How to Cook London Broil in Oven at 350°F Perfectly

 Cook London broil in oven at 350°F by searing first, then roasting 15-20 minutes per pound until internal temperature reaches 130-135°F for medium-rare, followed by 10-15 minutes resting before slicing against the grain.

Mastering the perfect oven-roasted London broil at 350°F requires precision timing and technique. This comprehensive guide delivers restaurant-quality results with foolproof temperature control, eliminating guesswork for consistently tender, flavorful beef every time you cook London broil in oven at 350 degrees.

Why 350°F Is the Ideal Temperature for London Broil

While many recipes suggest higher temperatures, cooking London broil in oven at 350°F creates the optimal balance between surface browning and even interior cooking. This moderate temperature prevents the exterior from overcooking before the center reaches your desired doneness. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends cooking beef roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F with a 3-minute rest, though most chefs prefer pulling London broil at 130-135°F for medium-rare as it continues cooking during resting.

Essential Preparation Steps Before Cooking

Proper preparation makes the difference between tough and tender London broil. Follow these critical steps:

Choose the right cut: London broil typically refers to top round, flank steak, or sirloin steak cut at least 1½ inches thick
Marinate for tenderness: Use an acid-based marinade (like vinegar or citrus) for 4-12 hours to break down tough fibers
Dry the surface: Pat completely dry with paper towels before searing for optimal crust formation
Bring to room temperature: Remove from refrigerator 45-60 minutes before cooking for even heat distribution

Cooking Method Comparison	350°F Oven Roasting	High-Heat Broiling	Slow Roasting (275°F)
Texture Result	Evenly cooked with good crust	Charred exterior, potentially uneven interior	Very tender but less crust development
Time Required (2lb cut)	35-45 minutes	15-20 minutes	60-75 minutes
Best For	Most home ovens, reliable results	Thin cuts, quick cooking	Large cuts, maximum tenderness

Step-by-Step Cooking Process at 350°F

1. Sear for Flavor Development

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of high-smoke point oil (avocado or canola) in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the London broil for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. This Maillard reaction creates complex flavor compounds essential for delicious results when you cook London broil in oven at 350.

2. Oven Roasting Timing Guide

Transfer the skillet directly to your preheated oven. Roast according to this precise timing guide:

1-inch thick cut: 15-20 minutes
1½-inch thick cut: 25-30 minutes
2-inch thick cut: 35-45 minutes

These how long to cook London broil in oven at 350 estimates provide a starting point, but always verify with a meat thermometer for perfect results.

3. Monitoring Internal Temperature

The most reliable method for determining when your London broil is done cooking involves an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat:

120-125°F: Rare (very red center)
130-135°F: Medium-rare (warm red center) - recommended for best texture
140-145°F: Medium (pink center)
150-155°F: Medium-well (slight pink)
160°F+: Well done (gray throughout)

Remember that carryover cooking will raise the internal temperature 5-10°F during resting, so remove from oven when 5°F below your target temperature. This critical detail often gets overlooked in basic how to cook London broil in oven at 350 guides.

Perfectly cooked London broil sliced against the grain on wooden board

Avoiding Common London Broil Mistakes

Even when following proper how long to cook London broil in oven at 350 instructions, these pitfalls can ruin your results:

Skipping the rest period: Cutting too soon releases precious juices. Always rest 10-15 minutes tented with foil
Slicing with the grain: London broil's long muscle fibers require slicing perpendicular to the grain for tenderness
Over-marinating: Acidic marinades beyond 12 hours can make surface texture mushy
Using cold meat: Starting with refrigerator-cold meat creates uneven cooking

Temperature Troubleshooting Guide

Encountering issues when you cook London broil in oven at 350? These solutions address common problems:

Exterior overcooking before interior reaches temperature: Reduce oven temperature to 325°F next time and increase cooking time slightly
Meat not reaching desired internal temperature: Check oven calibration with a separate oven thermometer; many home ovens run cooler than indicated
Dry, tough results: You've likely overcooked or skipped resting time. Try pulling at 125°F for medium-rare next time
Insufficient crust development: Ensure meat surface is completely dry before searing and use adequate oil temperature

Pro Tips for Perfect London Broil Every Time

Elevate your how to cook London broil in oven at 350 technique with these professional insights:

Add aromatics like garlic cloves, rosemary, and thyme to the skillet during roasting for infused flavor
Baste with melted butter and herbs during the last 10 minutes for richer flavor and sheen
For extra-tender results, salt the meat 48 hours in advance (dry brine) to improve moisture retention
Use a probe thermometer with remote monitoring to avoid opening the oven frequently

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Proper storage maintains quality when you've mastered how long to cook London broil in oven at 350:

Refrigerate within 2 hours in airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze sliced portions in vacuum-sealed bags for up to 3 months
Reheat gently in 250°F oven until internal temperature reaches 120°F to maintain tenderness
Avoid microwave reheating which creates tough, unevenly heated meat

FAQs About Cooking London Broil at 350°F

How long does it take to cook a 2-pound London broil at 350°F?

A 2-pound London broil typically requires 30-40 minutes at 350°F after searing, but always verify with a meat thermometer. Check at 25 minutes and continue cooking until it reaches 130-135°F for medium-rare. Remember that thickness matters more than weight - a thicker cut will need more time regardless of weight.

Should I cover London broil when cooking in the oven at 350°F?

No, you should not cover London broil when cooking at 350°F. Covering traps steam which prevents proper browning and crust formation. The dry heat of the uncovered oven is essential for developing the flavorful exterior that characterizes properly cooked London broil.

Can I cook frozen London broil at 350°F?

While possible, cooking frozen London broil at 350°F isn't recommended. The exterior will overcook before the interior thaws completely, resulting in uneven texture. Always thaw meat in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before cooking for best results when you cook London broil in oven at 350.

Why is my London broil tough even when cooked at 350°F?

Tough London broil usually results from one of three issues: overcooking beyond 145°F, insufficient resting time before slicing, or slicing with the grain rather than against it. For tender results, pull at 130-135°F, rest 10-15 minutes, and always slice perpendicular to the muscle fibers.

What's the best way to check doneness without a thermometer?

While a thermometer is always recommended, you can use the finger test: compare the firmness of the meat to the fleshy part of your palm below the thumb. Rare feels like when thumb touches index finger, medium-rare like middle finger, medium like ring finger. However, this method requires practice and is less reliable than using a thermometer for precise how to cook London broil in oven at 350 results.