Are you ready to transform your dinner routine with a dish that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this fantastic Instant Pot London Broil recipe! Many home cooks wonder, “Can you cook London broil in the Instant Pot?” The answer is a resounding yes! This recipe delivers a perfectly tender, juicy steak that’s ideal for a low-carb, keto lifestyle, and it requires no broiler at all. With just five minutes of active pressure cooking time, you can achieve a delicious medium or medium-rare steak, complete with a rich, savory gravy. You’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying this Instant Pot London broil and gravy meal truly is.
Super easy, super delish london broil!
– Ab
As much as I adore creating delicious air fryer recipes, I also appreciate the unique advantages of other kitchen appliances. This London broil pressure cooker recipe is my way of celebrating the versatility of the Instant Pot. Pressure cooking, while different from air frying, offers its own set of benefits, particularly when it comes to achieving deeply infused flavors and incredible tenderness in tougher cuts of meat.
One key difference between these cooking methods lies in their adjustability. With air frying, you often check, stir, flip, or rotate food during the process. Pressure cooking, however, is a more hands-off approach. Once you set the time and temperature, the Instant Pot does its work, and you typically don’t open it until the cooking cycle is complete. This means precision is paramount, especially when cooking a cut like London broil.
While this hands-off nature can carry a slight risk of overcooking, especially for delicate meats, with a robust cut like London broil, it’s easily managed. The goal is to achieve a tender, flavorful steak, not shoe leather. Fortunately, by following a carefully designed recipe like this one, you can confidently prepare a perfect London broil in your Instant Pot every time, avoiding any culinary mishaps.
To ensure optimal results for our Instant Pot London broil, we will pressure cook the beef for the shortest recommended duration: five minutes. This quick cooking time, followed by a rapid pressure release, is crucial for preventing the steak from becoming overdone and losing its desirable texture. This method aims for a perfect medium to medium-rare finish, ensuring a pink, juicy center.
It’s always easier to cook meat further if it’s slightly underdone than to salvage an overcooked piece. If you find your steak isn’t quite to your liking after the initial five minutes, you can always return it to the Instant Pot for an additional 10-15 minutes, if desired. However, once meat is overcooked, there’s no turning back. That’s why adhering to this precise cooking time is your best bet for a consistently tender and delicious outcome. Trust the process, and you’ll be rewarded with an amazing meal.
🐄 How to Make Perfect Instant Pot London Broil
Creating a mouth-watering Instant Pot London Broil is straightforward when you follow these simple steps. This guide will walk you through the process, from marinating to making the rich gravy. For specific ingredient quantities, please refer to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
The secret to a tender and flavorful London broil lies in proper marination. While traditional London broil is often broiled after marinating, our Instant Pot method simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor or tenderness. Begin by preparing your marinade the night before you plan to cook. In a bowl, thoroughly stir together the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, dried thyme, soy sauce, black pepper, and minced garlic. Once combined, place your London broil cut into a large, gallon-sized Ziplock bag.
Next, pour the prepared marinade directly into the bag with the beef. Carefully seal the bag, ensuring you press out as much air as possible. This step helps to maximize contact between the meat and the flavorful marinade, allowing for deeper penetration. Place the sealed bag in the refrigerator and let the beef marinate overnight. For best results, flip the bag periodically throughout the marination period. This ensures that all sides of the beef are thoroughly exposed to the marinade, contributing to a consistently tender and incredibly flavorful steak. Aim for a minimum marination time of 4-6 hours, but overnight is highly recommended for optimal taste and texture.
On the day of cooking, remove the beef from the marinade and gently pat it dry with paper towels. This step is important for achieving a good sear. Set your Instant Pot to the “High Saute” function, then add both butter and olive oil to the inner pot. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, add the thinly sliced onions. Allow the onions to soften, stirring occasionally, which usually takes a few minutes. If you’re planning to make a delicious mushroom gravy, this is also the perfect time to add some sliced mushrooms to the pot and sauté them until tender. Once the onions (and optional mushrooms) are softened, push them to one side of the pot to make space for the beef. Carefully place the beef into the pot and allow it to brown for a couple of minutes on all sides. Remember, you’re aiming for a quick sear to build flavor and color, not to cook the meat through at this stage.
