Your King of the Grill deserves a break this Father’s Day, so why not throw dad a backyard bash (with steak) in 30 minutes or less?! It’s time for him to retire his tongs, and let you take over – even if only once a year. Don’t worry, I’ve got a fast, fail-proof plan to pull off a meaty, mouth-watering, memory-making celebration that will leave you plenty of time to kick back and relax on the patio with pops!

Read on to get the game plan, the easy no-recipe recipes, and other tips.

First things first when it’s time to throw dad a backyard grill out (with steak) in 30 minutes or less, and that’s hitting the right market for the best quality ingredients with great value – Whole Foods Market 365! The Whole Foods Market 365 in Cedar Park, Tx has been a life saver for me when it comes to last-minute and impromptu party prep. The smaller store concept keeps me from going off on shopping “rabbit trails” and keeps me focused on gathering up beautiful local produce, responsibly-sourced meats, and all the pantry staples I need to pull off a recipe. I also rely (heavily) on the salads, pre-cut fruits and veggies, and market-prepared foods from both the hot, cold, and olive bars – and also the packaged options from convenient grab-and-go coolers.  

So, lets’ get on the game plan for dad’s backyard grilled steak dinner! Start your timer for 30 minutes, because I promise you, that’s as long as this epic meal takes to prep, make and present!

Step 1: Start Steaks

Heat grill to approximately 400 F degrees and grab your steaks. You can use any tender cut of steak that doesn’t require extra time for marinating. I went straight for the boneless ribeye in the Meat and Seafood department of Whole Foods Market 365, but other winning choices are filet, strip and flat iron. A quick rub with olive oil, crushed garlic, and salt and pepper (love those Whole Foods 365 brand grinder bottles) are all a great hunk of beef needs to shine. Place steaks on hot grill and cook for approximately 15 minutes (for a 1” thick steak), flipping halfway through.

Step 2: Prep & Grill Veggie Skewers

Skewers of veggies are easy to grill simultaneously alongside steaks. No need to even get out a knife with pre-prepped, grill-ready veggies from Whole Foods Market 365. Or, make your own low-maintenance colorful veggie kebabs in minutes with vegetables (like grape tomatoes and mushrooms) that require no prep other than washing and sliding on a bamboo stick – a great job for the kids. Tender vegetables like mushrooms and tomatoes go on the grill for the last 8 to 10 minutes of grilling. Sturdier veggies, like onions and peppers, should hit the grill at the same time as the steaks.

Step 3: Rest Steaks, Grill Baguette  

For a medium-rare steak (the best eating experience IMO), pull it off the grill at around 125 F degrees and let it rest on a platter for another 5 to 7 minutes where it will continue to cook itself and rise into the low to mid 130 F degree range. While the grill is still hot, split open a baguette, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt. Toss the bread cut side down on the grill and heat up until hot and beginning to crisp, approximately 5 minutes. 

Step 4: Open Grab-and-Go Sides & Set Out Fruit

Rip off the lids on some of the many delicious grab-and-go sides from Whole Foods Market 365. I chose the Mexican Corn Salad because I knew my dad would love the kick! I also set out fresh strawberries and whacked a watermelon into slices – all this took five minutes, but you could save even more time purchasing a cut fruit platter.

 Step 5: Make Refreshing Drinks

With five minutes to spare in the 30-minute countdown (15 for steaks/veggies, 5 for baguette, 5 for sides), mix up some infused, bubbly drinks using flavored sparkling water, herbs and fresh fruit. If you want to pour something a little stronger for dad, I’m sure he won’t stop you! 

Now, sit back, share a delicious meal and good times with your dad and revel in all your amazing talents and blessings. And, take a field trip to Whole Foods Market 365 afterwards and let him in on your little foodie secret, how you were able to throw dad a backyard grill out (with steak) in 30 minutes or less.

What are you doing to celebrate Father’s Day?! What would you grill him? I’d love to hear your celebration ideas! Have you ever been into a Whole Foods 365? Please share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer 

This post is sponsored by Whole Foods 365 Market, however all opinions, ideas and content are originally my own.