Total time: 20 minutes, plus 1 to 8 hours for marinating; active time: 20 minutes This recipe doubles easily if you wish to prepare two steaks instead of one. Use leftovers in a steak sandwich or as a topper for a main-dish green salad.

IT IS POSSIBLE to have beef that’s tender but also affordable; just start with a less expensive cut and add a marinade. I like the flavor and texture of flank steak prepared London broil style; but other options are top round, top sirloin, and shoulder roasts.

Combine a few basic ingredients – oil, herbs, and an acidic ingredient (vinegar, citrus fruit juices, or wine) – in a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag. To save time, you can simply use Italian salad dressing, or mix together 1 cup vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and 1 minced clove garlic. Marinate beef at least 30 minutes, then sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook over hot coals. Remember – for tender steak, do not cook beyond medium rare. Overcooking toughens the meat.

- Judy Feagin

What Is London Broilr

London broil is defined as a flank steak from the lower hindquarters of the cow, which is marinated and then broiled or grilled. Some claim it was first served in London in 1931; others say its origins are American and the name is a matter of creative license. The term is also used somewhat loosely to describe thick cuts of meat such as top round and sirloin.