After searing the beef, turn off the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Pour the remaining marinade from the Ziplock bag into the inner pot. Ensure that the liquid level reaches the minimum required for pressure cooking, as specified by your Instant Pot model. This liquid is essential for creating steam and building pressure safely. Place the lid securely on the Instant Pot and turn the sealing vent to the “Sealing” position. Your Instant Pot is now ready for the pressure cooking phase, where the magic of tenderizing this magnificent London broil will truly begin.
⏲️ Achieving Perfect London Broil Instant Pot Cook Time
For a tender, medium or medium-rare result, pressure cook your London Broil on high pressure for 5 minutes. It’s important to note that this specific cook time is optimized for a 2 lb London broil Instant Pot recipe, with the meat typically being about 1-inch (2.54 cm) thick. Due to the versatility of Instant Pot models, you might find that the “Meat” setting doesn’t allow for such a short cook time. In such cases, I recommend using an alternative setting like “Bean/Chili,” which often allows for greater flexibility in setting shorter durations.
Each Instant Pot model can vary slightly, so you may need to experiment to find the setting that permits the lowest possible pressure cooking time. The key is to avoid overcooking this lean cut of beef. This precise 5-minute cook time is designed to give your London broil a beautiful pink center, ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful. Achieving this delicate balance is what makes this a stand-out pressure cooker London broil recipe.
Once the 5-minute pressure cooking cycle is complete, initiate a quick release of the pressure. This rapid release prevents the meat from continuing to cook in the residual heat. Carefully open the lid, then use tongs to gently lift the London broil out of the liquid. Before resting, it’s crucial to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the beef using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C) and for medium, target 135-140°F (57-60°C). While the safe minimum internal temperature for beef is 145°F (63°C), many prefer London Broil cooked to a lower doneness for optimal tenderness and juiciness. If it’s not quite there, you can place it back in the Instant Pot on sauté for a few minutes. After checking the temperature, allow the beef to rest for a full 10 minutes on a cutting board or plate. This resting period is vital, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a more tender and moist result. While your steak rests, you can proceed with making the rich, flavorful gravy.
Now, it’s time to transform the flavorful cooking liquid into a rich, luscious gravy. Set your Instant Pot back to the “High Saute” function. Let the marinade and onion mixture come to a gentle boil and simmer for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and some of the liquid to reduce slightly. Next, gradually whisk in ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is an excellent low-carb thickener, requiring only a small amount to achieve the desired consistency. Continue to let the gravy thicken over the heat for about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally to prevent lumps and ensure even thickening. If you prefer, you can use traditional thickeners like cornstarch or whole grain flour instead of xanthan gum. Keep in mind that you will need a greater quantity of cornstarch or flour to achieve a similar thickness, usually a slurry of 1-2 tablespoons mixed with an equal amount of cold water, added gradually to the simmering liquid. Once thickened to your liking, your savory gravy is ready to complement the tender London broil beautifully.
🔪 The Art of Slicing London Broil
To fully appreciate the tenderness of your perfectly cooked London broil, proper slicing is essential. Always cut London broil against the grain into thin slices. This technique shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite incredibly tender and easy to chew. Once sliced, arrange the succulent beef on a serving platter and generously ladle some of the rich, savory gravy over the top. The combination of the perfectly seared, juicy steak with its deep, infused flavors and the accompanying homemade gravy creates an unforgettable culinary experience. YUM! 
🥩 Understanding the Cut: What Meat is London Broil?
Despite its name, “London broil” actually refers more to a cooking method than a specific cut of meat. Historically, it described marinated and broiled beef. However, in modern grocery stores, it’s most commonly associated with and labeled as top-round steak or flank steak. These cuts are typically lean, robust, and benefit greatly from marinating and quick, high-heat cooking methods like broiling or, in our case, pressure cooking.
While top round and flank steak are the most popular choices due to their balance of flavor, texture, and affordability, other cuts can also be used. Top sirloin, for example, can yield an excellent London broil, though it tends to be a pricier option. Regardless of the specific cut you choose, the key to success with this London broil Instant Pot recipe lies in the tenderizing marinade and the precise pressure cooking technique, ensuring a delicious and tender result every time.
🥗 Delightful Side Dishes for London Broil
A perfectly cooked London broil deserves equally complementary side dishes. When planning how to serve London broil, I often envision it nestled over a comforting bed of creamy mashed potatoes, accompanied by vibrant, tender vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts. The rich gravy from our recipe ties all these elements together beautifully, creating a well-rounded and deeply satisfying meal.
