Catalina London Broil Recipe

I have to tell you about one of my all-time favorite beef recipes that’s as simple as it is mouthwatering: the Catalina London Broil Recipe. When I first tried this dish, the bold, tangy flavor of the Catalina dressing completely transformed the London broil into a juicy, flavorful feast that felt special yet totally easy to make. If you’re looking for a fantastic, no-fuss recipe that has all the taste without hours of prep, this is going to become your go-to too.

Why You'll Love This Catalina London Broil Recipe

What really excites me about this Catalina London Broil Recipe is the incredible flavor fusion. The Catalina dressing acts like a magic marinade, infusing the meat with a perfect balance of tanginess, sweetness, and spice. That marinade tenderizes the London broil beautifully, giving every bite amazing juiciness paired with a slight char from the grill. It’s a flavor combo that feels both classic and fresh at the same time, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.

Beyond the delicious taste, I adore how simple this recipe is. Seriously, marinate, grill, and you’re done! It’s perfect for when I want to impress friends or family without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a versatile dish—great for casual weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, or even relaxed holiday meals. The standout star here is definitely how the Catalina dressing transforms an affordable cut like London broil into something restaurant-worthy with minimal effort.

Ingredients You'll Need

The ingredients list for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, but each one plays an important role in bringing the dish to life. Together, they create a harmonious blend of flavor and texture that’s both satisfying and colorful on your plate.

• London Broil: This hearty cut is perfect for marinating and grilling, giving you great texture and flavor.
• Catalina Dressing (16-ounce bottle): The star marinade that adds tang, sweetness, and spice all at once.
• Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Just a little kick of pepper to enhance the grilled meat’s natural flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Start by pricking both sides of your London broil with a fork. This helps the Catalina dressing soak in more deeply, making the steak incredibly flavorful and tender.

Step 2: Place the London broil and the entire bottle of Catalina dressing into a large zip-top bag. Seal it tightly and turn the bag around to coat the steak evenly. Then, pop it into your refrigerator and let it marinate for 12 to 24 hours to soak up all those delicious flavors.

Step 3: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is just right to get a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

Step 4: Remove the London broil from the marinade and sprinkle it evenly with the black pepper. Discard the marinade—don’t reuse it to avoid cross-contamination.

Step 5: Place the meat on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes on the first side. Then flip it over and grill for another 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your cut and how well done you like your steak.

Step 6: Once cooked to your preferred doneness, remove the broil from the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.

Servings and Timing

This Catalina London Broil Recipe serves approximately 6 hungry people, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or small gatherings. The prep time is minimal—mostly waiting on the marinade, which is about 12 hours—while the actual hands-on time is just around 10 to 15 minutes for grilling. Total cook time is roughly 18 to 20 minutes, and don’t forget to include a rest time of 5 to 10 minutes after grilling to keep the meat tender and juicy. Overall, from start to finish, expect about 12 hours and 23 minutes, mostly due to the marinade, but the rewarding flavor is totally worth the wait.

How to Serve This Catalina London Broil Recipe

I love serving this dish hot off the grill, sliced thinly against the grain to highlight the tender texture. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh garden salad to balance the rich meat. For a slightly heartier meal, a creamy mashed cauliflower or a tangy coleslaw also makes for fantastic companions.

Presentation-wise, I like to arrange the sliced London broil neatly on a warm platter and garnish it with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Drizzle a little extra Catalina dressing on the side for dipping—it’s amazing for those who want an extra burst of flavor.

This recipe shines at everything from weeknight family dinners to casual weekend BBQs, but I also bring it out for special occasions because it’s effortless yet impressive. Serving the broil warm or at room temperature means you can prepare ahead of time, making your hosting a breeze.

Variations

While I absolutely adore the classic flavor of this Catalina London Broil Recipe, sometimes I like to shake things up. If you want to switch out the meat, flank steak or skirt steak are excellent substitutes and marinate just as well. For those who prefer a leaner option, sirloin tip steaks work beautifully too.

