The Ultimate Grilled Flank Steak Caprese: Your New Summer Obsession
Imagine a perfect summer evening: the sun setting, the air warm, and the enticing sizzle from your grill. This isn’t just a dream; it’s your next meal with our incredible Grilled Flank Steak Caprese.
This dish marries two classics: perfectly grilled, juicy steak and the fresh, vibrant flavors of an Italian Caprese salad. It’s an easy steak dinner that’s elegant yet quick for weeknights, or a show-stopping weekend barbecue. Elevate your summer grilling recipes with this simple, impressive dish.
Why This Recipe is a Guaranteed Winner
Flavor Fusion Beyond Compare
The magic of this Grilled Flank Steak Caprese is its flavor profile. Savory, marinated beef, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, aromatic basil, and tangy balsamic glaze create a symphony. An Italian steak recipe that truly stands out.
Simplicity and Speed
Despite its gourmet look, this recipe is fast and easy. Minimal hands-on time means a show-stopping meal quickly, ideal for an easy steak dinner on busy schedules.
Versatility for Every Occasion
Serve as a main course, a hearty Caprese steak salad, or even elegant appetizers. Perfect for summer grilling recipes and any outdoor barbecue ideas.
Healthy & Fresh
Packed with fresh, whole ingredients, it’s a healthy beef recipe that delivers flavor and nutrition. Lean flank steak with vibrant produce makes it a satisfying low-carb steak recipe and a fantastic gluten-free dinner idea.
Ingredient Deep Dive: Choosing the Best Components
The Star of the Show: Flank Steak
What is Flank Steak? Flank steak, a lean cut from the cow’s abdomen, is prized for its robust beefy flavor and coarse grain. It excels at absorbing marinades, making it ideal for our flank steak marinade recipe and perfect for grilling.
How to Choose the Best Flank Steak: Look for a uniformly thick piece with deep red color for even cooking. This is key for selecting the best cut of steak for grilling.
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak? Yes! Skirt steak (great for skirt steak Caprese), sirloin flap, or flat iron steak are excellent alternatives. Adjust grilling times accordingly.
The Classic Caprese Topping
Tomatoes: Ripe cherry or grape tomatoes offer perfect sweetness and acidity for the cherry tomato steak recipe element. Always choose ripe for best taste.
Mozzarella: For authentic fresh mozzarella recipes, choose small fresh mozzarella balls like bocconcini or ciliegine. Avoid low-moisture, pre-shredded mozzarella.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves are indispensable. Chiffonade them for elegant presentation and flavor.
The Flavor Foundation: Marinade & Balsamic Glaze
Why You MUST Marinate Flank Steak: Due to its leanness, flank steak needs marinating. The acid in our flank steak marinade recipe tenderizes the meat while infusing flavor, ensuring a tender marinated grilled steak.
Our Simple, Powerful Marinade: Our marinade combines tangy balsamic vinegar, rich olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian herbs. This blend penetrates the meat, promising a juicy, flavorful result every time you learn how to grill flank steak.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Balsamic Glaze: A homemade balsamic glaze for steak is easy to make by reducing balsamic vinegar. A good quality store-bought glaze is also a convenient shortcut, delivering that essential sweet and tangy finish to your Grilled Flank Steak Caprese.
Essential Tools & Equipment
- Outdoor Grill (Gas or Charcoal)
- Grill Tongs
- Instant-Read Meat Thermometer (crucial for perfect internal temperature for flank steak)
- Large Ziplock Bag or Non-Reactive Dish for Marinating
- Cutting Board & Sharp Chef’s Knife
How to Make Grilled Flank Steak Caprese: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Marinate the Steak for Maximum Flavor
Combine marinade: 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Coat 1.5-2 lb flank steak. Refrigerate 30 minutes to 4 hours. Crucial Tip: Do not over-marinate (>8 hours) as acid can negatively affect texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill & The Caprese Topping
Preheat grill to medium-high (400-450°F). Clean and oil grates to prevent sticking when you grill flank steak. Prepare Caprese: halve 1 pint cherry tomatoes, dice 8 oz fresh mozzarella, chiffonade 1/2 cup fresh basil. Combine gently. This creates the vibrant flank steak with tomatoes and basil topping.
