Why Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto Delights

Discover the rich flavors of Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto, a savory blend perfect for your next dinner or special occasion. This dish marries the smoky, charred goodness of perfectly grilled flank steak with the creamy delight of fresh burrata cheese and the vibrant punch of homemade basil pesto. It’s a stunning combination of textures and tastes that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light, making it an unforgettable meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold Flavor Fusion: The smoky grilled steak meets the creamy burrata and zesty pesto for a harmonious and exciting taste experience.
  • Simple Yet Impressive: Minimal ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dish that feels gourmet without the fuss.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe impresses with ease and elegance.
  • Fresh and Vibrant: The combination of fresh herbs, creamy cheese, and grilled meat offers a balance that’s both satisfying and light.
  • Versatile Presentation: Serve it as a main course, atop salads, or in sandwiches for different delicious meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto are simple but essential. Each element plays a key role in bringing out bold flavors, creamy texture, and a burst of color that makes the dish as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.

  • Flank Steak: Choose a fresh, well-marbled flank steak for optimal tenderness and flavor after grilling.
  • Fresh Burrata Cheese: Offers a creamy, rich contrast that melts beautifully against the warm steak.
  • Basil Pesto: Made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil, pesto adds a fresh herbal punch.
  • Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the steak without overpowering it.
  • Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the pesto and steak with a subtle citrus note.
  • Olive Oil: Both for the marinade and pesto, extra virgin olive oil enriches the dish with smooth, fruity undertones.
  • Garlic Cloves: Essential for a flavorful pesto and marinade, infusing the steak with a tantalizing aroma.

Variations for Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto

Feel free to get creative and tailor this recipe to your taste or dietary needs. Swapping out ingredients or adding new elements keeps the dish exciting and perfect year-round.

  • Swap Basil for Arugula Pesto: For a peppery twist, use arugula instead of basil in your pesto mixture.
  • Use Different Cheeses: Try burrata’s less creamy cousin mozzarella or even ricotta for a milder flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Serve the steak over gluten-free grain bowls or fresh greens for a safe and delicious meal.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the pesto or a dash of chili powder to the steak marinade for extra heat.
  • Alternate Proteins: Substitute flank steak with skirt steak, sirloin, or even grilled chicken breasts when preferred.

How to Make Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a simple yet flavorful marinade. Coat the flank steak evenly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 2: Make the Pesto

In a food processor, blend fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth but still slightly textured. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then set aside for topping.

Step 3: Grill the Flank Steak

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust grilling time to your preferred doneness. Rest the steak for 5-10 minutes to lock in juices before slicing against the grain.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Arrange the sliced steak on a serving platter, dollop creamy burrata cheese generously over the top, and drizzle with your vibrant homemade pesto. Garnish with extra pine nuts or fresh basil leaves if desired.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto

  • Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the steak for up to 4 hours or overnight if time allows.
  • Room Temperature Steak: Let the steak sit out for 20 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
  • Don’t Skip Resting: Rest the steak after grilling to retain juiciness and improve texture.
  • Quality Burrata Matters: Use fresh, high-quality burrata for the best creamy experience.
  • Fresh Pesto Boost: Make pesto fresh and add it right before serving—this keeps its vibrant color and flavor intact.

How to Serve Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto

Garnishes

Top with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, or a drizzle of good olive oil to enhance aroma and add a polished touch to your presentation.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, grilled vegetables, or garlic roasted potatoes to complement the bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the sliced steak and burrata on crostini for appetizers, or layer the steak and pesto over a bed of quinoa or couscous for a hearty meal variation that’s full of texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover steak, burrata, and pesto in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

While steak can be frozen sliced or whole, burrata does not freeze well—store pesto in airtight containers or ice cube trays and freeze for up to 3 months for convenient use later.

Reheating

Reheat steak gently in a skillet over low heat or warm in the oven to prevent overcooking; burrata is best served fresh but can be added cold after reheating the steak.

FAQs

Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?

Yes, skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye can be excellent alternatives; just adjust grilling time according to thickness and preferred doneness.

Is burrata cheese hard to find?

Many grocery stores and specialty cheese shops carry burrata, especially in areas with a good selection of fresh cheeses; fresh mozzarella can substitute if unavailable.

Can I make the pesto without nuts?

Absolutely! Simply omit the pine nuts or swap for seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds to keep the texture while accommodating nut allergies.

How long should I marinate the flank steak?

A minimum of 30 minutes is fine for flavor, but marinating for 2-4 hours or overnight yields a richer, more tender result.

What’s the best way to slice flank steak?

Always slice flank steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness and make each bite easier to chew.

Final Thoughts

Trying Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto is like inviting a perfect balance of textures and flavors to your dining table. This recipe’s fresh herbaceous pesto combined with smoky steak and luscious burrata offers a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this dish promises to impress and satisfy every time.

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Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto

Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto


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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto combines smoky, perfectly grilled flank steak with creamy burrata cheese and vibrant homemade basil pesto, creating a fresh, bold, and elegant dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe is simple to prepare yet delivers gourmet flavors and textures that delight both the eyes and the palate.


Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Marinade

  • 1 flank steak (well-marbled, about 1.5 to 2 lbs)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for marinade)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (for marinade)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for marinade)
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Basil Pesto

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 8 oz fresh burrata cheese
  • Extra pine nuts, toasted (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)
  • Extra olive oil for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Coat the flank steak evenly with this marinade and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. For best results, marinate up to 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Make the Pesto: In a food processor, blend fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth but still slightly textured. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Set the pesto aside for topping.
  3. Grill the Flank Steak: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust time to your preferred doneness. Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes to lock in the juices.
  4. Slice the Steak: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness and ease of eating.
  5. Assemble the Dish: Arrange the sliced steak on a serving platter. Generously dollop fresh burrata cheese over the top and drizzle with the vibrant homemade pesto. Garnish with extra toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves if desired. Optionally, finish with a drizzle of good quality olive oil.

Notes

  • Marinate the steak longer (up to overnight) for deeper flavor and improved tenderness.
  • Allow the steak to come to room temperature (~20 minutes) before grilling to ensure even cooking.
  • Rest the steak after grilling to retain juiciness and improve texture.
  • Use fresh, high-quality burrata cheese for the best creamy flavor experience.
  • Make pesto fresh and add it just before serving to keep its vibrant color and flavor intact.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

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