If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors with a touch of elegance, the Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine tender, juicy steak grilled to perfection, topped with silky burrata cheese and vibrant pesto, alongside bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes. This recipe brings together the savory, creamy, and fresh in a way that feels both indulgent and utterly satisfying. It’s a perfect meal for sharing with friends or treating yourself to something deliciously special without hours in the kitchen.

Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting to know the simple, fresh ingredients is the first step toward this stunning dish. Each one plays a vital role—whether adding richness, brightness, creaminess, or that coveted grilled smoky flavor that makes a steak dinner unforgettable.

1½ pounds flank steak: A lean, flavorful cut that benefits from quick, high-heat grilling and slicing against the grain for ultimate tenderness.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to create a beautiful sear on the steak and keeps everything moist.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the steak’s natural flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and aroma without overpowering.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the steak with a delicate but unmistakable garlic punch.
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy acidity for balancing the richness of the cheese and meat.
1½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved): Burst of sweetness and color, bringing freshness and texture contrast.
8 ounces burrata cheese (2 balls): Creamy, dreamy cheese that melts slightly over warm steak for a luxurious twist.
½ cup basil pesto: Herbaceous and garlicky, this bright green pesto ties the dish together beautifully.
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Adds fragrance and a pop of vibrant green for stunning presentation.
Optional balsamic glaze for drizzling: A sweet, syrupy finish that elevates every bite.

How to Make Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Steak

Start by heating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it warms, pat the flank steak dry to ensure a perfect sear. Rub it with olive oil, salt, pepper, and the minced garlic. Let the steak rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes — this allows the flavors to soak in and helps the meat cook evenly, which is key to getting that juicy, tender finish.

Step 2: Grill the Steak

Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, adjusting the time if you prefer your steak more or less done. You’re aiming for a nice crust outside while keeping a pink, tender inside. Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board, drizzle it with balsamic vinegar, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This rest period is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute so every bite stays moist.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes

While your steak rests, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt. This simple step brings out their natural sweetness and adds a juicy freshness that pairs perfectly with the rich burrata and pesto.

Step 4: Assemble Your Dish

Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. Arrange the slices on a serving platter, then lovingly place torn or whole balls of burrata on top. Spoon on generous dollops of the basil pesto, scatter your seasoned cherry tomatoes around, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. If you want to go all out, drizzle a little balsamic glaze for a glossy, tangy finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

How to Serve Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves not only add color but boost the herbal fragrance, making each bite more fragrant and lively. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can heighten the visual appeal and add a subtle sweet contrast to the savory steak and creamy cheese.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with lightly dressed arugula for a peppery bite or a slice of crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices and pesto. Grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini will also complement the richness while keeping the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving everything over a bed of peppery arugula to create a beautiful contrast or arrange the steak and burrata on rustic wooden boards for a casual, yet elegant presentation perfect for entertaining. Even plating individual portions with a pesto drizzle and cherry tomatoes scattered artistically turns this meal into an impressive visual feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (and trust me, that’s a good problem to have), store the sliced steak, burrata, and tomatoes in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the cheese from getting soggy and keeps flavors fresh.

Freezing

While flank steak freezes well, the burrata and fresh pesto do not. For best results, freeze the cooked steak slices separately, if needed, and plan to add fresh toppings once thawed.

Reheating

Reheat leftover steak gently in a pan over medium-low heat or warm briefly in the oven to avoid drying out. Add fresh burrata and pesto after warming to preserve their creamy texture and vibrant taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! Skirt steak or hanger steak are fantastic alternatives to flank steak and grill beautifully with similar bold flavor and tenderness when sliced against the grain.

Is it okay to use store-bought pesto?

Definitely! Store-bought pesto can be a real time-saver and maintain great flavor, especially if you choose a high-quality brand. Homemade pesto works too if you have the time and want to customize the herbs.

How do I know when the flank steak is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer if you want to be precise—the ideal medium-rare temperature is around 130°F (54°C). Otherwise, cooking 4-5 minutes per side on a hot grill usually yields delicious results for flank steak.

Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?

You can marinate the steak ahead of time and prep the tomatoes early. Burrata and pesto are best added just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful.

What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?

No worries! A hot cast-iron skillet works well too for searing the steak, just make sure it’s preheated properly to get that wonderful crust.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of smoky grilled steak, creamy burrata, and vibrant pesto that makes the Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto Recipe a must-try. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve when you want to impress. So fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this wonderful Italian-inspired creation—you won’t regret it!