Step 3: Grilling the Flank Steak to Perfection
Remove steak from marinade, pat dry. Season with salt and pepper. Place on hot grill. Grill 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. Use an instant-read meat thermometer for doneness. This ensures you know how to grill flank steak precisely.
Grilling Time & Temperature Guide for Flank Steak:
- Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C) – Recommended for optimal tenderness.
- Medium: 135-145°F (57-63°C)
- Trust your thermometer!
Step 4: The Most Important Step: Resting the Steak
Once cooked, transfer steak to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes. This vital step allows juices to redistribute, guaranteeing tender, moist results.
Step 5: Slice, Assemble, and Serve
After resting, identify the meat’s grain. Slice flank steak thinly against the grain at a slight angle with a sharp knife. This technique (slicing steak against the grain) ensures maximum tenderness. Arrange slices, top with Caprese mixture, drizzle balsamic glaze, and garnish with fresh basil. Serve your magnificent Grilled Flank Steak Caprese!
Pro-Tips from the Kitchen
- Room Temperature is Key: Let steak sit out for 20-30 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.
- Don’t Fear the Sear:: A super hot grill ensures delicious grill marks and a flavorful crust.
- Season Generously: A final sprinkle of salt and pepper before grilling enhances flavor.
- Make the Glaze Ahead: Prepare your balsamic glaze for steak days in advance.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Some Greens: Serve over arugula or mixed greens for a complete Caprese steak salad.
- Cheese Swaps: Try burrata for extra creaminess or crumbled feta for a tangy twist.
- Protein Alternatives: This Caprese topping also complements grilled chicken breast or portobello mushrooms.
- Flavor Boosters: Add grilled peaches in summer, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh lemon brightens the taste.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Steak
To complement your Grilled Flank Steak Caprese, consider these pairings.
- Side Dishes: Grilled corn on the cob, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad are classic choices. Creamy polenta or a crusty baguette are excellent for soaking up juices, answering what to serve with flank steak perfectly.
- Wine Pairings: A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot harmonizes with beef and balsamic. A crisp, dry Rosé offers a refreshing summer choice.
Storage, Leftovers, and Make-Ahead Tips
How to Store: Store leftover sliced steak and Caprese topping separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Creative Leftover Ideas: Use leftover steak for sandwiches, wraps, or quesadillas. The Caprese topping is great as a side salad or mixed into pasta.
Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the flank steak marinade recipe and balsamic glaze days ahead. Chop tomatoes and basil a few hours before serving, keeping them separate, streamlining your easy steak dinner prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long should I grill flank steak?
For a 1-inch thick flank steak, grill for 4-6 minutes per side over medium-high heat for medium-rare. Always use an instant-read meat thermometer for precision, aiming for our recommended internal temperature.
Is flank steak a tough cut of meat?
Flank steak can be tough if not properly prepared. However, it becomes wonderfully tender by marinating it thoroughly and slicing it thinly against the grain. These steps are crucial for a succulent result.
What is the best internal temperature for flank steak?
We highly recommend cooking flank steak to 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare. Cooking it past 145°F (medium) can lead to a tougher texture for this lean cut. Remember carryover cooking will increase the temperature a few degrees.
Can I cook this on the stove instead of a grill?
Yes! Use a heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet over high heat with a little oil. Sear the marinated steak for 4-6 minutes per side. You won’t get the smoky flavor, but it will still be a delicious flank steak with tomatoes and basil.
My balsamic glaze is too thin/thick. How do I fix it?
If too thin, continue to simmer on low heat until reduced further. If too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water or balsamic vinegar until it reaches your desired syrupy consistency.
Conclusion
This Grilled Flank Steak Caprese is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. A perfect blend of delicious, easy, and incredibly fresh, it embodies the best of summer grilling. This Italian steak recipe is destined to become a family favorite.
We encourage you to try this fantastic summer grilling recipe. Share your culinary creations and leave a comment below—we’d love to hear how much you enjoyed it!
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