Beyond these classics, here are a few more fantastic side dishes that pair wonderfully with the robust flavors of London broil:
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash: A lighter, delicious alternative to pasta, perfect for soaking up the savory gravy.
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries: For a classic comfort food pairing that’s quick and easy.
- Keto Air Fryer Radishes: An excellent low-carb alternative to potatoes, offering a satisfying texture and mild flavor when roasted.
Don’t forget about your London broil leftovers! Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they’ll remain fresh for 3-4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage. Repurpose leftover London broil into exciting new meals such as savory beef tacos, hearty casseroles, or delicious gourmet sandwiches. The versatility of this cooked steak makes meal prep a breeze and ensures no flavor goes to waste.
FAQs
How do you cook London broil so it’s not tough?
The key to preventing tough London broil lies in three critical steps: proper marination, correct cooking temperature and time, and slicing technique. London broil is often made from lean, thick cuts of beef like top round or flank steak, which can be naturally tough if not handled correctly. A good marinade, rich in acids and enzymes (like the balsamic vinegar and tomato paste in our recipe), helps to break down muscle fibers and tenderize the meat significantly. Ensuring the meat is marinated for a minimum of 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, is crucial. Secondly, avoid overcooking. Our 5-minute Instant Pot method followed by a quick release aims for a medium-rare to medium doneness, keeping the steak juicy. Lastly, always slice London broil against the grain into thin pieces. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite tender and easy to chew. By combining these methods, you’ll achieve a wonderfully tender steak every time.
What cooking method is preferred for London broil?
Traditionally, London broil is prepared by first marinating a lean cut of beef and then searing it under a broiler in the oven. This high-heat method helps to create a flavorful crust while keeping the interior tender, providing consistently reliable results. However, modern cooking methods like pressure cooking in an Instant Pot offer a fantastic alternative, especially for those seeking convenience and hands-off cooking without compromising on tenderness and deep flavor. The Instant Pot excels at breaking down tougher muscle fibers under high pressure, making it an excellent choice for London broil, even if it deviates from the classical broiling technique.
How to make a London broil Instant Pot recipe with no marinade?
While you might be tempted to skip the marinade for convenience, it’s highly recommended not to for a London broil in the Instant Pot. There are two primary reasons for this. First, all Instant Pot recipes require a sufficient amount of liquid to safely build pressure and prevent burning (the “BURN” notice). The marinade serves this crucial liquid component. Second, and perhaps even more important for London broil, marinating is a critical step in tenderizing this typically lean and tougher cut of beef. The acids and flavors in the marinade work to break down muscle fibers, ensuring a succulent result. Without it, you risk a dry, tough steak, even with the Instant Pot’s tenderizing capabilities. Embrace the marinade; it’s the secret to a truly outstanding Instant Pot London broil!
How to make London broil in the Instant Pot from frozen?
While I strongly recommend thawing and marinating London broil for the best texture and flavor, I understand that sometimes convenience is key. If you must cook London broil from frozen in your Instant Pot, here’s a basic guide: First, ensure the meat was seasoned and marinated *before* freezing (if possible). Place the frozen London broil directly into the Instant Pot with the required minimum amount of liquid (you’ll still need some form of broth or water). Pressure cook on high for approximately 30 minutes. After the cooking cycle, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Immediately check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the beef to ensure it has reached a minimum safe temperature of 145°F (63°C). If not, reseal and cook for additional time. After pressure cooking, slice the beef against the grain and serve. However, be aware that cooking London broil from frozen often results in a very well-done steak, more akin to a pot roast in texture, rather than the tender, pink-centered London broil we aim for with this recipe. For truly optimal results, thawing and marinating is always the superior approach.
That said, I know some of you will still try this method, so these starter directions should help guide you! Enjoy your meal, however you choose to prepare it. 🙂
👩🏻🍳 Explore More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes
If you’ve discovered the joy and convenience of cooking with your Instant Pot, you’re in for a treat! This versatile multi-cooker can create an endless array of delicious dishes, from hearty stews to homemade yogurts. If you loved making this pressure cooker London broil, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic Instant Pot recipes:
- Old Fashioned Beef and Vegetable Soup (Pressure Cooker): A comforting, nutrient-rich soup packed with tender beef and wholesome vegetables, perfect for a chilly day.
