If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and downright irresistible, then this Juicy Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella and Basil Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, smoky grilled steak paired with sweet, blistered cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh vibrant basil leaves, all tied together with a luscious balsamic glaze. It’s a harmonious blend of juicy, tangy, and fresh elements that makes every bite a little celebration of taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe brings the simple joys of Caprese salad and elevates them with the mouthwatering richness of grilled steak.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients that each play a starring role in flavor and texture. The quality of each one shines through, ensuring the dish feels fresh, balanced, and colorful on your plate.
- 1 lb Ribeye, Sirloin, or Filet Mignon: Choose your cut based on preference for rich flavor and mouthwatering tenderness.
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes: These add a natural sweetness that transforms beautifully when grilled.
- 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Creamy and soft, mozzarella adds a luscious texture that contrasts perfectly with the steak.
- 1 cup Fresh Basil: Tear or julienne for a fresh, aromatic pop of herbal brightness.
- 1 cup Balsamic Glaze: Whether homemade or store-bought, this glaze brings the perfect tangy-sweet finish to the dish.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Essential for seasoning and grilling, it enhances the flavor and helps the steak develop a beautiful crust.
- Salt: Season generously to bring out the natural flavors in the steak and tomatoes.
- Pepper: Freshly ground for a subtle kick and to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Juicy Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
Start by pulling the steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes before grilling to let it come to room temperature; this ensures even cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper before drizzling the olive oil all over. This step guarantees the steak develops a beautiful crust, locking in those delicious juices.
Step 2: Heat Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400°F to 450°F. Giving the grill enough time to fully heat, roughly 10 to 15 minutes, guarantees those coveted grill marks and a nice sear on your steak.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
Place your steak directly on the grill grates and cook it for 4 to 5 minutes on one side. Then flip and grill for another 4 to 5 minutes if you prefer a juicy medium-rare. Remember, thickness may adjust your timing slightly, so keep an eye or use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
Step 4: Grill the Cherry Tomatoes
While the steak cooks, toss the cherry tomatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill them in a basket or on skewers for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become beautifully blistered and slightly softened, bringing out concentrated sweetness.
Step 5: Rest and Slice the Steak
Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting redistributes the juices throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. Once rested, slice against the grain for maximum tenderness in each piece.
Step 6: Assemble Your Juicy Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella and Basil Recipe
Lay out your sliced steak on a platter and artfully top with the grilled cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. Finish by drizzling a generous amount of balsamic glaze over the entire dish to tie all the flavors together with that satisfying sweet tang.
How to Serve Juicy Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle some flaky sea salt and freshly cracked pepper over the assembled Caprese for an extra pop of seasoning. If you want a touch of heat, add a few red pepper flakes. Fresh basil leaves not only bring gorgeous color but also an aromatic lift that completes the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This steak Caprese pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads or something starchy like roasted baby potatoes. Grilled asparagus or crusty garlic bread also complement the bold flavors without overpowering the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve this recipe on a rustic wooden board or a bright white ceramic platter to let the colors pop. Consider layering ingredients in a shallow bowl for a more casual vibe or stack the sliced steak with the tomatoes and mozzarella in alternating layers for a vibrant look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the balsamic glaze separate when possible to prevent the mozzarella and basil from becoming soggy.
Freezing
Steak Caprese is really best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can alter the delicate texture of the mozzarella and basil. If you must freeze the steak portion, wrap it tightly and consume within a month. Avoid freezing the whole assembly.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the steak in a skillet over medium heat to retain juiciness, and add fresh mozzarella and basil after heating to keep their fresh texture. Avoid microwaving as it can toughen the meat and melt the cheese unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon are great because of their tenderness and flavor, but you can also try flank or skirt steak—just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid toughness.
How do I make my own balsamic glaze?
Simmer balsamic vinegar over low heat until it reduces by half and thickens to a syrupy consistency; this homemade glaze adds a beautiful sweet tang that’s perfect for this dish.
What’s the best way to grill cherry tomatoes without losing them through the grill grates?
Use a grill basket or skewer the cherry tomatoes to keep them stable. This helps them cook evenly and develop that smoky char without falling through.
Can I prepare this recipe indoors if I don’t have a grill?
For sure! A grill pan on the stovetop works wonderfully. Just preheat it well and follow the same cooking times for a similar charred effect.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Skip the steak and pile grilled mushrooms or eggplant slices with the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a delicious vegetarian spin that still celebrates all the Caprese flavors.
Final Thoughts
Friend, if you’re looking for a dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company, this Juicy Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella and Basil Recipe hits all the right notes. With its perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Get your grill ready, invite some friends, and enjoy this wonderful feast full of love and flavor!
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Juicy Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella and Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Juicy Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese combines perfectly grilled ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon with sweet grilled cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. A delightful fusion of rich flavors and fresh ingredients that makes for an impressive and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1 lb Ribeye, Sirloin, or Filet Mignon (Choose any for rich flavor and tenderness)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Essential for flavor)
- Salt, to taste (Season generously)
- Freshly ground Pepper, to taste
Grilled Tomatoes
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Sweetness shines when grilled)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for coating tomatoes)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground Pepper, to taste
Toppings & Garnish
- 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Creamy and soft)
- 1 cup Fresh Basil (Torn or julienned for presentation)
- 1 cup Balsamic Glaze (Choose homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling to bring it to room temperature. Pat it dry thoroughly, then season both sides generously with salt, freshly ground pepper, and brush with olive oil to enhance flavor and promote good searing.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, aiming for a temperature between 400°F and 450°F. Allow it to preheat for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure even cooking and those perfect grill marks.
- Grill the Steak: Place the steak on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on one side without moving it, then flip over and grill for an additional 4 to 5 minutes to reach a medium-rare doneness. Adjust timing if you prefer different levels of doneness.
- Prepare and Grill the Tomatoes: In a bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill them in a grill basket or on skewers for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are just tender and slightly charred, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Rest and Slice the Steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it stays juicy. Slice the steak thinly against the grain for optimal tenderness.
- Assemble the Caprese: Arrange the sliced steak on a serving platter. Top it evenly with the grilled cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and torn or julienned basil leaves. Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze to add a tangy and sweet finish to the dish.
Notes
- Letting the steak rest after grilling is crucial to retain its juiciness.
- You can swap balsamic glaze with a reduction made from balsamic vinegar and honey if desired.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best creamy texture; substitute with burrata for an extra indulgent twist.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted to grill pan or broiler with slight adjustments in timing.
