake the bag ensuring the meat is covered and try to remove the air.

– Place into the refrigerator for 3 hours at least.

Resting

– Once the beef has marinated, remove it from the bag.

– Pat away any excess marinade or excess salt.

– Leave covered for 60-90 minutes to get to room temperature. 

Preparing The Pellet Grill

– Make sure your smoker or pellet grill is clean from the previous use and the load and prime with mesquite wood chips.

– Set the temperature on indirect heat of F.

Smoked London Broil Flank Steak On A Pellet Grill Smoker

I hope you enjoy this cooking style and be sure to check out our other cooking instructions and guides for experienced or beginner smokers alike.

Step 1: Smoking The Prepared Flak Steak

– Put the meat on the cooking grate in the pellet grill making sure the fat is on any direct heat.

– Insert the temp probe to the thickest part which will monitor the internal meat temperature. 

– Close lid and smoke until done. On average the smoking time will take 4-8 hours of cooking with 5 pounds of meat. 

Step 2: Rest The Meat 

– When the meat is ready, remove it from the pellet grill and cover with tin foil for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy 

– Enjoy the rested meat with friends and family knowing you haven’t sacrificed taste for your wallet when devouring the finished steak!

What to Serve with London Broil?

Ned some declious sides for your London broil?

We recommend trying;

Smoked Corn

Mac and Cheese

Coleslaw With Wasabi Dressing

See what else to serve with London Broil here.

Smoke On!

Charlie

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