This grilled London broil is marinated to perfection, locking in a deep garlicky flavor complemented by a vibrant herb butter. Paired with crispy red potatoes and garlicky sautéed spinach, this steakhouse classic is served directly from the grill, offering a full steakhouse experience right at home.
Perfect for a summer BBQ or a cozy family dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and looks beautiful on the plate. The herb butter melts over the steak and potatoes, adding richness and depth, while the spinach provides a fresh, nutritious side. Your guests will feel like they’re dining at a top-notch steakhouse without ever leaving your backyard.
Full Recipe:
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 2-pound London broil steak (1 1/2 to 2 inches thick)
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 2 pounds red creamer potatoes, quartered or halved
- 1 pound baby spinach
Directions:
- Chop 2 garlic cloves and add them to a resealable bag with the steak, olive oil, vinegar, basil, red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, turning occasionally.
- Preheat the grill to high heat.
- Combine 1 chopped garlic clove, 6 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, shallots, and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Mix well. Add parsley and chives. Set aside.
- Place potatoes on foil, dot with 1 tablespoon butter, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, and seal. Grill potatoes for 10 minutes.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 16-20 minutes, flipping every 4-5 minutes until medium rare (130°F). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Meanwhile, add garlic, shallots, and butter to a cast-iron skillet on the grill. Sauté for 3 minutes, add spinach, and cook for 8 minutes until wilted.
- Open the foil packet and add potatoes to the skillet. Spread herb butter over the steak and potatoes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours (including marinating and resting)
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4-6 servings
The Ultimate Guide to a Steakhouse Dinner on the Grill
There’s nothing quite like the combination of smoky, char-grilled flavors and the rich, savory satisfaction of a well-prepared steakhouse dinner. Whether you’re a grill enthusiast or someone looking to recreate that gourmet steakhouse experience at home, this Grilled London Broil with Herb Butter, Potatoes, and Spinach will tick all the boxes. It’s a complete meal, from tender, marinated steak to buttery potatoes and sautéed spinach, all cooked on the grill, making it perfect for summer gatherings, backyard BBQs, or even an elevated weeknight dinner.
Why This Steakhouse Dinner is Special
This recipe embodies the heart of steakhouse cuisine but with the convenience and charm of grilling at home. Here’s what makes this dish a standout:
- London Broil as the Star: London broil is an affordable cut of beef, making it accessible for most households, but it doesn’t skimp on flavor. When marinated properly, as in this recipe, it develops a rich, garlicky taste that rivals more expensive cuts like ribeye or filet mignon. The herb butter that melts over the hot steak is the final luxurious touch, elevating it to steakhouse quality.
- All-in-One Grilled Meal: One of the unique features of this recipe is that everything—steak, potatoes, and spinach—is cooked on the grill. There’s no need to use your oven or stovetop, which makes it a perfect meal for warm-weather cooking. The red creamer potatoes are wrapped in foil and cooked until perfectly tender, while the spinach is quickly sautéed in a cast-iron skillet directly on the grill. This efficient use of the grill not only saves time but also imparts a smoky flavor that enhances each component of the meal.
- Herb Butter as a Finishing Touch: The herb butter, made with fresh parsley, chives, shallots, and Worcestershire sauce, is the hero of this dish. It adds a layer of richness and depth to both the steak and the potatoes, making them irresistibly savory. The butter melts into every crevice of the meat and softens the crispy edges of the potatoes, offering a gourmet touch that you would expect at a fine dining steakhouse.
The Beauty of Grilling London Broil
Grilling London broil can be tricky if not done correctly, as this cut tends to be lean and can become tough if overcooked. However, the key to success is in the preparation and grilling technique:
- Marination is Key: The marination process is critical to tenderizing the London broil. In this recipe, the steak is marinated for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) in a mixture of garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, basil, and Worcestershire sauce. This not only infuses the meat with flavor but also helps break down the muscle fibers, ensuring that the steak remains juicy and tender when grilled.
