If you love the vibrant flavors of classic Caprese salad combined with the hearty, smoky goodness of grilled steak, then this Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Juicy flank steak marinated in a tangy balsamic mixture is grilled to perfection and layered with fresh mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all finished with a luscious balsamic glaze drizzle. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but a stunning presentation that will impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe burst with flavor. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the tangy balsamic bringing depth, the creamy mozzarella adding richness, or the vibrant basil lending its aromatic charm.
- Balsamic vinegar (1/4 cup): Provides a tangy and slightly sweet base for the marinade, enhancing the steak’s flavor beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon for grilling): Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the steak while preventing it from sticking to the grill.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Balances acidity with subtle sweetness for a perfectly rounded marinade.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses a pungent, savory note that wakes up the other flavors.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers an earthy, herbaceous undertone that complements both the steak and the Caprese elements.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance every layer of flavor.
- Flank steak (1 1/2 lbs): The star protein that grills up juicy and tender when marinated and sliced properly.
- Fresh mozzarella (1 cup, sliced): Soft and milky, this cheese adds a creamy contrast to the steak.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 1/2 cups, halved): Bursting with sweet juiciness, they brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, torn or chopped): Deliver a fragrant, peppery freshness that makes every bite sing.
- Balsamic glaze (2 tablespoons, for drizzling): Provides a glossy, sweet finish with a deeper balsamic flavor that ties everything together.
How to Make Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This easy marinade will infuse the flank steak with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and herbaceous flavors. Take a moment to appreciate how these simple ingredients come together to elevate your steak.
Step 2: Marinate the Flank Steak
Place your flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure the steak is well coated. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let those vibrant flavors sink in. For even better results, marinate up to 2 hours—patience truly pays off here.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill or grill pan heating over medium-high. Lightly oil the grates with olive oil to prevent the steak from sticking and to promote those irresistible grill marks. The sizzling sound you’ll hear when the steak hits the grill is pure satisfaction.
Step 4: Grill the Flank Steak
Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then place it on the hot grill. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side depending on your preferred doneness: 130°F is ideal for medium-rare, or 140°F if you like it a bit more done. Resist the urge to frequently flip—let it develop that beautiful sear.
Step 5: Rest and Slice the Steak
Once grilled, let your flank steak rest for about 5 minutes. This pause allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite stays juicy and tender. Slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness and mouthfeel.
Step 6: Assemble the Caprese Toppings
While the steak rests, arrange fresh mozzarella slices, halved cherry tomatoes, and torn basil leaves on a serving platter. The freshness of these ingredients creates a vibrant contrast to the smoky steak.
Step 7: Combine and Drizzle
Place the sliced flank steak over the Caprese arrangement and finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze. This final touch adds a sweet and tangy punch, making the entire dish sing with flavor.
How to Serve Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper make excellent garnishes that enhance both flavor and presentation. For an extra pop, add a few tiny basil blossoms or a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe pairs beautifully with light, fresh side dishes like garlic-roasted asparagus, a bed of arugula salad, or even creamy polenta. These sides complement the bold flavors without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the steak Caprese on a large wooden cutting board for a casual, rustic vibe perfect for gatherings. Alternatively, layer the components in a shallow bowl for an elegant salad-style presentation. Play with colorful plates to make the reds and greens pop even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover steak and Caprese toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the balsamic glaze separate helps maintain its glossy texture and prevents sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cooked flank steak slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. However, it’s best to enjoy the fresh Caprese ingredients soon after preparation, as freezing will affect their texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak in a skillet over medium-low heat or briefly in the oven to avoid overcooking. Add the fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil just before serving to keep them bright and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is perfect for its flavor and texture, skirt steak or hanger steak can also work well. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly depending on thickness.
Is it okay to marinate the steak overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight can intensify the flavor, but be cautious not to exceed 12 hours to prevent the marinade from breaking down the meat too much.
What’s the best way to slice flank steak?
Always slice flank steak against the grain, running perpendicular to the muscle fibers. This ensures tenderness and a pleasant chew in every bite.
Can I make the balsamic glaze at home?
Definitely! Simmer balsamic vinegar with a bit of sugar or honey until it reduces to a thick, syrupy consistency. It’s a simple way to add homemade flair.
Can I prepare this recipe without a grill?
Yes! A grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop can produce delicious results with similar searing. Just ensure it’s properly heated and oiled before cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients coming together in a dish that’s both elegant and approachable. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, the harmonious balance of smoky steak with bright Caprese flavors will delight your palate. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese is a vibrant and delicious dish combining perfectly grilled, tender flank steak marinated in a tangy balsamic mixture with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors, ideal for a quick and impressive meal.
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 and Grilling
- 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 balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the steak: Place flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to develop flavor.
- Preheat grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates or pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the steak: Remove steak from marinade and grill for 4-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired doneness (130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium).
- Rest the steak: Take the steak off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then slice against the grain.
- Prepare Caprese toppings: Arrange sliced fresh mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and torn basil leaves on a serving platter.
- Assemble the dish: Lay the sliced flank steak over the Caprese toppings.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the dish with balsamic glaze and serve immediately for best flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Marinating the steak longer (up to 2 hours) intensifies flavor but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent meat texture from becoming mushy.
- For best results, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- If balsamic glaze is unavailable, you may reduce balsamic vinegar and honey on low heat until thickened to create a homemade glaze.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread, a green salad, or grilled vegetables.
- Ensure the grill or grill pan is properly preheated to achieve a good sear and avoid sticking.
