How Long To Cook 3 Lb London Broil In Oven

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London broil is a lean cut that benefits from quick, high-heat cooking to keep it from getting tough. If you want to know how long to cook 3 lb london broil in oven, the short answer is 18 to 25 minutes at 450°F for medium-rare, depending on thickness. This guide breaks down the exact times, temps, and steps so you get a tender, juicy result every time.

London broil is not actually a cut of beef. It is a cooking method, usualy applied to top round or flank steak. These cuts are lean and affordable, but they turn chewy fast if you overcook them.

The key is high heat, a short cook time, and a good rest before slicing. Follow the numbers below and you will be fine.

What You Need To Know Before Cooking

A 3 lb London broil is a big piece of meat. Thickness matters more than weight when you set your timer. A 3 lb roast can be 1.5 to 2.5 inches thick.

  • 1.5 inches thick: 18 to 20 minutes for medium-rare
  • 2 inches thick: 22 to 25 minutes for medium-rare
  • 2.5 inches thick: 25 to 30 minutes for medium-rare

Always use a meat thermometer. Time gives you a starting point, but temperature tells you the truth.

Target Internal Temperatures

  • Rare: 120°F to 125°F
  • Medium-rare: 130°F to 135°F
  • Medium: 140°F to 145°F
  • Well done: 155°F and above (not recomended for this cut)

Remember that the temperature rises 5 to 10 degrees while the meat rests. Pull it out a bit early.

How Long To Cook 3 Lb London Broil In Oven

Here is the full method. Set your oven to 450°F and let it fully preheat. A hot oven sears the outside and keeps the inside tender.

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Step 1: Prep The Meat

  1. Take the London broil out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
  2. Pat it dry with paper towels. Dry meat browns better.
  3. Rub it with oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs you like.
  4. Let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats.

Step 2: Set Up Your Pan

Use a cast iron skillet, a heavy roasting pan, or a broiler pan. If you have a wire rack, place the meat on it so heat moves around all sides.

You can also sear the meat in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side first. This adds a nice crust, then finish it in the oven.

Step 3: Cook At High Heat

Place the pan on the middle rack. Use these times as your guide for a 3 lb London broil:

  • 18 minutes: check at this point for a 1.5 inch cut
  • 22 minutes: good starting point for a 2 inch cut
  • 26 minutes: for a thicker 2.5 inch roast

Flip the meat once halfway through. This helps it cook evenly.

Step 4: Check The Temperature

At the 18 minute mark, insert your thermometer into the thickest part. Avoid touching bone or fat.

  • If it reads 125°F, pull it out for medium-rare after resting
  • If it reads 115°F, give it 3 to 5 more minutes
  • If it reads 135°F, take it out now for medium

Step 5: Rest The Meat

This step is not optional. Rest the London broil on a cutting board for 10 to 15 minutes. Cover it loosely with foil.

Resting lets the juices settle back into the meat. Skip this and your steak will be dry.

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Step 6: Slice Against The Grain

Look for the lines running through the meat. Cut across them, not along them. Slice thin, about 1/4 inch thick.

This single step makes even a chewy cut feel tender. It matters more than the cooking time.

Tips For A Tender London Broil

  • Do not cook past medium. This cut gets tough fast.
  • Use a marinade for 4 to 24 hours if you have time. Acid and salt help break down fibers.
  • Let the meat sit out before cooking. Cold meat cooks unevenly.
  • Slice thin and against the grain every time.
  • Use the broiler setting for the last 2 minutes for a darker crust.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Cooking at low heat for a long time. This dries out lean cuts.
  • Skipping the rest. You lose all the juice on the board.
  • Cutting with the grain. It makes the meat feel twice as tough.
  • Trusting time over temperature. Ovens run hot or cold.

Frequently Asked Timing Questions

Can I Cook A 3 Lb London Broil At 350°F Instead?

Yes, but it takes longer. At 350°F, plan for 25 to 30 minutes per pound for medium-rare. That is 75 to 90 minutes total. The outside will not brown as well, so sear it in a skillet first.

Should I Cover The Pan With Foil?

No. Covering traps steam and stops browning. Leave it open so the dry heat does its job.

How Do I Know When It Is Done Without A Thermometer?

Press the center with your finger. Rare feels soft and squishy. Medium-rare has a little spring. Well done feels firm. This trick takes practice, so buy a thermometer if you can.

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What If My London Broil Is Thinner Than 1.5 Inches?

Start checking at 12 to 14 minutes. Thin cuts cook fast and dry out quick.

Serving Ideas

Let the sliced meat sit for a minute, then serve. It pairs well with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Slice them cold and thin for sandwiches. Reheat gently so they do not toughen up again.

Now you know how long to cook 3 lb london broil in oven. Set the heat to 450°F, watch your thermometer, rest the meat, and slice against the grain. Do that and you will get a tender result every time.