If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, this recipe is quite adaptable. To keep it gluten-free, just ensure your Catalina dressing does not contain gluten—many brands offer gluten-free varieties. For my vegan friends, while the traditional London broil is beef, I love experimenting with thick portobello mushrooms marinated in Catalina dressing and grilled for a hearty plant-based alternative.

Want to add a twist? Try mixing in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or adding fresh minced garlic to the marinade for an extra layer of complexity. You could also bake or broil the meat in the oven instead of grilling, especially on rainy days—just adjust cooking times to make sure it stays juicy and tender.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Catalina London Broil holds up really well when stored properly. I recommend placing sliced portions in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Stored in the refrigerator, the meat stays delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to freeze the sliced meat in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen, it’ll keep well for up to 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat Catalina London Broil, I gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. A quick reheat in the microwave on a low setting works too, but be careful not to overcook as it can dry out easily. Avoid reheating directly on high heat or for too long to preserve tenderness and flavor.

FAQs

What is the best cut of meat to use for London broil?

The traditional cut for London broil is typically a top round or flank steak, both of which are lean and benefit greatly from marinating. These cuts can be a bit tougher, so the Catalina dressing marinade helps tenderize the meat wonderfully while adding flavor.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can broil the London broil in your oven. Place the marinated steak on a broiler pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, watching closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, pan-searing followed by oven finishing works well too.

How long should I marinate the London broil?

For the best results, marinate the meat for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours. This allows the Catalina dressing to fully infuse its flavors and tenderize the beef. Marinating less than 4 hours tends not to yield the same depth of flavor or tenderness.

Is Catalina dressing homemade or store-bought?

While you can make your own Catalina dressing, this recipe is famously simple because it uses a store-bought 16-ounce bottle. Choose one with flavors you love—some brands are sweeter or tangier than others, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite.

How do I know when the London broil is done on the grill?

I use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and up to 160°F if you prefer well done. Otherwise, grilling about 10 minutes per side on medium-high heat usually gets the job done depending on thickness. Resting the meat after grilling helps even out the juices for a tender bite.

Conclusion

Honestly, the Catalina London Broil Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen because it combines bold, comforting flavors with effortless preparation. If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers juicy, flavorful steak with minimal fuss, you absolutely have to give this one a try. I’m confident you’ll enjoy it as much as I do, and your family and friends will be asking for seconds in no time!

Catalina London Broil Recipe

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3.8 from 7 reviews

This Catalina London Broil recipe features tender, flavorful marinated beef grilled to perfection. Marinated in tangy Catalina dressing and seasoned simply with black pepper, the London Broil is easy to prepare and ideal for a satisfying dinner that serves six.

• Author: Ilina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 12 hours marinating)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 12 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 London Broil (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
• 1 (16-ounce) bottle Catalina Dressing
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: Prick the London Broil on both sides with a fork to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat deeply. Combine the London Broil and the entire bottle of Catalina Dressing in a large zip-top bag. Seal the bag and turn it to coat the meat evenly in the dressing. Refrigerate and marinate for 12 to 24 hours to develop flavor and tenderize the beef.
2. Preheat the Grill: About 15 minutes before grilling, heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it reaches the ideal temperature for grilling the meat evenly while achieving a good sear.
3. Season the Meat: Remove the marinated London Broil from the bag and discard the marinade. Sprinkle both sides of the meat evenly with ½ teaspoon black pepper to enhance the meat's natural flavor without overpowering it.
4. Grill the London Broil: Place the London Broil on the preheated grill. Grill for 10 minutes on the first side without moving it, to develop a nice crust. Then flip the meat carefully and grill for an additional 8 to 10 minutes on the other side. Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of your cut and your preferred level of doneness—medium-rare is often recommended for London Broil.

Notes

• Marinating the meat for at least 12 hours is essential for tenderness and flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
• Let the meat rest for 5–10 minutes after grilling before slicing against the grain to ensure juiciness.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop at medium-high heat as an alternative cooking method.