Zesty Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe for Summer

A summer evening calls for this mouthwatering grilled balsamic flank steak caprese that promises to revolutionize your dinner repertoire.

Fresh mozzarella melts luxuriously against perfectly charred meat, creating layers of Mediterranean magic.

Juicy tomatoes burst with vibrant flavor, complementing the rich balsamic glaze.

Crisp basil leaves add an aromatic punch that dances across each succulent bite.

Marinades work incredible alchemy, transforming simple ingredients into culinary poetry.

Weeknight meals deserve something extraordinary, and this recipe delivers pure deliciousness.

Grilled Flank Steak Caprese That Balances Balsamic, Cheese, and Freshness

Speedy Flavor Explosion: Whip up this mouthwatering grilled steak in under 30 minutes, delivering restaurant-quality taste right at home with minimal effort.

Quick Marinade Magic: Simple marinade ingredients transform an ordinary flank steak into a tender, flavor-packed centerpiece that impresses guests without complicated techniques.

Summer Entertaining Champion: Perfect for backyard barbecues and outdoor gatherings, this dish combines classic Italian Caprese elements with perfectly grilled steak for a crowd-pleasing meal that looks and tastes gourmet.

Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable for multiple dining scenarios – from casual weeknight dinners to elegant weekend entertaining – this recipe offers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen time.

What You’ll Use for Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese

• Flank Steak: Tender cut with robust flavor, best when marinated to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Mozzarella Balls: Soft, creamy cheese that adds rich texture to the Caprese topping.

• Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil: Provides deep flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
• Honey, Dijon Mustard: Adds sweet and tangy notes to balance the marinade.
• Garlic: Brings intense aromatic depth to the meat.
• Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy component that adds bright freshness.
• Fresh Basil: Herbaceous element that provides classic Italian Caprese flavor.
• Balsamic Glaze: Rich, concentrated vinegar that adds glossy finish and sweet-tangy complexity.

Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Grilling Guide

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whisk together a zesty blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, freshly crushed garlic, golden honey, tangy Dijon mustard, aromatic oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

This magical mixture will transform your steak into a taste sensation.

Step 2: Infuse the Steak

Place the flank steak into a large ziplock bag or shallow container.

Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring every inch gets coated.

Seal and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, letting the flavors dance and penetrate deeply.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to a searing medium-high temperature around 400°F.

Lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent any sticking and create beautiful grill marks.

Step 4: Master the Perfect Grill

Remove steak from marinade and pat dry with paper towels.

Discard used marinade.

• 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare
• Internal temperature around 130-135°F
• Adjust cooking time for desired doneness

Step 5: Let the Steak Rest

Transfer grilled steak to a cutting board.

Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes, letting juices redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.

Step 6: Craft Vibrant Caprese Topping

• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella balls
• Chopped basil leaves

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze and gently toss.

Step 7: Create the Finale

Slice steak thinly against the grain.

Arrange on a stunning platter.

Top generously with the fresh Caprese mixture.

Add an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze for a final flavor punch.

Grilled Flank Steak Caprese Tips with Balsamic Bite

• Use a zip-lock bag for even coating and minimal cleanup, ensuring every inch of the flank steak absorbs the delicious balsamic marinade.
• Allow the steak to rest after grilling, letting the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness and flavor in each bite.
• Cut the steak perpendicular to the muscle fibers to break down tough connective tissues, resulting in more tender and easier-to-chew meat.
• Swap fresh mozzarella for burrata or add roasted pine nuts for extra texture and nutty flavor in the Caprese mix.
• Use a meat thermometer to achieve your desired doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining the steak's juicy, succulent texture.

Storing Guide for Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese

• Store sliced steak and Caprese topping separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Cover steak with a damp paper towel when reheating to maintain moisture and prevent toughening.
• Warm steak in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, use microwave on 50% power for 30-second intervals.
• Consume reheated steak immediately for best texture and flavor. Avoid multiple reheating cycles to prevent meat from becoming dry and rubbery.

Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Matches

• Pairing Culinary Magic for Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese
• Elevate Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the balsamic's acidity and steak's rich flavor, cutting through the meat's richness while enhancing the dish's herbal notes.
• Match Bold Side Dish: Prepare grilled asparagus with lemon zest and parmesan, creating a complementary vegetable that mirrors the Caprese's freshness and adds a vibrant green element to the plate.
• Create Rustic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty Italian ciabatta brushed with olive oil and rubbed with garlic, perfect for soaking up the balsamic glaze and juices from the steak, adding textural contrast and additional flavor depth.
• Craft Refreshing Beverage: Mix a crisp basil mojito using fresh basil leaves from the Caprese, blending mint, lime, and light rum to provide a bright, herbaceous drink that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich steak.

Balsamic Flank Steak with Caprese Enhancements

• Vegetarian Mediterranean Delight: Replace flank steak with grilled portobello mushrooms marinated in the same balsamic mixture, offering a hearty plant-based alternative that maintains the recipe's rich flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Swap out traditional mozzarella for dairy-free cashew cheese and use grass-fed beef for a keto-friendly version that keeps the Caprese essence intact.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Plate: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, using tamari instead of traditional marinades and verifying balsamic glaze has no hidden wheat derivatives.
• Lighter Summer Version: Substitute flank steak with lean chicken breast, reducing calories while preserving the bright Caprese topping and zesty balsamic notes.

FAQs

• Why marinate the flank steak?

The marinade tenderizes the meat, adds flavor depth, and helps break down tough muscle fibers, making the steak more juicy and delicious.

• How do I know when the steak is cooked to medium-rare?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130–135°F, which ensures a warm pink center and optimal tenderness.

• What's the best way to slice flank steak?

Always slice against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers) to create shorter muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and easier-to-chew bite.

• Can I substitute the type of tomatoes or cheese?

Yes, you can use different tomato varieties like heirloom or roma tomatoes, and substitute fresh mozzarella with burrata or another soft cheese for similar texture and flavor profile.

Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese brings Italian summer flavors to your plate with juicy grilled meat and fresh mozzarella. Garden-ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil complete this classic combination that transports you straight to Mediterranean bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) flank steak
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh mozzarella balls

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust marinade by whisking balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended.
2. Submerge the flank steak completely in the marinade within a sealed container or plastic bag, ensuring total coverage, and refrigerate for 2–4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Heat the grill to medium-high temperature, approximately 400°F, and lightly brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.
4. Remove steak from marinade, carefully pat dry with paper towels, and discard remaining liquid.
5. Position steak on hot grill, cooking 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, aiming for an internal temperature between 130–135°F.
6. Transfer grilled steak to a cutting board, allowing it to rest 5–10 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
7. While steak rests, combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil in a bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Drizzle the tomato mixture with balsamic glaze, gently tossing to distribute flavors evenly.
9. Slice steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
10. Plate the steak slices and generously top with the prepared Caprese mixture, adding an extra balsamic glaze drizzle if desired.

Notes

• Tenderize the flank steak by scoring the surface lightly with a sharp knife before marinating to help the flavors penetrate deeper.
• Ensure consistent grill marks by rotating the steak 45 degrees halfway through cooking on each side.
• Pat the steak completely dry before grilling to achieve a perfect sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of Dijon mustard and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Transform this dish into a low-carb meal by serving over a bed of mixed greens instead of traditional sides.
• Allow extra marinating time for more intense flavor absorption, but avoid exceeding 8 hours to prevent meat texture breakdown.
• Choose high-quality balsamic vinegar and glaze for a more robust and authentic taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg