The Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe is a vibrant celebration of fresh flavors and hearty grilling goodness that makes any meal feel special. This dish brings together tender, juicy flank steak marinated in tangy balsamic vinegar and Italian herbs, then topped with ripe tomato slices, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze. It’s the perfect balance of savory, fresh, and slightly sweet that will have you coming back for more, whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends at your next barbecue.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in bringing out a delightful medley of taste, texture, and color. They are simple, fresh, and easy to find, which means you can effortlessly put this dish together anytime.
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak: The star protein; lean yet flavorful and perfect for quick grilling.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy base to the marinade that tenderizes and infuses the steak.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps blend flavors in the marinade and keeps the steak juicy on the grill.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth and a hint of savory punch.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Brings herbaceous warmth and classic Mediterranean flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the steak and toppings.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle heat and earthiness.
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced: Fresh and juicy, adding a burst of color and acidity.
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced: Creamy, mild, and melts slightly over the warm steak for luscious texture.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves: Adds bright, peppery flavor and a pop of green.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze for drizzling: A sweet and concentrated finish that elevates every bite.
How to Make Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Add your flank steak, making sure it gets thoroughly coated with this zesty marinade. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or if you’ve got extra time, up to 8 hours. This step is the magic behind tender, flavorful steak.
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Proper temperature is key to achieve those lovely grill marks and that perfect sear that locks in all the yummy juices.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
Remove the steak from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, then lay it onto the hot grill. Grill for about 4 to 6 minutes on each side depending on your preferred doneness, usually medium-rare is ideal for flank steak to keep it juicy and tender. Remember, the steak will continue to cook slightly after removing it from heat.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Let the grilled steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting. This step is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy. Slice the steak thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Step 5: Assemble Your Caprese Toppings
Arrange the sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella beautifully on top of your steak slices. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top for a refreshing herbal note, then finish by drizzling the balsamic glaze all over. This final touch adds sweetness and a gorgeous shine that ties the whole dish together.
How to Serve Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic garnish here, but feel free to add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or some cracked black pepper right before serving. A few microgreens or a touch of freshly cracked pepper can also brighten the plate and add texture.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t compete with the star steak. Think grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, light arugula salads with lemon vinaigrette, or even a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all those delicious balsamic juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sliced steak on a large platter and let guests build their own Caprese bites, layering tomato, mozzarella, and basil at the table. Alternatively, you could serve it atop a bed of lightly dressed mixed greens with a few olives and toasted pine nuts for a more substantial salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the steak and Caprese toppings separate if you want to preserve the fresh textures, then assemble just before eating.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cooked steak, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. However, it’s best to freeze the steak without the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil since fresh dairy and herbs don’t freeze well.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak slices in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave on a low setting to avoid overcooking. Add fresh mozzarella and tomatoes after reheating for the freshest flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal thanks to its flavor and thin shape, skirt steak or hanger steak would also work beautifully with this Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook this indoors?
Yes, you can! Use a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet on your stovetop. Just make sure it’s very hot before adding the steak to get that nice sear we all love.
How do I make my own balsamic glaze?
It’s super simple. Just simmer balsamic vinegar over medium heat until it reduces by half and thickens to a syrupy consistency. This intensifies the flavor and sweetness perfectly for drizzling.
Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! Marinate the steak ahead of time and grill it right before serving, or grill in advance and store components separately. Just add fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze when ready to enjoy for the freshest bite.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a wonderful choice for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone seeking a flavorful, wholesome meal.
Final Thoughts
This Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like an occasion even on a regular weeknight. It’s fresh, vibrant, and satisfying all at once. If you love the bright flavors of a classic Caprese salad combined with a perfectly grilled steak, you owe it to yourself to try this recipe. Once you do, it’s sure to become one of your go-to meals that friends and family will ask for again and again.
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Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 8 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak is a perfect blend of rich, tangy balsamic marinade and the fresh flavors of a classic Caprese salad. Tender, juicy flank steak is marinated, grilled to perfection, then topped with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a delicious Italian-American main course ideal for summer grilling.
Ingredients
For the Marinade and Steak
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a shallow dish or zip-top bag, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the flank steak into the marinade, ensuring it is fully coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat to ensure proper searing and cooking.
- Grill the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the steak for 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness.
- Rest the Steak: Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice and Assemble: Slice the steak thinly against the grain. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices over the steak slices, then sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the assembled steak and toppings. Serve immediately for best flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, try reducing additional balsamic vinegar over medium heat on the stovetop to create your own balsamic glaze.
- Pair this dish with grilled vegetables or a simple arugula salad for a balanced, complete meal.
- Marinating the steak overnight enhances tenderness and flavor even more.
