Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak is the perfect solution when you’re craving something juicy, flavorful, and fast without the stress of complicated cooking.
Tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts? It’s a common frustration, especially on busy weeknights. That’s why this recipe flips the script with tender grilled flank steak marinated in zesty balsamic, then topped with the fresh, summery flavors of Caprese salad ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s everything you love about grilling and Italian simplicity in one vibrant dish.
As a recipe developer and food enthusiast behind Cooks Foody, I’m all about helping home cooks feel confident and creative in the kitchen. Over the years, I’ve refined this recipe to be both effortless and impressive ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings alike.
In this post, I’ll walk you through:
- Why this steak recipe works so well
- How to choose the best cut of meat
- Smart, flavor-packed prep tips
- Foolproof grilling techniques and doneness tricks
- Serving ideas, flavor twists, FAQs, and more
Let’s fire up the grill and get started!
Why This Meat Recipe Works Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak
- ✅ Uses affordable, easy-to-find flank steak
- ✅ Marinate in just 15 minutes for incredible tenderness
- ✅ Perfect for both busy weeknights or weekend cookouts
- ✅ Combines savory grilled meat with the fresh flavors of Caprese salad
- ✅ No fancy tools or rare ingredients needed
Choosing the Right Meat Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak
Best Cuts for This Recipe
Flank steak is lean but flavorful, making it the ideal choice for fast, high-heat grilling. Other options include:
- Skirt steak (great alternative for similar texture)
- Hanger steak (slightly more tender)
Buying Tips
- Look for flank steak with fine grain and bright red color
- Ask your butcher to butterfly thicker cuts for even grilling
- Choose cuts that are about 1-inch thick for consistent doneness
Substitutions
- Swap in chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) for a lighter option
- Try beef sirloin if you can’t find flank
- Avoid pork cuts to keep this recipe pork-free
Ingredients & Prep Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak

Meat Prep Essentials
- Trim excess fat and silver skin
- Lightly score the surface for better marinade penetration
- Bring to room temperature before grilling
Marinades / Rubs
Simple Balsamic Marinade:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Marinate: At least 15 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours
Pantry Staples
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
- Cracked black pepper
- Garlic
- Fresh basil
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak

Pre-Cooking Prep Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak
- Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels
- Score lightly across the grain and marinate
- Bring to room temperature 20–30 minutes before grilling
Cooking Method Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak
- Preheat grill to high heat (450°F–500°F)
- Grill steak 4–6 minutes per side for medium-rare
- Flip only once for better sear marks
Doneness Check Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak
- Medium-Rare: 130–135°F
- Medium: 135–145°F
- Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy
Resting Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak
Let steak rest 5–10 minutes under foil to lock in juices before slicing
Pro Tips for Perfect Meat Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak
Avoiding Tough/Dry Meat Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak
- Always slice against the grain
- Don’t overcookmedium-rare is ideal
- Baste with leftover marinade (boiled first) for extra flavor
Tool Recommendations Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak
- Instant-read thermometer
- Cast-iron grill pan (for stovetop)
- Long tongs for safe flipping
Storage & Reheating Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak
- Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days
- Freeze cooked steak (sliced) for up to 2 months
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth
Flavor Variations Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak
Variation | Ingredients Used | Notes |
---|---|---|
Spicy Twist | Add crushed red pepper or chili garlic paste | Kick up the heat with bold spice |
Keto-Friendly | Use sugar-free balsamic glaze & skip mozzarella | Keeps carbs ultra-low |
Mediterranean | Add kalamata olives & roasted red peppers | Perfect for warm-weather meals |
Herb Upgrade | Mix rosemary or oregano into marinade | Earthy flavor boost |
Dairy-Free | Swap mozzarella with avocado slices | Still creamy, no dairy needed |
Serving Suggestions Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak
- Serve over garlic mashed potatoes, grilled corn, or quinoa salad
- Add a side of roasted veggies or arugula salad
- Pair with iced tea or sparkling water with lemon
FAQs Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak
Can I use frozen meat?
Yes. Thaw overnight in the fridge and marinate after thawing.
How do I fix overcooked meat?
Slice thinly and serve with a drizzle of sauce or balsamic glaze to reintroduce moisture.
Is this recipe safe for pregnant women?
Yes, as long as the steak is cooked to at least 145°F for medium and fresh ingredients are used.
Conclusion
Ready to wow your dinner table with this juicy, flavor-packed steak? Fire up your grill and try this Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak tonight!
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Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak 5 Min Prep, Juicy & Bold
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy grilled flank steak marinated in balsamic and topped with tomato, mozzarella, and basil for the ultimate Caprese-style dinner.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs flank steak
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls
Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
1. Trim and score the flank steak lightly across the grain.
2. Mix balsamic vinegar, oil, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper for marinade.
3. Marinate steak for 15 minutes to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill to high heat.
5. Grill steak for 4–6 minutes per side.
6. Check internal temp for doneness.
7. Let steak rest 5–10 minutes.
8. Top with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil before serving.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute mozzarella with avocado.
Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
Leftovers make a great sandwich filling or salad topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak portion
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: grilled steak, balsamic steak, Caprese steak