Description
This restaurant-quality dish transforms affordable flank steak into a showstopping meal with just 15 minutes of active prep. The balsamic marinade tenderizes the meat while creating a caramelized crust on the grill, topped with blistered tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. Ideal for:
✓ Date nights
✓ Summer BBQs
✓ Meal prep (stores beautifully!)
Ingredients
Balsamic Marinade
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (use aged for deeper flavor)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (helps emulsify)
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tbsp)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Steak & Toppings
- 2 lbs flank steak (1 thick piece)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (or heirloom tomatoes sliced)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (ciliegine balls or sliced)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
📌 Pro Tip: For best results, pull steak from fridge 30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
Instructions
1. Marinate (4-24 Hours)
- In a bowl, whisk all marinade ingredients until smooth.
- Place steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour half the marinade over steak (reserve rest for serving).
- Massage bag to coat evenly. Refrigerate minimum 4 hours (overnight preferred).
2. Grill the Steak
- Prep grill – Clean grates and heat to medium-high (450°F).
- Remove steak from marinade (shake off excess) and grill:
- 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (130°F internal temp)
- 6-7 minutes per side for medium (140°F)
- Transfer to cutting board, tent with foil, and rest 10 minutes.
3. Prepare Toppings
- While steak rests, grill tomatoes 2-3 minutes until lightly charred.
- Slice steak against the grain into ¼” thick strips.
4. Assemble
Arrange steak on platter. Top with:
- Grilled tomatoes
- Mozzarella pieces
- Fresh basil
- Drizzle with reserved marinade and balsamic glaze
Notes
📝 Chef’s Notes
Success Tips
🔪 Slicing – Always cut flank steak against the grain (look for parallel muscle fibers) for maximum tenderness.
🔥 Grill Hack – For crosshatch grill marks: Rotate steak 45° after 2 minutes, then flip.
🧊 Make Ahead – Marinate steak up to 2 days in advance. Store toppings separately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg