The aroma of sizzling steak mingling with the sweet tang of balsamic vinegar and fresh basil is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Picture yourself hosting a backyard barbecue, the sun setting, and your friends eagerly awaiting a plate of Balsamic Caprese Grilled Steak that will knock their socks off. Add in some laughter, a few dad jokes, and you’ve got yourself the perfect evening. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
I vividly remember the first time I whipped up this dish for my family. My brother took one bite and declared it “life-changing.” Now, that’s a compliment coming from a guy who thinks cereal is a gourmet meal. Whether it’s a summer cookout or a cozy family dinner, this recipe promises to be the star of the show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Balsamic Caprese Grilled Steak is incredibly simple to prepare, with flavors that burst in your mouth
- It looks stunning on the plate with its vibrant colors
- Perfect for any occasion, it can easily impress guests or satisfy weeknight cravings
- The versatility allows you to adapt it to suit your taste preferences effortlessly
I still chuckle thinking about my friend’s reaction when he tried it for the first time—he literally dropped his fork!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Flank Steak: This cut is lean yet flavorful; aim for about 2 pounds for a crowd-pleasing portion.
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Balsamic Vinegar: A good quality balsamic adds depth; try using aged for even more sweetness.
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Fresh Mozzarella: Opt for high-quality mozzarella; its creaminess pairs beautifully with grilled meat.
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Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems burst with flavor; choose ripe ones for the best taste.
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Fresh Basil Leaves: Use fragrant leaves to add freshness; they bring everything together beautifully.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors; don’t skimp here!
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning; adjust to taste based on your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Balsamic Caprese Grilled Steak
Marinate the Steak: Start by combining balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until well mixed. Place the flank steak in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal tightly and let it marinate in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight if possible.
Prepare Your Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Make sure grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Get ready for some sizzle action that makes everyone gather around!
Grill the Steak: Remove steak from marinade and shake off excess liquid. Grill each side for about 4-6 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare. Let those beautiful grill marks develop—it’s all about presentation!
Create Your Caprese Topping: While grilling, slice fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes in half. Toss them with basil leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated—this will elevate your steak straight into gourmet territory.
Slicing Time!: Once grilled to perfection, remove steak from grill and let it rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute so every bite is juicy heaven.
Assemble Your Masterpiece: Slice steak against the grain into thin strips. Serve topped with the mozzarella-tomato-basil mixture drizzled with balsamic reduction if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy every savory bite as flavors dance on your palate.
Now you’ve officially created an unforgettable dish that will have everyone begging for seconds—and maybe even thirds! You’ll want to save this recipe because once you serve it up once, there’s no going back!
You Must Know
- Balsamic Caprese Grilled Steak is not just a meal; it’s an experience
- The rich flavors and juicy texture elevate any barbecue
- Plus, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have neighbors peeking over the fence
- Enjoy it with friends for an unforgettable evening!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the steak in balsamic vinegar while prepping your Caprese ingredients. Sear the steak on high heat for perfect crust, then let it rest before slicing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out basil for arugula or add a sprinkle of feta for extra flavor. Experiment with different balsamic reductions to find your favorite.
Storing & Reheating
Wrap leftover steak tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best results, use high-quality balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs
- Letting the steak rest after grilling keeps it juicy
- Always slice against the grain for tender bites that melt in your mouth
Sharing this recipe reminds me of a summer barbecue where my friends couldn’t stop raving about the perfect blend of flavors. Their smiles made every effort worth it!
FAQ
Can I use chicken instead of steak for this recipe?
Yes, chicken can be marinated and grilled similarly, but cooking time will differ.
What type of balsamic vinegar should I use?
Opt for high-quality balsamic vinegar for richer flavor and depth in your dish.
How do I know when the steak is perfectly cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; aim for 130°F for medium-rare or adjust according to preference.
Balsamic Caprese Grilled Steak
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Balsamic Caprese Grilled Steak is a mouthwatering dish that combines the rich flavors of marinated flank steak with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, this recipe guarantees an unforgettable meal that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. The vibrant colors and robust flavors make it the star of any gathering. Gather your friends, fire up the grill, and get ready for a delightful culinary experience!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds flank steak
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place flank steak in a resealable bag and pour marinade over it. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- 2. Prepare the Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Ensure grates are clean and lightly oiled.
- 3. Grill the Steak: Remove steak from marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.
- 4. Create Caprese Topping: While grilling, combine mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- 5. Slice the Steak: Remove steak from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.
- 6. Assemble: Serve topped with the mozzarella-tomato-basil mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (150g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider swapping basil for arugula or adding crumbled feta cheese. Use high-quality balsamic vinegar to enhance depth of flavor.
