When it comes to the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, nothing quite beats the aroma and flavor of flank steak pinwheels. This Steak Pinwheels Recipe offers an impressive and delectable way to serve a classic cut of beef, transforming it into an exquisite culinary experience. With beautifully rolled and filled flank steak, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, be it a romantic dinner for two, a family gathering, or even a festive celebration. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to execute!

The magic of this steak recipe lies in its tantalizing filling, which features a harmonious blend of melted cheeses, vibrant spinach, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, all infused with aromatic spices. Each bite delivers a burst of taste, making it hard to resist going back for seconds. Plus, by rolling the steak into pinwheels, it not only looks stunning on the plate, but it also ensures that every slice is bursting with flavor. So if you’re eager to impress your guests with a meal that exudes sophistication without heaps of effort, this Steak Pinwheels Recipe should be at the top of your cooking list!

Why You’ll Love This Steak Pinwheels Recipe

Flavor Bomb: The combination of cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes delivers an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Visually Stunning: When sliced, the pinwheels look magnificent, making them perfect for entertaining guests.
Simple to Prepare: With essential ingredients and an easy rolling technique, you can whip these up with minimal hassle.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy these pinwheels as a delightful main course or slice them into smaller pieces for a fancy appetizer.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this delicious steak pinwheels recipe, it’s essential to set up your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by prepping your workspace. Clear a clean area on your countertop where you’ll be rolling the flank steak. Make sure to have a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a parchment-lined baking dish ready for use.

For marinating the steak, a large resealable bag is essential to ensure the marinade thoroughly coats the meat. You’ll also want a whisk for mixing the marinade, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a meat thermometer to check doneness later. If you don’t have kitchen twine, toothpicks can serve to secure your roll. Lastly, preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is crucial in preparing the cooking process efficiently.

Ingredients

1 (2-pound) flank steak, pounded to ½-inch thickness
⅓ cup olive oil
⅓ cup soy sauce
⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
1 ½ tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced and divided
1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
¾ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp salt
⅓ cup chopped onion
⅓ cup dry bread crumbs
2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Marinade

Begin by creating a scrumptious marinade for your flank steak. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, one minced garlic clove, Italian seasoning, and ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well-integrated, creating a rich marinade that infuses flavor into the steak.

Step 2: Marinating the Steak

Using a meat pounder, gently pound the flank steak to a uniform thickness of ½ inch. This not only tenderizes the meat but also helps the marinade penetrate deeper. Next, make shallow diagonal cuts across the surface of the steak. This step creates channels for the marinade, ensuring optimal flavor absorption. Now, place the steak in a large resealable bag, pour in the marinade, seal the bag while squeezing out excess air, and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, preferably overnight. Don’t forget to occasionally turn the bag; this allows every inch of the steak to be well-flavored.

Step 3: Preparing the Filling

After marinating, anticipate the delightful layers of taste that are about to come together. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect environment for cooking your steak. Remove the steak from the marinade, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, and enhance flavor through a garlic paste. Utilize the flat side of a knife to mash the remaining minced garlic clove with a pinch of salt until it becomes a paste. Spread this garlic paste evenly over the surface of the steak for a fragrant base.

Next, layer the chopped onions and dry bread crumbs over the steak. As you move onward, arrange the fresh spinach leaves, ensuring they cover the steak entirely. Follow that with a generous sprinkle of shredded Swiss cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. This combination not only adds flavor but also a lovely texture.

Step 4: Rolling & Securing the Steak

It’s time to bring everything together! Starting at one of the short ends of the steak, tightly roll it up like a jelly roll, carefully enclosing all the mouthwatering filling within. Once rolled, secure it using kitchen twine or toothpicks at 1-inch intervals to maintain its shape while cooking. Place the steak roll seam-side down in a baking dish, ready to be transformed into a glorious meal.

Step 5: Baking & Slicing

With the oven at the perfect temperature, bake the pinwheel-wrapped steak uncovered for about 1 hour. Refer to your meat thermometer to check doneness; it should read at least 145°F (63°C) for a medium level of doneness. Once your steak pinwheels are done, allow them to rest for about 5-10 minutes to enable the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist slices. Finally, slice the pinwheels into 1-inch thick pieces, ready to serve hot!

Variations

Protein: Substitute flank steak with sirloin, chicken breast, or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Vegetables: Incorporate other greens like kale, arugula, or roasted red peppers to enhance the filling.
Spices: Experiment with various spices like smoked paprika, chili flakes, or fresh herbs to customize the flavor profile.

Cooking Notes

Ensure steak is evenly pounded to avoid uneven cooking.
Marinating overnight allows the flavors to develop more deeply.
Let the pinwheels rest before slicing for juicier results.
Secure the roll tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy addition.
Pair with a fresh salad for a light and balanced meal.

Tips

For best results, don’t skip the marinating step; it elevates the flavors.
Invest in a good meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
Feel free to mix different cheeses for a fun flavor twist.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 9 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time)

Nutritional Information

Calories: 420
Protein: 40g
Sodium: 900mg

FAQs

Can I prepare steak pinwheels in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance and roll them up to bake when ready.

What can I serve with steak pinwheels?

Steak pinwheels go wonderfully with sides like roasted potatoes, quinoa, or a crisp garden salad.

Can I freeze leftover pinwheels?

Yes, you can freeze them after cooking. Just ensure they are cooled before wrapping and storing in an airtight container.

Is flank steak the best option for pinwheels?

Flank steak is ideal due to its flavor and texture, but you can use other cuts like skirt steak or eye of round if desired.

Conclusion

This Steak Pinwheels Recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen. When plated, these pinwheels create a stunning display that will captivate your guests and elevate any gathering. With its elegant presentation and rich flavors, your dinner table is about to become a culinary stage. Remember to share your delightful experiences, personal variations, or even photos of your creations in the comments below. Your culinary adventures inspire others—so go ahead, make this delightful recipe, and relish in its deliciousness!