Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto
Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto is a delightful recipe that combines smoky, tender grilled flank steak with creamy burrata cheese and a vibrant homemade basil pesto. This dish offers a harmonious blend of bold flavors and textures, perfect for casual dinners, weekend barbecues, or special gatherings. Easy to prepare with fresh, high-quality ingredients, it highlights the best of summer grilling and fresh herbaceous notes, delivering a sophisticated yet simple meal.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Steak
- 1 flank steak (1.5 to 2 pounds), lean and well-marbled
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for brushing and marinating)
For the Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For Serving
- 8 ounces fresh burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Optional: cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced radishes for additional freshness and color
- Prepare the Steak: Season the flank steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Brush lightly with olive oil to ensure a good sear. Let the steak rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes to promote even cooking.
- Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. While blending, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth yet slightly chunky consistency.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the flank steak over direct heat and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting grilling time based on your preferred doneness. Aim to achieve a beautiful char without overcooking the meat.
- Rest and Slice: Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes so the juices redistribute. Then slice the steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the sliced steak on a serving platter. Add generous spoonfuls of burrata cheese on top and drizzle with the homemade pesto. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and an extra drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately while the steak is warm and the burrata is creamy.
Notes
- Marinate the steak in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 1-2 hours before grilling to enhance flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for 130-135°F for perfect medium-rare doneness.
- Rest the steak after grilling to lock in moisture and ensure tenderness.
- Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning and bitterness in the pesto.
- Serve burrata fresh at room temperature for the best creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: grilled flank steak, burrata, basil pesto, summer grilling, steak recipe, easy gourmet, fresh herbs, protein rich