Chef Mitchell preparing Grilled Steak Caprese
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered Grilled Steak Caprese during a trip to Italy, where I fell in love with the simplicity and freshness of the ingredients. After experimenting with various cuts of meat and marinades, I've perfected this version that balances flavors beautifully. This dish became a family favorite, and I am excited to share it with you all."

Chef Mitchell is known for his expertise in Italian cuisine, specializing in authentic recipes that highlight fresh ingredients. With over a decade of experience in the culinary world, he has created numerous dinner recipes that are both delicious and approachable for home cooks.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Grilled Steak Caprese served on a plate

Why This Grilled Steak Caprese Recipe Works

This Grilled Steak Caprese recipe uniquely blends grilled meat with the freshness of traditional Caprese salad components. The marinated flank steak is flavorful and tender, making it a great centerpiece for your dinner table. Using fresh ingredients elevates the dish, giving it a vibrant, summery feel.

The technique of marinating the steak ensures it is packed with flavor and grilled to perfection. Pairing it with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil complements the steak beautifully, creating a balanced dish that will impress anyone.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, let your steak come to room temperature before grilling. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a perfect sear. Also, consider using a meat thermometer to check for doneness and avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the steak and marinate it ahead of time. Just let it marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to grill the steak fresh to maintain its juicy texture. The Caprese salad can also be assembled in advance but is best enjoyed fresh.

You can substitute flank steak with skirt steak or sirloin for a similar flavor profile. Both cuts will provide a delicious result when grilled. If you prefer a leaner option, consider using chicken breast or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

The steak is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare, or 145°F for medium. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the steak. Letting the steak rest after grilling allows the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful bite.

It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled dish as the fresh ingredients, especially the mozzarella and basil, don’t freeze well. However, you can freeze leftover grilled steak by wrapping it tightly in foil or freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serve Grilled Steak Caprese with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complement the dish. A light pasta or quinoa salad also pairs well. For a refreshing beverage, try a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Leftover Grilled Steak Caprese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To ensure freshness, it’s best to consume it within that time frame. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to preserve flavor and texture.

While you can prepare the steak ahead of time by marinating it, it's best to grill it fresh. The Caprese salad components can be prepped in advance, but assembling them just before serving will keep the ingredients fresh and vibrant.

To reheat Grilled Steak Caprese, place the sliced steak in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid using high heat as it can dry out the meat. If the Caprese salad ingredients have been assembled, it’s best to serve them fresh without reheating.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The steak may be overcooked, resulting in dryness.

Solution: Ensure to monitor the cooking time and use a meat thermometer for accurate results. Let the steak rest after cooking to retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The exterior of the steak lacks a nice sear.

Solution: Preheat the grill properly and avoid moving the steak too much while grilling. A good sear develops when the steak is left undisturbed.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The steak may have cooked longer than needed.

Prevention: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature. If overcooked, serve with a sauce or salsa to add moisture.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The outer layer is cooked, but the center remains raw.

Recovery: To recover, finish cooking on low heat or wrap in foil to retain heat while allowing the center to cook through.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The outside of the steak is charred while the inside is undercooked.

Prevention: Grill on medium heat and avoid direct flames. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly distributed to prevent hot spots.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or citrus to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If too salty, increase the volume of the other ingredients to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: If the dish is bland, add more herbs or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Grilled Steak Caprese

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Steak Caprese

Key ingredients for this dish include flank steak, which should be of high quality for the best flavor. Fresh basil and mozzarella add a refreshing touch, while ripe tomatoes provide sweetness and acidity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the overall balance of flavors.

Opt for fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible to enhance the dish's quality. Good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar will elevate the flavors significantly, making a noticeable difference in the final dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Flank Steak: Choose flank steak that is well-marbled for better flavor and tenderness. Look for a bright red color and avoid any brown spots for freshness.
  • Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella should be soft and moist, with a creamy texture. Always check the expiration date and opt for the ball variety instead of pre-sliced for the best taste.
  • Basil: Use fresh basil leaves that are vibrant green and fragrant. Avoid any yellowing or browning leaves, as they can be bitter. Consider tearing the leaves instead of chopping to preserve their flavor.
Cooking process for Grilled Steak Caprese

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Grilled Steak Caprese is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for home cooks. Start with marinating the steak to infuse it with flavor before grilling. The key is to allow the meat to rest before slicing, which ensures a juicy result.

When grilling, maintaining the right temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect sear without overcooking the inside. Layering the Caprese ingredients afterward creates a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Key Technique for Perfect Grilled Steak Caprese

The most important technique for this recipe lies in the marinating process. Allowing the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances its flavor significantly. Additionally, cooking it over medium-high heat ensures a perfectly grilled exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Grilled Steak Caprese

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
    For drizzling
  • 1 cup olive oil
    For marinating
  • 1 tsp salt
    To taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    To taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs flank steak
    Well-marbled
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
    Halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella
    Sliced
  • 1 cup fresh basil
    Whole leaves
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
    For drizzling
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
    For grilling
  • 1 tsp salt
    To taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    To taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
    Optional for heat

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steak

    Marinate the flank steak with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Preheat the Grill

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

  3. Grill the Steak

    Place the marinated flank steak on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.

  4. Let the Steak Rest

    Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

  5. Assemble the Caprese

    On a serving platter, layer the fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves.

  6. Slice the Steak

    Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain.

  7. Add to the Platter

    Add the sliced steak to the platter and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

  8. Serve with Avocado and Arugula

    Garnish with avocado slices and a handful of arugula before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store leftover Grilled Steak Caprese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep the salad fresh, store the steak and salad components separately.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grilled Steak Caprese as a standalone dish or pair it with garlic bread and a light salad. For a more filling meal, consider serving it with a side of pasta or rice.

Recipe Variations

For a lighter version, use grilled chicken instead of steak. You can also substitute the mozzarella with goat cheese for a tangy twist, or add a drizzle of pesto for extra flavor.