Zesty Catalina London Broil

Dive into the simplicity and deliciousness of **Catalina London Broil**, an incredibly easy grilled steak dish that features just three core ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed summer gatherings, this recipe brings together economical London Broil, a touch of black pepper, and the unmistakable tangy-sweet flavor of Catalina dressing. It’s truly grilling made easy, embodying everything a summer meal should be: effortless, flavorful, and satisfying.

Why Choose London Broil for Grilling?

London Broil is more than just a cut of meat; it’s a preparation method often applied to flank steak, top round steak, or sirloin tip. We love using London Broil for this recipe because it’s inherently lean, making it a healthier choice, and incredibly economical, allowing you to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Its robust flavor stands up beautifully to marinating and grilling. However, the versatility of this recipe means you can easily substitute other cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or even a rich rib-eye if you prefer. Each will absorb the vibrant Catalina marinade differently, offering a slightly varied yet equally delicious experience.

The Magic of Catalina Dressing as a Marinade

The secret to this steak’s incredible flavor lies in the humble bottle of Catalina dressing. This vibrant, sweet, and tangy dressing does double duty as a tenderizer and a flavor enhancer. Its vinegar base helps to break down the meat fibers, resulting in a more tender steak, while its unique blend of sweet and savory notes infuses the beef with an irresistible tang that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. If Catalina dressing isn’t readily available or you’re looking for a slight variation, French dressing makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar, rich, and slightly sweet profile.

Beyond steak, Catalina dressing is a versatile pantry staple. It’s famously used to create comforting dishes like Crock Pot Catalina Chicken or the ever-popular Dorito Taco Salad, proving its worth far beyond a simple salad dressing.

How To Make Catalina London Broil: Step-by-Step Grilling

Preparing this flavorful London Broil is incredibly straightforward, perfect for novice grillers and seasoned pros alike.

• **Prepare the Steak:** Begin by thoroughly pricking the London Broil all over with a fork. This crucial step creates small perforations, allowing the savory Catalina marinade to penetrate deep into the meat fibers, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness.
• **Marinate:** Place the prepared London Broil in a large, sturdy zip-top bag. Pour the entire bottle of Catalina Dressing over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible, then gently massage the dressing into the meat.
• **Refrigerate:** Allow the steak to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 12 hours. For an even more profound depth of flavor and tenderness, marinating for 24 hours is highly recommended. The longer the marination, the better the results!
• **Season & Grill:** Before grilling, remove the steak from the marinade and pat it lightly dry (this helps with searing). Generously season both sides with freshly ground black pepper. Preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature.
• **Cook to Perfection:** Place the marinated London Broil on the hot grill. Grill until your desired degree of doneness is achieved.

How Long To Grill London Broil for Perfect Doneness

The ideal grilling time for London Broil can vary based on several factors: the thickness of your steak, whether it’s been brought to room temperature before grilling, the exact heat of your grill, and, of course, your preferred level of doneness. As a general guide, aim for approximately **8 to 10 minutes per side** for a well-sized cut.

For accurate results and to ensure food safety, an instant-read meat thermometer is your best friend. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding any bone.

• **Rare:** 125-130°F (52-54°C)
• **Medium-Rare:** 130-135°F (54-57°C) – *This is often the sweet spot for London Broil.*
• **Medium:** 135-140°F (57-60°C)
• **Medium-Well:** 140-145°F (60-63°C)
• **Well-Done:** 150°F+ (66°C+)

Remember, the internal temperature will continue to rise by a few degrees even after the steak is removed from the grill, a phenomenon known as “carryover cooking.” So, for medium-rare, remove your London Broil when it reaches an internal temperature of **130 to 135 degrees F**.

Expert Recipe Tips for the Best Catalina London Broil

• **Maximize Marination:** While 12 hours is the minimum, allowing the London Broil to marinate longer, up to 24 hours, will significantly enhance its flavor and tenderness. Plan ahead and prepare the marinade the night before for a truly exceptional result.
• **Room Temperature Rule:** For more even cooking, allow your steak to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before placing it on the hot grill. This helps prevent the outside from burning while the inside remains undercooked.
• **The Importance of Resting:** Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for **5 to 10 minutes** before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is incredibly moist and flavorful.
• **Slicing Against the Grain:** London Broil can be a tougher cut if not sliced correctly. Always slice against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers) into thin strips. This technique shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat much more tender and easier to chew.
• **High Heat, Quick Sear:** Start with a relatively high heat to get a good sear and a delicious crust on the outside of the steak, then you can lower the heat slightly if needed to cook through to your desired doneness without charring.

How To Store and Repurpose Catalina London Broil

Leftovers of Catalina London Broil are just as delightful as the freshly grilled steak and store wonderfully. Simply place any remaining steak in an airtight container and refrigerate for **3 to 4 days**.

These flavorful leftovers are incredibly versatile! Slice them thinly and add them to fresh green salads for a hearty lunch, create delicious steak sandwiches or wraps, or even chop them up for quick and easy steak tacos. The sweet and tangy flavor of the Catalina marinade lends itself well to many applications, ensuring no delicious bite goes to waste.

Perfect Pairings: What To Serve with Catalina London Broil

Catalina London Broil pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic summer sides. Its rich, tangy flavor complements both fresh and hearty accompaniments. Consider these delicious options for a complete and satisfying meal:

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: A quintessential summer side, its natural sweetness and smoky char from the grill are a perfect match.
• Twice-Baked Jalapeno Popper Potatoes: For those who enjoy a little spice and creamy texture, these potatoes offer a fantastic counterpoint to the steak.
• Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes: A comforting and flavorful vegetable dish that rounds out the meal with a touch of homestyle goodness.
• **Fresh Garden Salad:** A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the steak, adding freshness.
• **Garlic Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser and soak up any delicious steak juices.

More Irresistible Summer Steak Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and flavor of this Catalina London Broil, you’re in for a treat! Grilling steak is a summer tradition, and there are countless ways to infuse incredible flavors into your favorite cuts. Explore some of our other top grilled steak recipes designed to make your next BBQ unforgettable:

• Chipotle Lime Grilled Flank Steak: A zesty and spicy option for flank steak lovers.
• The BEST Classic Grilled London Broil: For those who prefer a more traditional, yet equally delicious, approach to London Broil.
• Bloody Mary Skirt Steak: An adventurous and deeply flavorful marinade inspired by the classic cocktail.
• Grilled Bourbon Steaks: Rich, smoky, and slightly sweet – a sophisticated twist for your grill.
• Grilled Margarita Steak: A vibrant, citrusy, and festive steak perfect for a party.

Originally posted July 17, 2018. Updated and enhanced for clarity and expanded tips.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Grilled Steak Recipe

The Catalina London Broil is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to effortless, flavorful grilling. With its minimal ingredient list, straightforward preparation, and wonderfully tangy-sweet results, this steak is guaranteed to become a staple in your summer meal rotation. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply looking for an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers on all fronts. So fire up the grill, gather your three ingredients, and prepare to enjoy a truly delicious London Broil that tastes like summer itself. Happy grilling!