Welcome to a Flavorful Feast!
Hey there! I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite dinner recipes with you: Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak. This dish is a showstopper, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal. Juicy flank steak paired with creamy mozzarella, bursting cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze makes for a dinner that feels elegant yet is surprisingly easy to make!
Nutritional Benefits
Let’s talk nutrition for a moment. Flank steak is a wonderful source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Plus, it offers several key vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, zinc, and iron—nutrients that your body craves for energy and vitality! Fresh tomatoes bring in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which helps your body fight off free radicals. And let’s not forget about basil; it’s anti-inflammatory and can aid digestion. So, with this meal, you’re not just eating deliciously—you’re nourishing your body too!
Fun Variations to Make
- Swaps for Dietary Needs: If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, you could use chicken breast instead of flank steak. It’ll still be delightful! For a vegetarian option, grilled portobello mushrooms make a hearty and satisfying substitute.
- Add Some Spice: Looking to kick it up a notch? Toss in some red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or serve with a side of spicy chimichurri!
- Cheese Options: While fresh mozzarella is fantastic, you could also try burrata if you want something extra creamy, or even feta for a tangier bite.
- Seasonal Produce: Use seasonal veggies like grilled zucchini or asparagus in place of the tomatoes in the summer to switch it up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Flank steak (about 1.5 pounds)
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Balsamic glaze
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Cooking Instructions
1. Marinate the Flank Steak
Start by mixing up a tasty marinade! In a bowl, combine ¼ cup of olive oil, ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. If you’re in the mood for a little heat, feel free to add those optional red pepper flakes!
Next, take your flank steak and place it in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over it, making sure it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour—over night is even better for deep flavor!
2. Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes
While the steak is marinating, let’s get those cherry tomatoes ready! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cherry tomatoes in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast those beauties for about 10-15 minutes or until they start bursting and softening up. They’ll be the perfect sweet complement to the steak!
3. Grill the Flank Steak
Now, it’s time for the grill! Preheat to medium-high heat. Pull out your flank steak from its marinade and get rid of the leftover marinade. Grill the steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side for that perfect medium-rare. Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for that beautifully tender meat. If you do prefer it more well-done, just keep an eye on it to reach your desired level of doneness.
4. Rest and Slice the Steak
Don’t forget to rest your steak! Once you take it off the grill, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This is super important to let the juices redistribute so your steak remains juicy! Then, slice it thinly against the grain; it’ll make the texture even more tender when you bite in.
5. Assemble the Dish
On a beautiful serving platter, arrange the sliced steak in the middle. Lay the fresh mozzarella cheese slices on top, scattering them invitingly over the steak. Add those roasted cherry tomatoes around the steak—talk about a pretty presentation! Lastly, sprinkle fresh basil leaves all over for that fresh aroma and burst of flavor.
6. Finish and Serve
For some extra flair, drizzle balsamic glaze over the steak and tomatoes. This glaze adds a lovely sweetness and richness to the dish. Serve it warm and garnish with additional fresh basil if you really feel fancy. Get ready for some oohs and aahs from your dinner guests!
Practical Tips for Success
- Storage: If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can even slice up the steak and add it to salads for lunch!
- Choose the Right Flank Steak: Look for a flank steak that is bright red with a good amount of marbling for the best flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Trust me, this step makes all the difference in keeping the meat juicy!
- Check Your Grill Temperatures: Make sure your grill is hot enough before placing the steak on it; this helps achieve those beautiful grill marks!
- Cook with Love: It sounds cheesy, but taking your time and enjoying the process makes the food taste all the better!
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to cook this delicious meal:
- A grill (outdoor or stovetop grill pan)
- A large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish for marinating
- A baking sheet for the cherry tomatoes
- A sharp knife for slicing the steak
- A cutting board
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cut of meat? Yes, you can substitute skirt steak or even chicken if you prefer!
- Is it okay to marinate the steak overnight? Absolutely! In fact, it will deepen the flavors significantly!
- What if I don’t have a grill? No problem! You can also cook the steak in a cast-iron skillet on the stove or in the oven under a broiler.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can marinate the steak earlier in the day and even roast the tomatoes—just warm everything up before serving!
- How do I know when the steak is done? Using an instant-read thermometer is your best bet! Aim for 130°F for medium-rare and adjust it to your liking.
Let’s Connect!
I hope you enjoy making this Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak as much as I do! If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Snap a pic and share your experience on Pinterest or tag me so we can celebrate your culinary success together!
