If you have a craving for something juicy, flavorful, and beautifully fresh, this Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. The perfect harmony of tender grilled flank steak lightly kissed with a tangy balsamic marinade, paired with luscious slices of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil, creates a dish that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s an approachable yet impressive main course that bursts with vibrant Italian flair and is sure to become a go-to recipe for your next barbecue or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of these ingredients is what makes this Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe truly shine—each item has a special role, adding layers of flavor, texture, and color to the dish. Let’s gather what you’ll need to bring this mouthwatering meal to life.
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak: This cut is lean, flavorful, and becomes beautifully tender when grilled right and sliced against the grain.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy sweetness that complements the steak and ties the Caprese elements together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Enhances the marinade’s smooth texture and helps keep the steak juicy on the grill.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that infuses the meat during marination.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Brings a delightful herbal depth with notes of oregano and thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the steak’s flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice and complexity.
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced: Creamy and mild, it balances the acidity of the balsamic and tomato.
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced: Offers juicy freshness and burst of color on top of the steak.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves: Delivers that unmistakable sweet, aromatic pop that defines Caprese-style dishes.
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling: A luscious finishing touch that amps up the balsamic flavor and adds a glossy appeal.
How to Make Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This marinade is where the magic begins, with balsamic vinegar lending a sweet tang that accentuates the meat’s natural flavors. Place your flank steak inside a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the steak is thoroughly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to permeate deeply—if you have extra time, marinating up to 8 hours or even overnight makes the steak even more flavorful and tender.
Step 2: Fire Up Your Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This temperature is key to getting a nice sear on the flank steak without overcooking the inside. Take the steak out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place it directly on the grill.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Grill the flank steak for about 4 to 6 minutes per side depending on your preferred doneness—medium-rare usually works beautifully here, resulting in a juicy, flavorful steak. Resist the urge to poke or press the steak too much so you retain all those tasty juices. Once grilled, set the steak aside and let it rest for 5 minutes; resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.
Step 4: Assemble the Caprese Topping
Slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness and arrange it on a serving platter. Layer the steak with fresh mozzarella slices, juicy tomato slices, and scatter fresh basil leaves on top. This is where your Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe truly comes alive—the creamy mozzarella and sweet tomatoes brought together by fragrant basil add that iconic Caprese salad charm right onto your grilled steak.
Step 5: Drizzle the Balsamic Glaze
Finish by drizzling balsamic glaze generously over the entire dish. The glaze adds a shiny, beautiful look and an extra burst of sweet tang that takes this Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe from delicious to utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a few more fresh basil leaves brighten the presentation and enhance the fresh flavors. For a touch of crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs spectacularly with grilled seasonal vegetables like zucchini and asparagus, or a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia also work wonders to soak up every bit of those gorgeous balsamic juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the steak Caprese on a wooden board or rustic platter layered with the toppings spaced evenly. Alternatively, create a composed salad by tossing sliced steak, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil together with a balsamic dressing for a slightly different but equally flavorful experience that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the balsamic glaze and fresh Caprese toppings separate if possible, then add them fresh when serving again to preserve texture and flavor.
Freezing
While the steak itself freezes well, the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes do not hold up for freezing. For best results, freeze only the cooked steak slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Consume within 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat the steak, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until just heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain tender texture. After reheating, add fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its flavor and texture, skirt steak or flat iron steak also work wonderfully. Just remember to slice thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
How long should I marinate the steak?
At minimum, 1 hour is sufficient to infuse the flavors, but marinating for 4 to 8 hours—or even overnight—will make the steak extra tender and flavorful.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone following a low-carb diet.
Can I make this recipe indoors?
Definitely. If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stove works perfectly well to cook the steak with a nice sear.
What can I use instead of fresh mozzarella?
If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, burrata or sliced provolone can be good substitutes, though fresh mozzarella provides the best creamy texture to complement the tomatoes and basil.
Final Thoughts
This Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe effortlessly combines grill-side cooking with fresh, vibrant Caprese flavors to create a dish that’s as impressive as it is comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe brings fresh, hearty tastes that everyone will love. Give it a try and watch this become a fast favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1-8 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 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 combines tender, marinated flank steak grilled to perfection and topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this Italian-American main course offers a delightful blend of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors perfect for a hearty yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
For the Marinade and Steak:
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the flank steak into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the prepared marinade over it. Seal or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 8 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, ensuring it is properly preheated for even cooking.
- Grill the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place it on the grill. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired level of doneness.
- Rest the Steak: Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and makes the steak more tender.
- Slice and Assemble: Slice the steak thinly against the grain and arrange the slices on a serving platter. Top the steak with slices of fresh mozzarella, then layer tomato slices and fresh basil leaves on top.
- Finish with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the assembled steak and toppings just before serving to add a sweet and tangy finish.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the steak overnight in the refrigerator.
- If flank steak is unavailable, skirt steak or flat iron steak are excellent substitutes.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or a light fresh salad.
