Flank steaks are a lean cut of beef that often toughens when cooked. Marinating is a solution that not only adds flavor but tenderizes the meat. Uses of flank steak include fajitas, Philly sandwiches and stir-fry. Pan searing is a quick way to cook your flank steaks as it browns the meat at a very high temperature. This technique produces a crispy skin that contrasts with a tender center.

Trim the fat from the flank steaks with a sharp knife.

Place the steaks into a resealable plastic bag.

Pour your marinade over the flank steak in the bag. Use ½ cup marinade for each pound of meat. Use a marinade that consist of a combination of an acid base such as lime or lemon juice, an oil and seasonings.

Seal the bag and leave the steaks on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Turn the bag two or three times to evenly disperse the marinade.

Remove the flank steaks from the marinade and place them on a clean plate. Pat dry with a paper towel. Allow the steaks to rest for ½ hour at room temperature.

Drizzle vegetable oil into an aluminum or cast-iron pan, and heat the pan on the stove until the oil just begins to smoke.

Add your flank steak to the pan. Cook one steak at a time.

Sear each side of the flank steak for 2 to 4 minutes. Use fork or tongs to turn the flank steak once.

Test the flank steak with a meat thermometer for at least an internal temperature of 145 F right before you anticipate the cooking time for your steaks to end.

Remove the flank steaks from the pan with tongs or a fork, and allow it to rest on a cutting board for 3 minutes.