Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing is a fresh and flavorful dish that combines juicy steak with the classic Italian Caprese flavors. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a special weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and always impresses.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds flank steak
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a zip-top bag or shallow dish, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the flank steak and coat thoroughly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
- Step 2: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Step 3: Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then slice the steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Step 4: In a bowl, mix the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and season with a pinch of salt to taste.
- Step 5: Arrange the sliced steak and Caprese salad on a serving platter. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving for a tangy finish.
Tips & Variations
- For even more flavor, marinate the steak overnight. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to the Caprese salad for extra brightness.
- Substitute balsamic glaze with a homemade reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until thickened.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the steak in a hot cast-iron skillet or under a broiler.
Storage
Store any leftover steak and Caprese salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the steak gently in a skillet or microwave before serving, but serve the salad fresh for best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, sirloin or skirt steak can be good alternatives, but flank steak’s texture works best for slicing thinly and pairing with the fresh Caprese flavors.
What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?
You can use regular balsamic vinegar, but reduce it by simmering over low heat until it thickens into a syrupy consistency for the same effect.
PrintGrilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing Recipe
This Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines juicy, marinated grilled flank steak with a fresh Caprese salad of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all topped with a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for summer cookouts or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Flank Steak Marinade
- 1½ pounds flank steak
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Caprese Salad
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Pinch of salt
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
Instructions
- Marinate Steak: In a zip-top bag or shallow dish, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add flank steak and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 1 hour up to 8 hours to enhance flavor.
- Preheat Grill and Cook Steak: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.
- Rest and Slice Steak: Remove the steak from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute. Then slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Prepare Caprese Salad: In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with a pinch of salt to enhance the fresh flavors.
- Serve and Dress: Arrange the sliced flank steak and the prepared Caprese salad on a serving platter. Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the dish for a sweet and tangy finish.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to check steak doneness if desired: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
- Letting the steak marinate longer (up to 8 hours) intensifies flavor but do not exceed 24 hours to avoid texture changes.
- If balsamic glaze is unavailable, reduce balsamic vinegar gently on stovetop until thickened.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light green salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: grilled flank steak, Caprese salad, balsamic glaze, summer recipe, easy grilling, Italian-inspired, steak dinner
