Name: Grilled Flank Steak Caprese: A Delicious Summer Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1. 5 - 2 lbs flank steak; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (about 1/4 inch thick); 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or more to taste); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Fresh basil sprigs; Additional balsamic glaze

Grilled Flank Steak Caprese: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your summer grilling! Imagine tender, juicy flank steak, kissed by the flames, topped with the vibrant freshness of a classic Caprese salad. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a celebration of simple ingredients elevated to something truly extraordinary.

The Caprese salad, with its roots in the sun-drenched Isle of Capri, Italy, is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. The combination of creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil represents the colors of the Italian flag and embodies the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Pairing this iconic salad with grilled flank steak is a modern twist that brings together the best of both worlds.

People adore this grilled flank steak caprese recipe because it’s incredibly easy to prepare, yet delivers a restaurant-quality dish. The flank steak cooks quickly on the grill, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner, while the Caprese topping adds a burst of freshness and flavor that’s simply irresistible. The tender steak, combined with the creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for summer barbecues and gatherings. So, fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy the most delicious grilled flank steak caprese you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredients:

For the Grilled Flank Steak:

1.5 – 2 lbs flank steak

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Caprese Salad:

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or more to taste)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh basil sprigs
Additional balsamic glaze

Preparing the Flank Steak:

Marinate the Steak: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Coat the Steak: Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate: Marinate the steak in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be.
Bring to Room Temperature: About 30 minutes before grilling, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature. This will help it cook more evenly.

Grilling the Flank Steak:

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Grill the Steak: Place the marinated flank steak on the preheated grill. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C); for medium, aim for 135-145°F (57-63°C).
Rest the Steak: Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Don’t skip this step! It’s crucial for a juicy steak.

Preparing the Caprese Salad:

Combine Ingredients: While the steak is resting, prepare the Caprese salad. In a medium bowl, gently combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced fresh mozzarella, and roughly chopped fresh basil.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the Caprese salad. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to tear the mozzarella.

Assembling the Grilled Flank Steak Caprese:

Slice the Steak: After the steak has rested, use a sharp knife to slice it thinly against the grain. This is important for tenderness, as flank steak can be a bit tough if not sliced properly. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making it easier to chew.

Arrange the Steak: Arrange the sliced flank steak on a serving platter. You can either lay the slices flat or slightly overlap them for a more visually appealing presentation.
Top with Caprese Salad: Spoon the Caprese salad over the sliced flank steak, distributing it evenly. Make sure each slice of steak gets a generous topping of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish the Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with fresh basil sprigs and an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired. This adds a touch of elegance and enhances the flavors.

Serve Immediately: Serve the Grilled Flank Steak Caprese immediately. It’s best enjoyed while the steak is still warm and the Caprese salad is fresh.

Tips and Variations:

Steak Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remember that the internal temperature will continue to rise slightly after you remove it from the grill.
Marinating Time: While 30 minutes is the minimum marinating time, marinating the steak for 2-4 hours will result in a more flavorful and tender steak. Avoid marinating for longer than 4 hours, as the acid in the balsamic vinegar can start to break down the meat fibers too much, making it mushy.

Cheese Options: While fresh mozzarella is traditional for Caprese salad, you can also use burrata cheese for an extra creamy and decadent version.
Tomato Variations: Feel free to use different types of tomatoes in your Caprese salad, such as heirloom tomatoes or grape tomatoes. Just make sure they are ripe and flavorful.
Balsamic Glaze: If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until it reduces and thickens.

Herb Variations: While basil is the classic herb for Caprese salad, you can also add other herbs such as oregano, thyme, or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or the Caprese salad.
Grilled Vegetables: For a more complete meal, grill some vegetables alongside the steak, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the Grilled Flank Steak Caprese as a main course with a side of grilled vegetables, a simple salad, or crusty bread. It’s also great as an appetizer or a light lunch.
Make Ahead: You can marinate the steak ahead of time and prepare the Caprese salad a few hours in advance. However, it’s best to assemble the dish just before serving to prevent the steak from getting soggy.

Troubleshooting:

Steak is Tough: If your steak is tough, it’s likely because it was not sliced against the grain or it was overcooked. Make sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain and use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Caprese Salad is Soggy: To prevent the Caprese salad from getting soggy, use high-quality mozzarella and tomatoes, and don’t dress it until just before serving.
Grill is Smoking Too Much: If your grill is smoking too much, it’s likely because there is too much fat dripping onto the coals or burners. Trim excess fat from the steak before grilling and make sure to clean your grill regularly.
Steak is Sticking to the Grill: To prevent the steak from sticking to the grill, make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before grilling. You can also use a grill pan or a piece of aluminum foil to prevent sticking.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Calories: 450-550
Protein: 40-50g

Fat: 25-35g
Carbohydrates: 10-15g

This Grilled Flank Steak Caprese is a delicious and impressive dish that’s perfect for a summer barbecue or a special occasion. The combination of tender, flavorful steak, fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil is simply irresistible. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Grilled Flank Steak Caprese isn’t just another recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it. The juicy, perfectly grilled flank steak, combined with the creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. It’s the kind of dish that elevates a simple weeknight dinner into something truly special, and it’s guaranteed to impress your friends and family at your next barbecue.

But what makes this recipe a must-try? It’s the simplicity! You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to pull this off. The ingredients are readily available, the grilling process is straightforward, and the assembly is a breeze. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs.

Looking for serving suggestions? I’ve got you covered! This Grilled Flank Steak Caprese is fantastic on its own, served with a side of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the steak and cheese beautifully. For a heartier meal, try serving it with some crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices.

And speaking of versatility, let’s talk variations! If you’re feeling adventurous, try marinating the flank steak in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before grilling. This will add even more depth of flavor. You could also experiment with different types of mozzarella, such as burrata for an extra creamy texture, or smoked mozzarella for a smoky twist. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze.

Another fun variation is to turn this into a Grilled Flank Steak Caprese salad. Simply slice the grilled steak and tomatoes, tear the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, and toss everything together with fresh basil leaves and balsamic glaze. Serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing meal.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about experimenting and finding what you love.

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up the grill and give this Grilled Flank Steak Caprese a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments on social media using #GrilledFlankSteakCaprese and tag me so I can see your creations. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy grilling! This recipe is a guaranteed winner, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. Enjoy!