Make the best London Broil in your Instant Pot. This recipe gives you tender, juicy meat with bold flavors, perfect for an effortless yet impressive dinner.
Forget the long wait—this dish is quick and easy, making it ideal for weeknights or family gatherings!
For this recipe, we are using the Instant Pot instead of the broiler. But don't worry, the taste is the same and even better.
Once properly seared, the meat will capture all the juiciness inside and you will get a really nice and tasty piece.
Table of Contents
- Recipe Video
- What is London Broil anyway?
- What beef-cut should I use?
- For how long should I marinate in the fridge?
- How should I cut the beef?
- Why don't you use a beer for the marinade?
- Why do you use vinegar? Will it affect the taste?
- I'm thirsty what should I drink?
- How To Make London Broil
- How to serve
- Can I make London Broil in the oven instead?
- Meat Recipes
- Instant Pot London Broil
Recipe Video
What is London Broil anyway?
I'm glad you asked! The London broil is not a beef cut or a type of meat, but a preparation method. The term London broil refers to the meat that is marinated, seared and then broiled.
In some parts of the world, you can find a meat cut called London broil but that is just a fancy name for the top round.
What beef-cut should I use?
For this pressure cooker recipe I would go with the top round for this recipe. Feel free to buy skirt meat or chuck roast.
If you want to use round of eye or rump roast, you'd better go for the Instant Pot Roast Beef.
For how long should I marinate in the fridge?
I would do it for at least 2 hours. Overnight is better of course.
How should I cut the beef?
Once you have prepared your beef, the ideal way to cut is against the grain. This is not mandatory but gives better results.
Why don't you use a beer for the marinade?
There are many recipes for Instant Pot London broil. Some suggest you should use quality stout beer and some say you should cook the meat in chicken stock. So there are many options and many opinions out there.
Personally, after a few times I made this recipe, I find that marinating the beef in vinegar & tomato paste gives the best results. I made it once using beer and it was fine, but this version is much better in my opinion.
If you really like, you can add 1 cup of beer in the 6th step.
Why do you use vinegar? Will it affect the taste?
Don't worry. The vinegar will not have a huge impact on the flavor of the recipe.
Using the vinegar improves the meat texture and makes it softer and tender, just like in your favorite restaurant.
I'm thirsty what should I drink?
You have that beer you didn't use for the marinade... Feel free to drink it :]
How To Make London Broil
Gather your ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine water, vinegar, tomato paste, thyme, and 1 teaspoon of garlic salt.
If you don't have garlic salt you can skip it.
Add the meat and cover. Marinate for 3 hours in a fridge or overnight. Once done, remove afterward and pat dry.
Heat oil in Instant Pot on Saute and sear beef on all sides.
Once seared pour in the marinade and add that extra cup of liquid, water, stock, or even beer.
Lock the lid into place and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Please note time may change depending on the size of meat.
When cooking time is complete, wait for a natural pressure release (or for at least 20 minutes).
Open the lid, take out the beef and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Serve and enjoy 🙂
How to serve
Serve the pressure cooker London broil with anything you like! Some ideas:
Looking for more? Check out What to Serve With London Broil for 20 delicious options.
Can I make London Broil in the oven instead?
Yes. You can use this Tender London Broil recipe by Seasonal Craving.
Meat Recipes
Instant Pot London Broil
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
- 2 lb London broil or top round
- ½ cup water or beef stock for the sauce
- 1 cup water or beef stock for the Instant Pot
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of water or beef stock, vinegar, tomato paste, and spices.
- Put the London broil inside and cover. Marinate for 3 hours or overnight in the fridge.
- Remove the beef from the marinade and pat dry.
- On the Instant Pot, press "saute" and add oil.
- Add the beef and sear on all sides until brown.
- Pour in marinade and that one extra cup of water or stock.
- Lock the lid and cook at high pressure for 10 minutes.
- When cooking time is complete, wait for a natural pressure release.
- Open the lid and take out the beef.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Video
Nutrition
Notes
- Cooking time may change depending on the size of meat.
- If you are in a hurry, you can quick release the pressure after 20 minutes of natural release.
- If you don't have garlic salt you can skip it.
would you cook longer for shredded beef for enchiladas?
This London broil was very good but the 10 minute cook time was way too much. The marinade was delicious, especially the red wine vinegar and beef stock combo. Next time I'll cook it at high pressure for 5 minutes, allow a 10 minute natural release, then let it rest for 10 minutes and that should help. I reviewed this on my YouTube channel, The Real Deal Recipe Reviews, where I always try to make recipes as written and give honest reviews. I do recommend this recipe just really watch the cook time.
This recipe looks great. If I have a 0.9 lb piece of London broil and don’t want it to turn out dry/overcooked as others have reported, what IP high pressure time would you recommend?
So good! We were very happy with this recipe.
You say to pressure cook on high for 20 minutes in the narrative with pictures - then you say 10 minutes in the "recipie" - I'm assuming the 20 minutes is a typo and you mean 10 minutes?
Hi,
It's 10 minutes and then waiting for natural release. Hope it helps 🙂
I have a 3/4 lb. London broil how long to cook
I would start around 7-8 minutes and increase it if you like it more well done.
I'm cooking London broil in my regular pressure cooker and the instapot is is more or less an electric pressure cooker. I cook chuck roast or London broil roast for more than 10 minutes in my pressure cooker. The directions say at least an hour for a big one. I'm cooking mine for at least 45 minutes because it's only 3/4 inch thick.
The cook time for this London broil is way to much. I did 8 minutes and the meat was way over cooked. Ruined good piece of meat.
I'm sorry to hear that. Due to the nature of the Instant Pot it is difficult to cook meat rare enough that it is pink inside. If you like it rare, might be better to try another method.
I agree I had a 2 of and I did it for the 10 minutes and it was over done. I will do 5 minutes next time, we like it rare! Try again as I will… Have a Great Day!
2 lb top round at 10 min was perfect! I've made many London broils in the oven and have to say some top rounds cook better than others. Some cows are just tough!
This is true, it does depend on the quality of beef. I'm glad it worked out well for you!
I have a 1.8 pound London broil should I cook it for 10 minutes and then do a quick release?
I would cook for 10 minutes and then do a natural pressure release, but up to you...
Buy tomato paste in the tube. It is delicious and easily stored in the refrigerator.
Totally agree!