Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Caprese Twist

This Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Caprese Twist is a showstopper that combines the bold, savory flavors of perfectly grilled steak with the fresh, vibrant notes of a Caprese salad. The balsamic marinade doubles as a dressing, tying everything together with its tangy-sweet depth. Ideal for summer barbecues or a fancy weeknight dinner, this dish is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

For the Balsamic Marinade/Dressing:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 large clove garlic, minced or grated
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Flank Steak:

• 1.5–2 pounds flank steak
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Caprese Topping:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or ciliegine), sliced or torn
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of black pepper
• Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Balsamic Marinade/Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
• Divide the mixture: reserve half for dressing the Caprese topping and use the other half to marinate the steak.

1. Marinate the Steak:

• Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
• Pour half of the balsamic marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2–4 hours for maximum flavor. Flip the steak halfway through marinating.

1. Prepare the Grill:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are hot and evenly distributed.
• Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

1. Grill the Flank Steak:

• Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
• Grill the steak for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare (135°F/57°C internal temperature), or adjust cooking time to your preferred doneness (145°F/63°C for medium).
• Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes, tented loosely with foil.

1. Prepare the Caprese Topping:

• In a medium bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and torn basil leaves.
• Drizzle with the reserved balsamic marinade/dressing and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and gently toss to combine.

1. Slice and Serve:

• Slice the rested flank steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Arrange the slices on a serving platter and spoon the Caprese topping over the steak.
• For an extra touch, drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Sides: Pair with grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a light arugula salad for a complete meal.
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the balsamic and steak flavors beautifully.
• Make Ahead: The steak can be marinated overnight for deeper flavor. The Caprese topping is best prepared fresh but can be made an hour in advance and refrigerated.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the steak rest after grilling keeps it juicy and tender.
• Against the Grain: Slicing flank steak against the grain ensures every bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Balsamic Glaze: If you don’t have store-bought glaze, simmer 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon honey until reduced by half for a quick homemade version.

Nutrition (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on portion size and specific ingredients used.

This Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Caprese Twist is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and stunning presentation. Perfect for entertaining or a special family dinner, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy!