When you’re craving something bold, fresh, and summer-ready, this Charred Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese hits all the right notes. It’s juicy, smoky, and beautifully balanced with creamy mozzarella, blistered tomatoes, and fragrant basil — finished with a sweet-tangy drizzle of balsamic glaze.
This is what backyard dreams are made of: flame-kissed steak meets caprese salad in the most mouthwatering way. It looks elegant on the plate but is wildly simple to prepare, making it perfect for easy entertaining or a stunning weeknight dinner.
If you’re ready to give your grill something special to sizzle, this one’s for you.
💛 WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
🔥 Steak with perfectly charred edges and juicy center
🍅 Classic caprese toppings with a twist
⏱️ Marinate, grill, slice, and serve — done in under 30 minutes (excluding marinade time)
🌿 Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for Tuesdays
🥄 Just 9 ingredients total — pantry and fridge staples
🕒 Time and Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1–4 hours marinating)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (active)
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: ~480 kcal (estimated)
🛍️ Ingredients
1 lb flank steak (trimmed)
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and cracked black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes (some blistered/grilled, some fresh)
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, whole + torn
2 tbsp balsamic glaze (for heavy drizzle)
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2️⃣ Marinate the Steak
Place the flank steak in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over it, making sure it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours for max flavor).
3️⃣ Blister the Tomatoes (Optional)
Toss some of the cherry tomatoes in a little olive oil and grill them over high heat for 2–3 minutes until blistered and charred in spots. Set aside.
4️⃣ Grill the Steak
Preheat your grill to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry lightly with paper towels. Grill for about 5 minutes per side or until a meat thermometer reads 130°F for medium-rare.
5️⃣ Rest and Slice
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly across the grain for tender, flavorful pieces.
6️⃣ Assemble the Caprese
Arrange the steak slices on a large white platter. Scatter both grilled and fresh cherry tomatoes over the top, add the mozzarella balls, and sprinkle with torn fresh basil leaves.
7️⃣ Finish with Glaze
Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze right before serving for that sweet, tangy pop.
✨ Tips for Success
🥩 Let the steak rest before slicing — this keeps it juicy.
🌿 Use fresh, high-quality basil for the best aroma and flavor.
🧄 Don’t skip the Dijon — it gives the marinade extra depth.
🍅 Grilled and fresh tomatoes add texture contrast and brightness.
🔥 Make sure your grill is HOT to get those beautiful char marks.
❄️ Storage and Make Ahead
In the Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can serve the steak cold over salads or reheat gently.
Meal Prep Tip: Marinate the steak overnight for a deeper flavor. Just bring it to room temp before grilling.
❓ FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Sure! Skirt steak or flat iron steak works well too, just adjust cook times based on thickness.
Do I have to grill the tomatoes?
Not at all — it’s optional! But grilled tomatoes add an incredible smoky sweetness that balances the tangy glaze.
What’s a good side for this dish?
Crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or a chilled pasta salad make delicious pairings.
Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic vinegar?
Nope! Balsamic glaze is thicker and sweeter. You can make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey or sugar until syrupy.
Can I make this in a grill pan indoors?
Absolutely! A cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop works great — just be sure to get it super hot first.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Charred Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese is everything we love about summer food: effortless, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. The juicy steak, creamy mozzarella, and bursty tomatoes come together like a dream — and that final balsamic glaze drizzle? Pure magic.
Whether you’re grilling up a weekend feast or want a no-fuss meal that feels gourmet, this recipe will become a staple in your rotation.
Serve it up with your favorite sides and let the compliments roll in. Simple ingredients, bold payoff. That’s what great food is all about. ❤️