- Grilling for Perfect Doneness: A high-heat grill is essential to achieving the ideal crust on the outside of the steak while keeping the inside juicy. The steak is flipped every 4-5 minutes to ensure even cooking, and it’s recommended to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (aiming for medium-rare at 130°F). Letting the steak rest for about 10 minutes after grilling is another important step, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Elevating the Side Dishes
In this recipe, the side dishes are just as impressive as the main course. Potatoes and spinach might seem like simple accompaniments, but the grilling method transforms them into a flavorful, gourmet experience.
- Grilled Red Creamer Potatoes: By grilling the potatoes in foil with butter and salt, they steam and cook evenly while also absorbing the smoky flavors from the grill. Once unwrapped and tossed with more herb butter, they develop a crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. This method of cooking potatoes on the grill is not only convenient but also delivers a flavor profile that’s hard to achieve in the oven.
- Sautéed Spinach with Garlic: Fresh spinach is quickly sautéed in a cast-iron skillet on the grill, which gives it a slightly smoky flavor. Garlic and shallots are added to the butter in the skillet, creating a fragrant base for the spinach. As the spinach wilts, it absorbs these rich flavors, making it a delicious and nutritious side that balances out the richness of the steak and potatoes.
The Versatility of This Recipe
Another reason this recipe is a must-try is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand:
- Herb Variations: While parsley and chives are used in this version, you can experiment with other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or tarragon to add different flavor profiles to the butter and marinade.
- Alternative Vegetables: If spinach isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute it with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. Alternatively, you could add other grill-friendly vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
- Cheese Additions: For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese or Parmesan over the potatoes just before serving. The heat from the potatoes will gently melt the cheese, adding another layer of flavor.
Health Benefits of This Steakhouse Meal
Despite its rich flavors, this steakhouse dinner on the grill can be a part of a balanced diet:
- Lean Protein Source: London broil is a lean cut of beef, providing a good source of protein without excessive fat content. It’s a great option for those who are conscious of their fat intake but still want to enjoy a satisfying steak dinner.
- Nutrient-Dense Spinach: Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, including iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. It’s also low in calories, making it an excellent addition to any meal for those looking to boost their intake of vegetables.
- Healthy Fats in Herb Butter: The olive oil used in the marinade and the unsalted butter in the herb mix both provide healthy fats that are essential for nutrient absorption and maintaining overall health.
Serving Suggestions
This steakhouse dinner is hearty and filling on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, consider the following serving suggestions:
- Grilled Bread: Serve with slices of grilled sourdough or French bread, brushed with olive oil and lightly toasted on the grill. The crispy, smoky bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover herb butter from the steak and potatoes.
- Wine Pairing: A robust red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the grilled steak and herb butter. For a white option, a full-bodied Chardonnay would complement the creamy butter and garlic notes in the dish.
- Salad on the Side: A light and refreshing salad, such as an arugula and Parmesan salad with a lemon vinaigrette, would contrast nicely with the richness of the meal. The bright acidity in the salad will cleanse the palate and balance out the heavier elements of the dish.
Tips for Success
To ensure the best possible outcome when preparing this steakhouse dinner on the grill, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked steak, a meat thermometer is a must. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak, and remove the steak from the grill when it reaches your desired doneness (medium-rare at 130°F).
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the steak rest after grilling is essential for retaining its juices. Cutting into the steak too soon can cause the juices to run out, leaving you with a drier piece of meat.
- Prepare in Advance: Since the steak needs to marinate for at least 4 hours, this is a great recipe to prepare in advance. You can marinate the steak in the morning and have it ready to grill by dinner time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Grilled London Broil with Herb Butter, Potatoes, and Spinach is the perfect recipe for anyone looking to bring the flavors of a high-end steakhouse into their home. The combination of tender, flavorful steak, crispy grilled potatoes, and garlicky sautéed spinach is sure to impress your family and guests. With a little planning and the right techniques, you can recreate this restaurant-quality meal entirely on your grill, making it a fantastic choice for summer barbecues, special occasions, or any time you want to elevate your dinner game. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice cook, this recipe is both approachable and impressive, offering rich flavors with minimal fuss.
This steakhouse dinner isn’t just about the steak – it’s a complete, balanced meal that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning. From the smoky, tender meat to the buttery potatoes and vibrant spinach, every bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. So, fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a meal that brings the steakhouse experience right to your backyard.