If you’re looking for a showstopping summer dish that marries the bold flavors of the grill with the freshness of a classic salad, you have to try Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese. Sliced, perfectly marinated steak pairs up with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a sweet drizzle of balsamic glaze — every bite is a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and fresh. This recipe is a breeze to make for family gatherings or relaxed weeknights, and you’ll love how simple ingredients come together in a way that feels truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese so wonderful is its reliance on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Every single component serves an important purpose, whether it’s adding bold flavor, beautiful color, or creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flank steak (1.5 pounds): The star protein — flank steak absorbs the marinade beautifully and grills up juicy every time.
- Balsamic vinegar (1/4 cup): This adds tangy depth and a touch of sweetness to both the steak and the finished platter.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps tenderize the steak while adding rich, Mediterranean flavor.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Bright, punchy garlic infuses the marinade with irresistible aroma.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs gives the marinade that unmistakable Italian flair.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the steak and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick of heat and rounds out the marinade.
- Tomatoes, sliced (2 large): Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for a sweet, fresh contrast to the steak.
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced (8 ounces): Wonderfully creamy cheese that softens gently over the warm steak.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup): Fragrant basil is the signature of Caprese and makes every bite vibrant.
- Balsamic glaze (for drizzling): A sweet, velvety finish for your masterpiece — don’t skip it!
How to Make Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This powerhouse marinade takes just a couple of minutes but packs serious flavor — be generous with the whisking to really combine all the oils and seasonings.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place the flank steak in a shallow dish or a large resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure every inch is nicely coated. Let it soak up all those flavors in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours if you plan ahead). The longer the steak marinates, the more tender and flavorful it becomes!
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Don’t worry if there are bits of garlic or herbs clinging — they’ll add delicious char and flavor.
Step 4: Grill the Steak
Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for about 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on your desired doneness. Aim for a good sear on both sides. Remember, flank steak is best enjoyed medium-rare to medium, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking!
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This rest is crucial — it keeps the juices locked in. When ready, slice the steak thinly against the grain for the most tender, juicy bites.
Step 6: Build the Caprese Topping
Arrange the sliced steak on your favorite serving platter. Top generously with layers of sliced tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves. Take a moment to marvel at those colors!
Step 7: Finish With Balsamic Glaze
Drizzle the entire platter with balsamic glaze just before serving. This adds a gorgeous sheen and a final punch of sweetness — it’s the finishing touch that ties your Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese together beautifully.
How to Serve Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese
Garnishes
Before serving, scatter extra fresh basil over the top for both aroma and color. If you like a touch of heat, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even a pinch of flaky sea salt can really make the flavors pop. Don’t forget that drizzle of balsamic glaze — it’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs brilliantly with simple sides like grilled bread, which soaks up all those flavorful juices, or a crisp arugula salad for some peppery contrast. Roasted asparagus or lemony green beans are also lovely companions, keeping the meal light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try serving Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese as skewers: thread cubes of marinated steak, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil onto sticks for a fun, party-ready appetizer. Or, pile everything over a bed of arugula for a hearty steak salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese, simply store the sliced steak, tomatoes, and mozzarella separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresh and prevents your lovely cheese from getting soggy.
Freezing
While the fresh garnishes are best enjoyed right away, the cooked and sliced steak freezes wonderfully! Lay slices in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to two months. Just add fresh toppings when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak slices in a hot skillet or wrap them in foil and heat in a low oven just until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as flank steak dries out quickly — and always add the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella fresh after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak is classic for Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese thanks to its flavor and tenderness, you can substitute skirt steak or even sirloin. Just adjust cooking times as needed, since thinner cuts may cook faster.
Do I have to grill the steak, or can I use another cooking method?
No grill? No problem. You can cook the marinated steak in a cast-iron skillet or under the broiler in your oven. Both methods create a delicious char. The key is getting a hot surface so the outside sears quickly while keeping the inside juicy.
How far ahead can I marinate the steak?
You can marinate the steak for as little as 30 minutes or up to 8 hours. For the deepest flavor, overnight marinating is ideal, but even a short soak will yield delicious results for your Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese.
Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic glaze is a syrupy reduction of balsamic vinegar, often with a touch of sweetness. It clings beautifully to the steak and toppings for a glossy, flavorful finish, making your Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese extra-special.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Great news: this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! Just double-check your balsamic vinegar and glaze labels to ensure they don’t contain any added gluten, and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how simple, fresh ingredients can create a meal that tastes like summer on a platter. Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese is always a crowd-pleaser, and once you’ve tasted it, I’m sure it’ll find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Grab your favorite tomatoes, fire up the grill, and let this dish be the highlight of your next meal!
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Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the flavors of summer with this delicious and easy-to-make Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese. Tender flank steak marinated in balsamic and herbs, grilled to perfection, and topped with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Flank Steak:
- 1.5 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
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Caprese Toppings:
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Marinate steak for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat grill. Grill steak for 4-6 minutes per side. Let it rest before slicing thinly.
- Assemble: Arrange steak slices on a platter. Top with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Notes
- Marinate steak overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Variation: Use cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for bite-sized servings.
- Serve with grilled bread or over arugula for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