- Bone Broth for Babies: Not just for babies, this rich, gelatinous bone broth is excellent for adults too, whether made in your Instant Pot or slow cooker for incredible health benefits.
- Instant Pot Almond Milk Yogurt: A surprisingly simple recipe for creamy, homemade yogurt with just two ingredients, proving the Instant Pot’s versatility beyond savory meals.
And if you’re currently in the market for a new Instant Pot or considering upgrading, our detailed article comparing the 6 Qt vs 8 Qt Instant Pot can help you make an informed decision based on your family’s needs and cooking habits. Happy cooking!
Watch How to Make It!
London Broil Instant Pot Recipe (Instant Pot London Broil with Gravy)
Summer Yule
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Ingredients
- 1¾ lb. top round steak, flank steak, or top sirloin (aim for a 1½-2 lbs./680-907 grams cut of beef and a cut that is about 1-inch/2.54 cm thick)
- 2 cups high-quality beef broth (homemade beef bone broth, if possible)
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ tablespoon concentrated tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- black pepper
- 1 tablepoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced into half moons
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced 227 grams (optional)
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
Instructions
- The night before: Combine beef stock, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, thyme, black pepper, and garlic in a bowl. Place the London broil in a gallon-size Ziplock bag.
- Pour the prepared marinade into the bag with the beef. Seal the bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to maximize marinade contact.
- Refrigerate the marinating beef overnight. Flip the bag a few times to allow the marinade to thoroughly penetrate the beef from all sides, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
- The following evening: Remove the beef from the marinade and pat it thoroughly dry. Set your Instant Pot to “High Sauté” and add butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until softened. (Note: For mushroom gravy, you can also sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions at this stage.)
- Push the softened onions (and mushrooms) to one side of the pot and add the beef. Quickly brown the beef for a couple of minutes on all sides to develop a rich, savory crust. This is a quick sear, not meant to cook the meat through.
- Turn off the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Pour the reserved marinade from the bag into the pot. Verify that the liquid level meets the minimum requirement for safe pressure cooking according to your Instant Pot’s specifications. Securely place the lid on the pot and ensure the vent is in the “Sealing” position.
- Set the Instant Pot to high pressure using the bean/chili setting, and program it to pressure cook for 5 minutes.
- After the cook time completes, perform a quick release of the pressure. Once the pin drops, carefully remove the lid. Use tongs to lift the London broil out of the liquid.
- Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the beef. It should ideally be around 130-140°F (54-60°C) for medium-rare to medium, or a minimum safe temperature of 145°F (63°C). Allow the beef to rest on a plate for 10 minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- To prepare the gravy: With the beef resting, set the Instant Pot to “High Sauté” again. Allow the marinade and onion mixture to bubble and simmer for about 5 minutes. Then, gradually whisk in the xanthan gum (or your preferred thickener). Continue to cook and whisk occasionally for another 5 minutes, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- To serve: Slice the rested beef thinly against the grain. Arrange on plates and generously ladle the savory gravy over each serving. Enjoy your tender and flavorful Instant Pot London Broil!
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Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Knife
- Gallon-sized Baggies
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 2 recipe (transition or weight maintenance). London broil offers a wealth of nutritional benefits, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet. For individuals managing iron deficiency, beef is a powerhouse, providing highly bioavailable heme iron which is easily absorbed by the body. Beyond iron, beef is an abundant source of essential nutrients, including Vitamin B12, vital for nerve function and energy production; Zinc, crucial for immune health; Selenium, an important antioxidant; Niacin (Vitamin B3); and Vitamin B6. And of course, let’s not overlook its significant contribution of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
A realistically portioned serving of London broil, prepared with our savory gravy, typically falls under 500 calories. However, it’s important to remember that the total calorie count of your meal can increase significantly depending on your choice of side dishes. For instance, pairing it with a generous portion of mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts can easily push the meal beyond 900 calories. Regardless of your chosen dietary lifestyle, maintaining a calorie deficit is fundamental for weight loss.
The secret to creating a lighter yet still satisfying meal is to incorporate plenty of non-starchy vegetables without excessive added oils. These vegetables, such as leafy greens, broccoli, or bell peppers, dramatically boost the volume and fiber content of your meal with minimal calories. They are also inherently low-carb and keto-friendly, making them versatile additions to suit various dietary needs while keeping your meal wholesome and filling.
Nutrition information is for one serving of London broil with London broil gravy. Please note that this is an estimate.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
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