Turn an inexpensive cut of beef into a tender, mouthwatering London broil by using a sous vide immersion circulator. This method pairs simple seasoning with precise, low-temperature cooking to produce a juicy, flavorful steak that’s perfect for family dinners or serving guests.

This sous vide London broil has become a family favorite. The first time I served it to visiting relatives they praised the texture, tenderness, and rich beef flavor. When they returned, they asked for it again—so I made it the same way, and it delivered the same great results.
Why does this recipe work so well? Slow, controlled cooking with a sous vide circulator gently breaks down the tough fibers in lean cuts like top round, producing meat that’s almost fall-apart tender. The seasoning penetrates deeper into the muscle than with surface-only methods, and a quick, high-heat sear at the end gives the steak the color and caramelized flavor you expect.
I prefer a simple seasoning blend of kosher salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. It enhances the natural beef flavor without overwhelming it. You can finish with your favorite steak seasoning before searing for an extra layer of flavor.

What Makes a Good London Broil Recipe
“London broil” describes a method of preparation and serving more than a single cut of beef. Historically it was often made from flank steak; today it’s commonly prepared from lean, thick cuts such as top round. Top round comes from the upper rear leg and hip area, producing lean meat with a pronounced beefy taste but a tendency to be fibrous if not cooked properly.
Traditional London broil recipes often call for an overnight marinade and a quick, high-heat finish under a broiler to tenderize and brown the surface. Other quick-cook approaches include pan-searing or grilling. Sous vide offers a different advantage: extended low-temperature cooking gently breaks down connective tissue while keeping the interior evenly cooked and juicy, much like a thorough marinade does.

Searing after the sous vide bath is essential. It creates the Maillard reaction that gives the meat an appealing brown crust and additional flavor. Finally, allow the steak to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after searing so the juices redistribute and the slices remain moist and flavorful.

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Sous Vide London Broil
Ingredients
- 1 piece Top Round Steak
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
- 1 tablespoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Steak Seasoning (your choice)
- Oil for searing
Instructions
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Warm the sous vide water bath to 132°F (56°C).
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Season both sides of the top round steak with kosher salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder.
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Place the steak in a heavy-duty resealable bag and remove air using the immersion method.
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Cook the steak in the water bath for 8 hours. Remove the bag, take the steak out, and pat it dry with a kitchen towel.
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Lightly sprinkle both sides with your preferred steak seasoning.
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Heat a pan over high heat, add oil, and sear the steak for about one minute per side to develop a crust. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
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