Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever bitten into a dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and fresh flavors? Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy grilled flank steak, topped with bright, vibrant tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, all drizzled with a rich balsamic dressing. This Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing elevates the classic Caprese salad by adding the satisfying depth of grilled meat, turning it into a delightful main course that’s perfect for any occasion.
This dish is not just about taste; it’s a celebration of summer flavors that can elevate your backyard barbecue or dinner party. As you grill the flank steak to perfection, its smoky aroma mingles with the fresh scents of basil and ripe tomatoes. The balsamic dressing adds a tangy sweetness that enhances every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply enjoying a meal at home, this recipe guarantees an unforgettable culinary experience.
Key Ingredients For Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Flank Steak: Choose high-quality flank steak for maximum flavor and tenderness; look for steaks that are bright red with minimal fat.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Opt for creamy, fresh mozzarella balls; they add richness and a delightful texture to the dish.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Select ripe cherry tomatoes for their sweetness; halving them enhances their juiciness when combined with other ingredients.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Use fragrant basil leaves to complement the other flavors; fresh basil is key to achieving an authentic Caprese taste.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Select high-quality balsamic vinegar for the dressing; it should be rich and slightly sweet to balance the flavors nicely.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds depth of flavor; choose cold-pressed varieties for best results.
- Salt and Pepper: Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to season both the steak and vegetables effectively.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step : Marinate the Flank Steak
Begin by marinating your flank steak for at least one hour. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Place the steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal or cover the container and refrigerate.
Second Step : Preheat the Grill
While the steak marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). This will ensure that you achieve perfect grill marks and tender meat.
Third Step : Grill the Flank Steak
Once your grill is hot, remove the steak from the marinade and discard any leftover liquid. Place it on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of around 135°F (57°C).
Fourth Step : Prepare the Caprese Salad
While grilling, wash and halve your cherry tomatoes. Tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces. Drain any excess moisture from the mozzarella balls if needed. Combine these ingredients in a bowl.
Fifth Step : Make the Balsamic Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sixth Step : Assemble Your Dish
Let the grilled flank steak rest for five minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin strips. Arrange on plates alongside your Caprese mixture. Drizzle with balsamic dressing for an impressive finish.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Rest Your Meat: Always let your flank steak rest after grilling; this allows juices to redistribute throughout, ensuring juiciness.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your tomatoes and basil significantly impacts flavor; always choose fresh over dried when possible.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Keep in mind that cooking time may vary based on thickness; always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Presentation Ideas
This Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Garnish the dish with vibrant basil leaves to enhance its freshness and appeal.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Serve alongside colorful cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and added sweetness.
- Grilled Vegetables: Pair the steak with a variety of grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a complete meal.
How to Perfectly Grill Flank Steak
To achieve the best results when grilling flank steak, start by ensuring your grill is preheated. This steak benefits from high heat, which helps to seal in its juices and create that delicious sear. Season the flank steak generously with salt and pepper before placing it on the grill. Cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred doneness. A meat thermometer can help you determine when it reaches medium-rare at around 130°F.
Once done, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Creating a homemade balsamic dressing is simple and elevates your Grilled Flank Steak Caprese. Combine equal parts of balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil in a bowl. Add minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk until well blended. For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like oregano or thyme into your dressing.
Drizzle this dressing over your grilled steak and caprese salad components right before serving for an irresistible finish.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing, consider presenting it on a large platter that showcases all its beautiful colors. Slice the steak against the grain to ensure tenderness in every bite. Arrange slices next to fresh mozzarella cheese slices and ripe tomatoes for a classic caprese look.
You can also serve this dish as part of a larger spread, perhaps alongside crusty bread or a light pasta salad. The combination of flavors will delight your guests at any gathering.
Nutritional Benefits
Flank steak is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. It provides high-quality protein that supports muscle growth and repair while being lower in fat compared to other cuts of beef. Paired with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella in this Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing, you also gain vitamins A and C from tomatoes along with calcium from cheese.
The balsamic dressing adds antioxidants from balsamic vinegar, promoting overall health while enhancing flavor without excessive calories.
FAQs :
What cuts of meat can I use instead of flank steak?
If you cannot find flank steak or prefer a different cut, consider using skirt steak or sirloin as substitutes. Both options offer similar textures and flavors that work well when grilled. Skirt steak is slightly more marbled, which may provide additional juiciness while cooking. Sirloin has great flavor but tends to be leaner than flank or skirt steaks. Whichever cut you choose, ensure that you slice against the grain for optimal tenderness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare elements of the Grilled Flank Steak Caprese ahead of time to make serving easier later on. Marinate the flank steak up to overnight in advance for enhanced flavor absorption. Also, slice the tomatoes and mozzarella earlier in the day; just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble everything together before serving.
The balsamic dressing can be made ahead as well; store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week without losing its freshness or taste.
How should I store leftovers?
To store leftovers from your Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing properly, place them in an airtight container within two hours after cooking. Refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness—this dish can last up to three days when stored correctly.
For best results when reheating leftover flank steak, use low heat on a stovetop or microwave intermittently until warmed through without overcooking it further.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Several side dishes complement Grilled Flank Steak Caprese beautifully! Consider pairing it with garlic roasted potatoes or creamy coleslaw for contrast against juicy meat flavors. A light arugula salad drizzled lightly with lemon vinaigrette also works well alongside richer caprese components while adding extra greens into your meal plan!
Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing is a mouthwatering dish that combines juicy grilled flank steak with fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic dressing. This recipe transforms the traditional Caprese salad into a hearty main course perfect for summer gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Experience an explosion of flavors as you savor each bite, making it an unforgettable culinary delight.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the flank steak in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper for at least one hour.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400°F).
- Grill the flank steak for 5-7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.
- While grilling, prepare the Caprese salad by combining halved cherry tomatoes, torn basil leaves, and drained mozzarella in a bowl.
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil to make the dressing; season with salt and pepper.
- Let the steak rest for five minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve alongside the Caprese mixture and drizzle with dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, marinate overnight. Substitute flank steak with skirt or sirloin if desired. Serve with grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
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