1-First Step: Prepare the Marinade Begin by whisking together the marinade ingredients to set the foundation for your grilled flank steak. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup unfiltered apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 8 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons brown sugar if you’re using it. This step infuses the flavors and helps tenderize the meat, making it a key part for achieving that juicy texture we all love in grilled flank steak.

2-Second Step: Season and Marinate the Steak Next, take your 2 ½ pounds of flank steak and season it with ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper and the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Place the steak in a baking dish or a large zip-top bag, then pour the marinade over it and turn to coat evenly. Pop it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour, but no more than 4 hours, to avoid making the meat too soft this adapts well if you need to adjust for dietary preferences like reducing salt. For those busy parents, this is a great make-ahead step to save time later.

3-Third Step: Preheat the Grill Once marinating is done, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which usually takes about 10 minutes. This ensures you get that perfect sear on your grilled flank steak, locking in the flavors from the garlic and vinegar. If your grill has hot spots, rotate the steak during cooking to even things out, and feel free to adapt by using a grill pan indoors if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

4-Fourth Step: Grill the Steak Remove the steak from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and discard the rest to prevent flare-ups. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 5 to 8 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare this is where using a meat thermometer really shines. Keep in mind, grilling times can vary based on thickness, so for thinner cuts popular among travelers on the go, you might need less time to keep it tender.

5-Fifth Step: Rest and Slice the Steak Final step: Transfer the grilled flank steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite more flavorful. Then, slice it thinly against the grain on the diagonal for the best tenderness, which is especially helpful for those with dietary needs like seniors who prefer easier-to-chew meats. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and remember, this technique works for variations too, like adding herbs for extra zest. Similar quick-prep techniques can be found in other recipes on our site for even more ideas.