Flank Steak Pinwheels: A Delicious and Impressive Dinner Recipe

Flank steak pinwheels are a stunning and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. They’re perfect for a special occasion, a dinner party, or even just a regular weeknight meal when you want to elevate your cooking. This recipe guides you through creating beautifully rolled flank steak filled with savory ingredients, resulting in a juicy and tender dish that will impress your family and friends.

Why Flank Steak Pinwheels?

* **Impressive Presentation:** The spiral design of the pinwheels makes for an eye-catching presentation.
* **Versatile Filling:** You can customize the filling to suit your taste preferences. Think spinach and feta, mushrooms and herbs, or even a Southwestern-inspired blend.
* **Tender and Flavorful:** When properly prepared, flank steak becomes incredibly tender and absorbs the flavors of the filling beautifully.
* **Relatively Quick Cooking:** Compared to some other steak preparations, flank steak pinwheels cook relatively quickly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Flank Steak:** The star of the show! Look for a good quality flank steak, about 1.5 to 2 pounds in weight. Make sure it is relatively uniform in thickness for even cooking. Avoid steaks with excessive marbling, as this can sometimes make them tougher when rolled.
* **Filling Ingredients (Choose your favorite combination! Here are a few suggestions):**
* **Spinach and Feta:** Fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
* **Mushrooms and Herbs:** Cremini mushrooms, shallots, garlic, fresh thyme, parsley, butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto:** Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), pesto (homemade or store-bought), mozzarella cheese.
* **Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper:** Italian sausage (removed from casing), bell pepper (diced), onion (diced), garlic, Italian seasoning, mozzarella cheese.
* **Olive Oil:** For searing the pinwheels.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the steak and filling.
* **Optional: Red Wine or Beef Broth:** For deglazing the pan and creating a delicious sauce.
* **Butcher’s Twine:** To tie the pinwheels and keep them secure during cooking.

Equipment

* **Cutting Board:** A large cutting board is essential for preparing the flank steak.
* **Sharp Knife:** A sharp knife is crucial for butterflying and slicing the steak.
* **Meat Mallet (Optional):** To tenderize the steak and even out its thickness.
* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** For searing and braising the pinwheels.
* **Tongs:** For turning the pinwheels during searing.
* **Baking Sheet (Optional):** For finishing the pinwheels in the oven.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make impressive flank steak pinwheels:

**1. Prepare the Flank Steak:**

* **Butterfly the Steak:** This is the most important step. Place the flank steak on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the steak horizontally, starting from one long side. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Open the steak like a book. If the steak is very thick, you can repeat this process to create an even thinner and larger surface.
* **Tenderize (Optional):** Place a sheet of plastic wrap over the butterflied steak. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the steak to an even thickness. This will help to tenderize the meat and ensure even cooking. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ to ½ inch.
* **Season the Steak:** Season the inside of the butterflied steak generously with salt and pepper. This is your base layer of flavor.

**2. Prepare the Filling:**

Here are detailed instructions for preparing a few popular filling options:

* **Spinach and Feta Filling:**
* Sauté a few cloves of minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant (about 1 minute).
* Add fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. Drain any excess liquid.
* In a bowl, combine the wilted spinach, crumbled feta cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
* **Mushroom and Herb Filling:**
* Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
* Add sliced cremini mushrooms and chopped shallots to the pan. Cook until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture (about 5-7 minutes).
* Add minced garlic, fresh thyme, and parsley to the pan. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Filling:**
* Drain the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes.
* In a bowl, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
* **Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper Filling:**
* Remove the Italian sausage from its casing.
* In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
* Add diced bell pepper and onion to the pan. Cook until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
* Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the pan. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

**3. Assemble the Pinwheels:**

* **Spread the Filling:** Spread the prepared filling evenly over the seasoned flank steak, leaving a small border (about ½ inch) along the edges.
* **Roll the Steak:** Starting from one long side, tightly roll the flank steak into a log. Make sure the seam is facing down.
* **Tie the Pinwheels:** Use butcher’s twine to tie the rolled steak at intervals of about 1.5 to 2 inches. This will help the pinwheels hold their shape during cooking. Make sure the twine is snug but not too tight, as it could cut into the meat.
* **Slice the Pinwheels:** Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled steak between the twine ties to create individual pinwheels. Each pinwheel should be about 1.5 to 2 inches thick.

**4. Sear the Pinwheels:**

* **Heat the Oil:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The skillet should be large enough to accommodate the pinwheels in a single layer. If necessary, cook in batches.
* **Sear the Pinwheels:** Carefully place the pinwheels in the hot skillet, cut-side down. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Searing the pinwheels creates a beautiful crust and helps to seal in the juices.

