First Step: Start by prepping your marinade in a large non-reactive bowl, combining ⅓ cup olive oil, 2 chopped garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, ¼ cup soy sauce, and 4 tablespoons agave nectar or honey. This step builds the flavor base, so give it a good stir to mix everything evenly; it’s adaptable for dietary tweaks like using coconut aminos for a soy-free version.

Second Step: Add 2 pounds of hanger or skirt steak to the marinade, making sure it’s fully coated for maximum tenderness. Let it sit for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours in the fridge adapt this by marinating veggies like summer squash if you’re going vegan. This infuses the meat with those savory notes while keeping prep simple for busy dads.

Third Step: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F, to get those perfect sear marks. Remove the steak from the marinade, discard any excess, and season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper; for variations, you could grill salmon skewers instead, adjusting time for fish to avoid overcooking.

Fourth Step: Place the steak on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, rotating it 90 degrees halfway through each side for those cool crisscross marks. Aim for medium-rare or medium doneness, using a meat thermometer if needed this works great in the grilling tips for beginners section to ensure juicy results, and it’s easy to adapt for turkey burgers by shortening the time.

Fifth Step: While the steak rests for 10 minutes on a cutting board, prepare the Tomato Salad in a large bowl by gently tossing 1-2 pints of halved cherry tomatoes with 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, 1 handful of fresh arugula or upland cress, and ⅓ thinly sliced red onion. This adds a fresh, healthy side that pairs well, and you can swap in cucumbers for a lighter option if desired.

Sixth Step: Slice the rested steak against the grain for ultimate tenderness, then arrange it on a platter and top with the Tomato Salad. Serve immediately to keep flavors vibrant; for the full menu, add appetizers like Homemade Tzatziki or salads such as Panzanella for a complete feast.

Final Step: Round out your Fathers Day Menu Plan with sides and desserts grill some summer squash or assemble Melon Caprese Skewers, then finish with a Blackberry Peach Crisp. Total time is about 2 hours 12 minutes, making this plan perfect for various group sizes and keeping it exciting with options like Cedar Plank Salmon for seafood lovers.