Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese: A Flavorful and Satisfying Lunch Idea

Looking for a delicious and satisfying lunch idea? Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese is the perfect dish to add to your repertoire. This recipe combines tender, juicy flank steak with the fresh flavors of Caprese salad, including ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s a perfect blend of protein, veggies, and rich flavors, all in one dish. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also easy to make, making it ideal for lunch or a dinner option that is sure to impress.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about making Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese, including the key ingredients and their roles, preparation time, step-by-step cooking instructions, expert tips, presentation tips, creative twists, pro tips for customization, and answers to some frequently asked questions. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese has a unique role to play, contributing to the overall flavor and texture of the dish. Here are the key ingredients and why they are essential:

Flank Steak

Role: Flank steak is a lean cut of beef known for its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked correctly. Grilling or searing it on high heat adds a smoky, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Tip: To ensure the flank steak is tender, slice it against the grain after grilling.

Balsamic Vinegar

Role: Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the steak, helping to tenderize the meat while enhancing the overall taste of the dish. When reduced to a glaze, it creates a syrupy finish that adds depth and richness to the steak and vegetables.

Olive Oil

Role: Olive oil helps with the marinade and grilling process, preventing the steak from sticking to the grill. It also adds a subtle, fruity flavor that complements the balsamic vinegar.

Fresh Mozzarella

Role: Fresh mozzarella is creamy and mild, providing a beautiful contrast to the grilled steak and the acidic balsamic glaze. It also adds a satisfying texture that balances the other components of the dish.

Ripe Tomatoes

Role: Fresh, ripe tomatoes add juiciness and a slightly sweet, tangy flavor to the dish. They are an essential part of the Caprese salad, giving freshness and vibrancy to the steak and complementing the balsamic glaze.

Fresh Basil

Role: Fresh basil leaves bring an aromatic, herbal note to the dish. Their bright, peppery flavor balances the richness of the steak and mozzarella, adding a burst of freshness to each bite.

Salt and Pepper

Role: Simple but essential, salt and pepper season the steak and vegetables, enhancing the natural flavors of the dish. Seasoning is key for bringing out the best in each ingredient.

Garlic (Optional)

Role: Garlic adds depth of flavor to the marinade and complements the balsamic vinegar’s tanginess. It can also be used in the glaze for added richness and aroma.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Grilling Time: 5-8 minutes per side (depending on steak thickness and desired doneness)
Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Marinade and Steak:

1.5 lbs flank steak
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

For the Caprese Toppings:

1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
2-3 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Balsamic Glaze:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

Step-by-Step “Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese” Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Flank Steak

Prepare the marinade – In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic (optional), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Marinate the steak – Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Marinating helps tenderize the steak and infuses it with flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze

Make the glaze – While the steak marinates, make the balsamic glaze by adding 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp honey (optional) to a small saucepan.
Simmer and reduce – Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it reduce for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens into a syrupy consistency. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Grill the Flank Steak

Preheat the grill – Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill the steak – Remove the steak from the marinade, and season it with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 5-8 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).
Rest the steak – Once the steak is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender, juicy steak.

Step 4: Assemble the Caprese

Slice the steak – After resting, slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips.
Layer the Caprese – On a serving platter or individual plates, arrange slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes.
Top with steak – Place the grilled flank steak on top of the mozzarella and tomato slices, creating layers of flavor.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze – Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the steak and Caprese toppings.
Garnish with basil – Finish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Expert Tips for the Best Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese

Use high-quality balsamic vinegar – The balsamic vinegar is the star of this recipe, so make sure to use a good-quality vinegar for the best flavor. A thick, aged balsamic vinegar works especially well for the glaze.
Let the steak rest – Allow the steak to rest after grilling so the juices can redistribute, ensuring the meat stays tender and juicy.
Slicing against the grain – Slicing the flank steak against the grain helps to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender bite.
Grill over medium-high heat – Grilling the steak over medium-high heat ensures a beautiful char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

Presentation Tips

Plating – Arrange the steak, mozzarella, and tomatoes in a visually appealing way. Try stacking the ingredients or fanning them out on the plate.
Garnish – Fresh basil leaves add color and freshness to the dish. A sprinkle of sea salt and cracked pepper can also enhance the presentation.
Serve with sides – For a complete meal, pair your Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or a side of pasta.

Creative Twists for the best Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese

Grilled Vegetables – Add grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers, to the Caprese for extra texture and flavor.
Use Different Cheese – Try using burrata or goat cheese instead of fresh mozzarella for a unique twist on the classic Caprese.
Spicy Kick – Add a few slices of jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to balance out the sweetness of the balsamic glaze.
Serve in Wraps – Turn this dish into a fun lunch wrap by placing the steak, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a soft tortilla and drizzling with balsamic glaze.

Pro Tip for Customization

Marinate longer for more flavor – If you have the time, marinate the flank steak for several hours or even overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it even more flavorful and tender.
Make it low-carb – For a low-carb option, skip the Caprese salad and serve the grilled steak over a bed of leafy greens like arugula or spinach for a fresh, healthy meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the steak and balsamic glaze ahead of time. Grill the steak in advance, slice it, and store it in the fridge. Assemble the Caprese just before serving to keep the tomatoes and mozzarella fresh.

What other cuts of meat can I use?

If flank steak is not available, you can use skirt steak, sirloin, or even chicken breast as a substitute for the grilled meat.

How do I make Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese gluten-free?

This dish is naturally gluten-free, as there are no grains or gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure to double-check the balsamic glaze and any additional ingredients for any hidden gluten.

Can I make the balsamic glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The balsamic glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to one week. Simply reheat it before drizzling over the dish.

Conclusion

Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese is a flavorful and satisfying lunch idea that combines the savory richness of grilled steak with the freshness of Caprese salad. With its balance of tangy balsamic, creamy mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a special lunch or a casual dinner, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Try making it today for a delightful, well-rounded meal!