If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends smoky grilled goodness with the bright, fresh flavors of Italian Caprese, you are going to fall head over heels for this Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe. It’s an irresistible fusion where tender, balsamic-marinated flank steak meets juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Every bite bursts with delightful contrasts—savory meets sweet, warm meets cool, and smoky meets fresh. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, this recipe hits the perfect balance of hearty and elegant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe are a handful of simple, quality ingredients that bring incredible flavor and texture to the table. Each element plays a vital role—from the balsamic vinegar’s tang, olive oil’s silkiness, to the fresh brightness of tomatoes and basil, plus the juicy richness of the steak itself.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet depth that’s the heart of the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides richness and helps tenderize the steak for grilling.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Balances the acidity with gentle sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic punch to the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a subtle earthiness reminiscent of Italian herbs.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 1/2 lbs flank steak: The lean, flavorful cut that stands up beautifully to grilling and slicing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling): Keeps the steak from sticking to the grill and promotes a nice sear.
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced: Creamy and mild, it complements the acidic and herby notes.
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with juicy sweetness and juicy crunch.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped: Adds an herbal freshness that brightens every bite.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (for drizzling): A sweet, syrupy finish to tie everything together beautifully.
How to Make Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This blend creates a marinade that’s bursting with flavor and perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory elements, which will make the flank steak unforgettable.
Step 2: Marinate the Flank Steak
Place your flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade all over it. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; if you can wait up to 2 hours, the flavors will penetrate even deeper, making the meat irresistibly tasty.
Step 3: Preheat and Oil Your Grill
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high. Be sure to brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking and help achieve those beautiful grill marks that make food look as good as it tastes!
Step 4: Grill the Steak
Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place it on the grill. Cook it for about 4 to 6 minutes per side, aiming for medium-rare (130°F) or medium (140°F), depending on your preference. The grilling process adds a smoky char that contrasts beautifully with the fresh Caprese flavors.
Step 5: Rest and Slice the Steak
Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is crucial to keep the juices locked in. Then, slice the meat thinly against the grain—this ensures tender bites that melt in your mouth.
Step 6: Arrange the Caprese Toppings
While the steak is resting, lay out slices of fresh mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and torn basil leaves on a serving platter. The colors alone make this dish irresistible, not to mention the delicious flavors.
Step 7: Assemble and Drizzle
Place the sliced flank steak atop the Caprese layer, then finish everything off with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze. The glaze adds a sticky, sweet-tart touch that complements both the meat and the fresh components perfectly.
How to Serve Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra layer of fresh flavor and an elegant touch, top your dish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. You can also sprinkle on some additional torn basil or even a few red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, summery sides like a crisp green salad, grilled asparagus, or even a simple garlic bread. The key is to keep sides fresh and complementary, letting the steak and Caprese melody shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving this salad-steak combo atop toasted ciabatta for an open-faced sandwich or as a filling for grilled pita triangles. Alternatively, arrange components separately as a build-your-own plate for a casual gathering that lets everyone savor the flavors their way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of the Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe, store the sliced steak and Caprese ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps maintain the freshness of the mozzarella and tomatoes while keeping the steak flavorful but tender.
Freezing
While the steak can be frozen after cooking, the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes do not freeze well. For best results, freeze only the cooked steak slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the steak gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. Then, reassemble your Caprese toppings fresh to keep all the bright, fresh textures and flavors intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is perfect for this recipe because of its texture and flavor, sirloin or skirt steak can also work well. Just adjust grilling times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
How long should I marinate the steak for the best flavor?
At least 30 minutes is enough to infuse flavor, but marinating for up to 2 hours will deepen the taste and tenderize the meat further. Avoid marinating longer than 4 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat excessively.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I use a grill pan?
Definitely! A grill pan heated over medium-high heat is a fantastic alternative and will give you those lovely grill marks and smoky flavor if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
Is balsamic glaze necessary, or can I use more vinegar?
The balsamic glaze is key to this recipe’s finishing touch because of its thick, syrupy texture and concentrated sweetness. Regular balsamic vinegar won’t provide the same effect, but you can drizzle a little extra vinegar if needed.
Can this dish be served cold or at room temperature?
This Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe tastes best served warm or at room temperature, but it can also be enjoyed cold as leftovers, especially on salads or sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe, it’s going to become one of your favorite go-to meals for any occasion. It effortlessly combines simplicity with sophistication—steak lovers and Caprese fans will unite in joy. So fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to wow everyone at the table with this vibrant and delicious dish!
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Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese combines the rich, smoky flavor of grilled flank steak with a fresh Caprese salad topping of mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, all enhanced by a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s a perfect dish for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner or a small gathering, balancing savory and fresh vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Steak
- 1 1/2 lbs flank steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
Caprese Toppings
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the steak: Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the steak is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Use olive oil to lightly oil the grill grates or pan surface to prevent sticking.
- Grill the steak: Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill for 4-6 minutes on each side until desired doneness is reached—130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.
- Rest the steak: Take the steak off the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Assemble Caprese toppings: Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices, halved cherry tomatoes, and torn basil leaves on a serving platter while the steak rests.
- Slice and serve: Slice the steak thinly against the grain, then layer the slices over the Caprese arrangement on the platter.
- Finish with balsamic glaze: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the steak and Caprese toppings and serve immediately for a delicious, fresh presentation.
Notes
- Marinating the steak longer (up to 2 hours) enhances flavor but avoid over-marinating to prevent texture changes.
- For a smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or add wood chips to your gas grill.
- Resting the steak is crucial for juicy slices.
- Use fresh mozzarella and fresh basil for authentic Caprese flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or crusty bread.
