Grilled Balsamic Caprese Steak: A Summer Grilling Recipe

Grilled Balsamic Caprese Steak: the very words conjure up images of summer evenings, the aroma of sizzling beef, and the vibrant colors of Italy. But this isn’t just another steak recipe; it’s a culinary experience that elevates a classic Caprese salad to a whole new level. Imagine tender, juicy steak marinated in a tangy balsamic glaze, grilled to perfection, and then crowned with creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Are you drooling yet?

The Caprese salad, with its simple yet elegant combination of ingredients, hails from the island of Capri, Italy. Its colors – red, white, and green – represent the Italian flag, making it a patriotic and delicious symbol of Italian cuisine. We’ve taken that beloved flavor profile and infused it into a hearty steak, creating a dish that’s both sophisticated and satisfying.

People adore this Grilled Balsamic Caprese Steak because it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. The balsamic marinade tenderizes the steak and imparts a sweet and tangy depth, while the grilling process adds a smoky char that’s simply irresistible. The creamy mozzarella melts slightly over the warm steak, creating a luscious contrast to the juicy tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s a relatively quick and easy meal to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! So, if you’re looking for a way to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both delicious and visually stunning, look no further than this incredible Grilled Balsamic Caprese Steak recipe. Let’s get grilling!

Ingredients:

• For the Steak:
• 2 (8-10 ounce) New York strip steaks, about 1 inch thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Balsamic Marinade:
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• For the Caprese Topping:
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (for drizzling)

Marinating the Steak

Okay, let’s get started! The first step is to marinate the steaks. This is crucial for infusing them with that delicious balsamic flavor and tenderizing them a bit. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure everything is well combined. The Dijon mustard helps to emulsify the marinade, so don’t skip it!
2. Marinate the Steaks: Place the steaks in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the balsamic marinade over the steaks, ensuring they are evenly coated. If using a bag, squeeze out any excess air. If using a dish, turn the steaks a few times to coat them thoroughly.
3. Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the steaks will be, but don’t go beyond 4 hours, as the acid in the balsamic vinegar can start to break down the meat too much and make it mushy. I usually aim for about 2 hours.

Preparing the Caprese Topping

While the steaks are marinating, let’s get the Caprese topping ready. This is super simple and adds a burst of freshness to the dish.

1. Slice the Mozzarella: Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into 1/4-inch thick rounds. You want them to be thick enough to hold their shape on the steak but not so thick that they overwhelm the other flavors.
2. Halve the Cherry Tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes. This releases their juices and makes them easier to eat. Plus, they look so pretty!
3. Chop the Basil: Chop the fresh basil leaves. I like to use a sharp knife and chiffonade the basil (roll the leaves tightly and then slice thinly) for a more elegant presentation, but a rough chop works just fine too.
4. Combine: In a bowl, gently combine the sliced mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil. Be careful not to squish the tomatoes. Set aside until ready to assemble.

Grilling the Steak

Now for the main event: grilling the steaks! This is where the magic happens. Make sure you have a good, hot grill for the best results.

1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). You want the grates to be nice and hot so you get those beautiful grill marks. If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed.
2. Season the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. This is important because excess moisture can prevent the steaks from searing properly. Discard the marinade. Season the steaks generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
3. Grill the Steaks: Place the steaks on the preheated grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F; for medium, 135-145°F; for medium-well, 145-155°F; and for well-done, 155°F and above. Remember that the steaks will continue to cook slightly after you remove them from the grill.
4. Rest the Steaks: Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill and place them on a clean cutting board. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Don’t skip this step!

Assembling the Grilled Balsamic Caprese Steak

Almost there! Now it’s time to put everything together and enjoy this culinary masterpiece.

1. Slice the Steaks: After the steaks have rested, slice them against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak even more tender.
2. Arrange the Slices: Arrange the sliced steak on a platter or individual plates.
3. Top with Caprese: Spoon the Caprese topping over the sliced steak, distributing it evenly.
4. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the Caprese topping. This adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the other flavors perfectly.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the Grilled Balsamic Caprese Steak immediately. It’s best enjoyed while the steak is still warm and the mozzarella is slightly melted.

Tips and Variations:

• Steak Doneness: Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness. Remember that carryover cooking will raise the temperature a few degrees after removing from the grill.
• Marinade Time: Don’t marinate for more than 4 hours, or the steak can become mushy.
• Cheese Options: Burrata cheese can be used instead of fresh mozzarella for an extra creamy topping.
• Vegetarian Option: Use grilled portobello mushrooms instead of steak for a vegetarian version. Marinate the mushrooms in the balsamic marinade before grilling.
• Add Greens: Arugula or spinach can be added to the Caprese topping for a peppery bite.
• Grilled Bread: Serve with grilled bread for soaking up the delicious juices.
• Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicier kick.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the marinade, such as rosemary or thyme.
• Garlic Lovers: Add an extra clove of garlic to the marinade if you love garlic.
• Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest in the Caprese topping can brighten the flavors.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of grilled vegetables, such as asparagus or zucchini.
• Pair with a light salad, such as a mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
• Serve with roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries.
• Accompany with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Storage Instructions:

• Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• The Caprese topping is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
• Reheat the steak gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Grilled Balsamic Caprese Steak as much as I do! It’s a perfect dish for a summer barbecue or a special occasion. The combination of the juicy steak, fresh mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and tangy balsamic glaze is simply irresistible. Happy grilling!

Conclusion:

This Grilled Balsamic Caprese Steak isn’t just another steak recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it! The combination of the perfectly grilled steak, the sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, and the fresh, creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes is simply divine. It’s a dish that’s both elegant enough for a special occasion and easy enough for a weeknight dinner, making it a true culinary champion in my book.

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s all about the symphony of flavors. The balsamic marinade tenderizes the steak beautifully, infusing it with a rich, complex sweetness that complements the savory beef perfectly. Grilling the steak adds that irresistible smoky char, while the fresh mozzarella melts into a gooey, decadent blanket. And those ripe, juicy tomatoes? They provide a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced bite every single time. It’s a culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Beyond the incredible flavor, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? Serve it alongside a simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette to keep things fresh and vibrant. Roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini would also be fantastic accompaniments. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with creamy polenta or a side of roasted potatoes.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze for a touch of heat. Or, swap out the mozzarella for burrata for an even creamier, more luxurious experience. You could even try using different types of tomatoes, like heirloom tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, to add different flavor profiles. Another great variation is to add a layer of pesto under the mozzarella for an extra layer of herbaceous flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

• Salad Pairing: Arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted asparagus, grilled zucchini, or sauteed spinach.
• Hearty Sides: Creamy polenta, roasted potatoes, or garlic mashed potatoes.
• Cheese Swap: Replace mozzarella with burrata for extra creaminess.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze.
• Tomato Variety: Experiment with heirloom or cherry tomatoes.
• Pesto Power: Spread a layer of pesto under the mozzarella.

I truly believe that this Grilled Balsamic Caprese Steak will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy grilling! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy!

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