**5. Braise (Optional):**

* **Deglaze the Pan:** After searing the pinwheels, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Pour red wine or beef broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This will create a flavorful sauce.
* **Return Pinwheels and Simmer:** Return the pinwheels to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the steak is tender. The braising process helps to tenderize the flank steak even further.

**6. Bake (Optional):**

* **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* **Transfer to Baking Sheet:** Transfer the seared pinwheels to a baking sheet.
* **Bake:** Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

**7. Check for Doneness:**

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pinwheels. Here are the recommended temperatures for different levels of doneness:
* **Medium-Rare:** 130-135°F (54-57°C)
* **Medium:** 135-145°F (57-63°C)
* **Medium-Well:** 145-155°F (63-68°C)
* **Well-Done:** 155°F+ (68°C+)

**8. Rest and Serve:**

* **Rest the Pinwheels:** Remove the pinwheels from the skillet or oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
* **Remove Twine:** Before serving, carefully remove the butcher’s twine from the pinwheels.
* **Serve:** Serve the flank steak pinwheels warm, with your favorite sides. They pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad. You can also drizzle the pan sauce over the pinwheels for added flavor.

Tips for Success

* **Choose the Right Flank Steak:** Look for a flank steak that is relatively uniform in thickness. This will ensure even cooking.
* **Butterfly Carefully:** Take your time when butterflying the flank steak. A sharp knife is essential for this step.
* **Don’t Overfill:** Avoid overfilling the steak, as this can make it difficult to roll and the filling may spill out during cooking.
* **Tie Securely:** Make sure the butcher’s twine is tied securely, but not too tightly. You want the pinwheels to hold their shape without being constricted.
* **Sear for Flavor:** Searing the pinwheels before braising or baking adds a delicious crust and enhances the overall flavor.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Flank steak can become tough if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pinwheels are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
* **Rest Before Serving:** Resting the pinwheels before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Variations and Additions

* **Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese in the filling, such as mozzarella, provolone, Gruyere, or Parmesan.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the filling, such as roasted red peppers, zucchini, or asparagus.
* **Herbs:** Use different herbs in the filling, such as rosemary, oregano, or sage.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* **Sauce:** Serve the pinwheels with a flavorful sauce, such as a mushroom sauce, a red wine reduction, or a chimichurri sauce.
* **Glaze:** Brush the pinwheels with a glaze before baking, such as a balsamic glaze or a honey-mustard glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Flank steak pinwheels are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for steak.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, are a healthy and flavorful side.
* **Rice:** Rice pilaf or wild rice are good choices for soaking up the pan sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak.
* **Bread:** Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the pan sauce.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Flank steak pinwheels can be prepared ahead of time, which makes them a great option for entertaining. Here’s how:

* **Assemble the Pinwheels:** Prepare the flank steak, filling, and assemble the pinwheels as directed in the recipe. Do not sear or cook them.
* **Refrigerate:** Place the assembled pinwheels in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* **Cook Before Serving:** When ready to serve, sear the pinwheels and then braise or bake them as directed in the recipe. Add a few minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover flank steak pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the pinwheels in the oven, skillet, or microwave until heated through.

Flank Steak Pinwheel Recipe

This recipe provides a baseline for creating your own customized flank steak pinwheel masterpiece.

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-40 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5-2 lbs flank steak
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Butcher’s twine

**Filling Options (Choose one or create your own!):**

* **Spinach and Feta:**
* 10 oz fresh spinach
* 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* **Mushroom and Herb:**
* 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 1 shallot, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
* 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
* 1 tbsp butter
* **Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto:**
* 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* 1/4 cup pesto
* 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
* **Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper:**
* 1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing
* 1 bell pepper, diced
* 1 onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tsp Italian seasoning
* 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Flank Steak:** Butterfly the flank steak and tenderize it to an even thickness of about ¼ to ½ inch. Season with salt and pepper.
2. **Prepare the Filling:** Prepare your chosen filling according to the instructions above.
3. **Assemble the Pinwheels:** Spread the filling evenly over the steak, leaving a small border along the edges. Roll the steak tightly into a log. Tie with butcher’s twine at 1.5-2 inch intervals. Slice into 1.5-2 inch thick pinwheels.
4. **Sear the Pinwheels:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pinwheels for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned.
5. **Braise or Bake (Optional):** For braising, deglaze the pan with red wine or beef broth, return the pinwheels to the skillet, and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. For baking, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness.
6. **Rest and Serve:** Let the pinwheels rest for 5-10 minutes before removing the twine and serving. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Enjoy Your Flank Steak Pinwheels!

Flank steak pinwheels are a delightful and impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their beautiful presentation and customizable filling, they’re sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, get in the kitchen and start experimenting with different flavors and fillings to create your own signature flank steak pinwheel recipe. Bon appétit!

Remember to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your flank steak and your desired level of doneness. Happy cooking!