Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese

Get ready for a flavor-packed, show-stopping meal that’s perfect for any occasion—this Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese is about to steal the spotlight! Tender, juicy flank steak marinated in a balsamic glaze, grilled to perfection, and topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil—what’s not to love? The sweetness of the balsamic marinade balances beautifully with the savory steak, and the Caprese topping adds a refreshing burst of freshness. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend barbecue or serving a special dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Trust me, it’s an instant classic.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese

Here’s why this dish will become a favorite:

  • Flavor Explosion: The tangy-sweet balsamic marinade infuses the flank steak with irresistible flavor, and the Caprese topping adds a fresh, herby, and creamy contrast.
  • Grilled Perfection: Grilling the steak brings out that smoky, charred goodness while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The Caprese garnish takes it over the top.
  • Simple & Elegant: This dish looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
  • Fresh & Light: While it’s packed with flavor, the Caprese topping makes the dish feel light and fresh, balancing out the richness of the steak.
  • Customizable: Want a little extra kick? Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. You can make this dish your own!

Ingredients in Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious steak dish:

  • Flank Steak: This cut is perfect for grilling and soaking up marinades, giving you a tender and flavorful steak.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: The base of the marinade that gives the steak its sweet, tangy depth of flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness to the marinade and helps keep the steak moist while grilling.
  • Garlic: Adds savory depth and a punch of flavor to the marinade.
  • Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.
  • Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy, mild, and slightly tangy, it’s the perfect cheese to complement the rich steak.
  • Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and fresh—diced or sliced, tomatoes are a key part of the Caprese topping.
  • Fresh Basil: Adds an aromatic, slightly peppery flavor that brightens up the dish.
  • Salt & Pepper: To season the steak and enhance all the flavors.

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get grilling! Here’s how you make this juicy, flavorful steak with that perfect Caprese topping:

Marinate the Steak

In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the steak. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.

Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.

Grill the Flank Steak

Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the excess. Grill the flank steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer it more well-done. Use tongs to flip the steak once and avoid piercing it to keep the juices inside. Once cooked to your desired level, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Prepare the Caprese Topping

While the steak rests, slice the fresh mozzarella into rounds and dice the tomatoes. Tear or slice the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces.

Assemble the Dish

Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips. Arrange the steak slices on a platter or individual plates. Top with the fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Drizzle with a little extra balsamic glaze or olive oil if desired, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 280mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 35g
Vitamin D: 0µg
Calcium: 180mg
Iron: 3mg
Potassium: 550mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marination time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20-30 minutes (plus marination time)

How to Serve Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese

This grilled steak is perfect on its own, but here are some side dish ideas to complete the meal:

  • Grilled Vegetables: Pair the steak with grilled asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a smoky, veggie-packed side.
  • Crisp Salad: A light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a perfect way to balance the richness of the steak.
  • Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread makes a perfect accompaniment to soak up any extra balsamic glaze or juices from the steak.
  • Rice or Quinoa: Serve with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Additional Tips

  • Make It Ahead: You can marinate the steak ahead of time and even prep the Caprese toppings. Just assemble everything just before serving for the freshest flavors.
  • How to Check Steak Doneness: Use a meat thermometer for precision. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F, and for medium, it should be around 140°F.
  • Grill Marks: For those perfect grill marks, resist the urge to move the steak around too much while grilling. Let it sit and sear on each side before flipping.
  • Add More Toppings: Feel free to add a drizzle of pesto or balsamic glaze to the top for even more flavor!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
A1: Flank steak works best for this recipe, but you could also use skirt steak or sirloin. Just adjust the cooking time based on the cut.

Q2: Can I make this in the oven instead of grilling?
A2: Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F, then roast the steak for about 12-15 minutes (for medium-rare), flipping halfway through.

Q3: Can I use mozzarella balls instead of fresh mozzarella?
A3: Yes, you can! Just make sure to slice them into rounds so they fit nicely on the steak.

Q4: How long should I marinate the steak?
A4: Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 2-4 hours in the fridge.

Q5: Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze instead of making my own marinade?
A5: Yes, store-bought balsamic glaze works fine for drizzling over the steak, but you’ll want to make your own marinade for the steak to really soak up the flavor.

Q6: Can I make this dish with chicken instead of steak?
A6: Absolutely! Chicken breasts or thighs would work well here, but make sure to adjust the cooking time. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side for chicken breasts, depending on thickness.

Q7: What if I don’t have a grill?
A7: You can cook the steak in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat for a similar result.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Q9: Can I serve this dish cold?
A9: Yes! This steak makes an excellent cold dish for a salad or sandwich the next day. Just slice and serve it chilled.

Q10: Can I make the Caprese topping ahead of time?
A10: Yes, you can prep the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese is a flavor-packed dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. The juicy steak paired with the fresh, vibrant Caprese topping creates a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and refreshing. Whether you’re grilling for a weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So fire up that grill and enjoy this delicious, simple, and utterly satisfying meal!

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Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak Caprese combines perfectly grilled flank steak with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. A fresh, flavorful meal that’s ideal for summer dinners or special occasions!


Ingredients

Scale

For the balsamic 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

For the steak and Caprese toppings:

  • 1 1/2 lbs flank steak
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
  • 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

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the steak. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for maximum flavor).
  3. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness (130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium).
  5. Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain.
  6. While the steak rests, prepare the Caprese toppings: Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves on a platter.
  7. Slice the flank steak and arrange it over the Caprese toppings.
  8. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, you can use a leaner cut of steak or even chicken instead of flank steak.
  • The balsamic glaze can be purchased or homemade by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens.
  • Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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