Steak Pinwheels Recipe

Juicy Steak Pinwheels Recipe: A Fancy Yet Simple Dinner Delight

Juicy steak pinwheels dance with flavor, promising a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Succulent beef rolls capture imagination with their elegant spiral design.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of tender meat and vibrant ingredients.

Colorful herbs and spices nestle inside these delectable rolls, creating a symphony of taste.

Packed with robust flavors, these pinwheels elevate simple dinner moments into something extraordinary.

Home cooks can easily master this impressive dish that looks restaurant-worthy but comes together with minimal effort.

Surprise everyone at the table with these gorgeous, mouthwatering steak pinwheels that guarantee smiles and second helpings.

Steak Pinwheels That Look Fancy But Are Simple

  • Quick Gourmet Challenge: Master a restaurant-worthy dish at home with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Create an impressive appetizer or main course that wows guests without complicated techniques.
  • Time-Efficient Elegance: Prepare a stunning meal in under 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
  • Visual Wow Factor: Slice into beautiful pinwheels that reveal colorful layers of cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, making every plate Instagram-worthy.

Steak and Cheese Rolled in Pinwheels

Main Protein:
  • Flank Steak: A lean, flavorful cut perfect for rolling and grilling, best when sliced against the grain for tenderness.
Cheese and Filling Ingredients:
  • Provolone Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach Leaves: Creates a rich, tangy, and fresh flavor profile with creamy and vibrant ingredients.
Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:
  • BBQ Rub: Adds smoky and complex flavor to the meat.
  • Butcher's Twine: Helps keep the pinwheels tightly rolled during cooking.
  • Skewers: Provides additional support to maintain the pinwheel shape.
  • Tomato Oil: Adds extra moisture and enhances overall flavor.

Steak Pinwheels Cooking Guide

Step 1: Prepare The Flank Steak

Slice the flank steak horizontally, opening it like a book.

Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound until the meat reaches a uniform ¼-inch thickness.

Trim the edges to create a clean rectangular shape.

Step 2: Layer Flavor Ingredients

Generously coat both sides of the steak with BBQ rub.

Arrange the following ingredients across the surface:
  • Provolone cheese slices
  • Fresh spinach leaves
  • Sun-dried tomatoes

Drizzle the tomato jar’s olive oil for an extra flavor boost.

Step 3: Roll And Secure The Pinwheels

Tightly roll the steak from the shorter side, creating a compact log.

Use butcher’s twine to secure the roll, tying at 2-inch intervals.

Insert skewers alongside the twine for additional support.

Carefully slice the roll into individual pinwheels, ensuring each piece has a stabilizing skewer.

Step 4: Grill To Perfection

Fire up a griddle or grill to 400°F.

Place the pinwheels on the hot surface and cook for 5 minutes per side.

For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F.

For medium, target 140°F.

Step 5: Rest And Serve

Allow the steak pinwheels to rest for 10 minutes before serving, letting the juices redistribute and flavors meld.

Steak Pinwheel Tips That Sear Right

  • Use a super sharp knife to ensure clean, even cuts through the pinwheels without squishing the delicate ingredients inside.
  • Secure the pinwheels tightly with butcher's twine or skewers to keep all those delicious fillings locked in during cooking.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to hit the perfect doneness and avoid overcooking the tender flank steak.
  • Let the pinwheels marinate for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance the depth of taste and tenderize the meat.
  • Butterfly and pound the steak on a clean cutting board covered with plastic wrap for easy cleanup and even thickness.

Steak Pinwheels That Store and Reheat With Tender Results

  • Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cover pinwheels individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Warm steak pinwheels in a preheated oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F without overcooking.
  • Avoid microwaving to maintain the original texture and prevent rubbery meat. If in a hurry, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to retain moisture.

Great Additions For Steak Pinwheels

  • Pair Perfectly with Bold Red Wines: Robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah complement the rich, meaty flavors of steak pinwheels, cutting through the cheese and enhancing the savory profile.
  • Elevate with Zesty Side Salads: Crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a bright, tangy contrast to the heavy, rich pinwheels, balancing the dish's intense flavors.
  • Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts and caramelized carrots create a complementary side that echoes the pinwheels' Mediterranean-inspired ingredients while adding nutritional depth.
  • Enhance with Crisp Craft Beer: Amber ale or hoppy IPA offers a refreshing counterpoint to the steak's richness, with its carbonation and complex malt notes cutting through the protein's intensity.

Steak Pinwheel Filling Options

  • Vegetarian Pinwheels: Replace flank steak with large portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices. Layer with roasted bell peppers, goat cheese, and fresh herbs for a plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a certified gluten-free BBQ rub and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. Swap regular cheese for dairy-free alternatives if needed.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Eliminate sun-dried tomatoes and replace with crispy bacon bits. Use a keto-friendly spice blend and add extra cheese for higher fat content.
  • Mediterranean Style: Substitute BBQ rub with za'atar seasoning. Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the filling special?

Provolone cheese adds creamy richness, sun-dried tomatoes provide tangy sweetness, and fresh spinach contributes a vibrant, earthy flavor that complements the steak perfectly.

  • Can I substitute the ingredients in the filling?

Yes, you can swap provolone with mozzarella or Swiss cheese, use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried, and replace spinach with arugula or kale for similar texture and flavor profiles.

  • What BBQ rub works best for this recipe?

A classic blend with paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper enhances the steak’s natural flavor. Pre-made steak or all-purpose BBQ rubs from brands like McCormick or Weber also work excellently.

  • How do I ensure the pinwheels stay together while cooking?

Use butcher’s twine to tie the roll at 2-inch intervals and insert skewers next to the twine. This technique prevents the pinwheels from unraveling during grilling and helps maintain their beautiful spiral shape.

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Steak Pinwheels Recipe

Steak Pinwheels Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent steak pinwheels roll with rich spinach and creamy cheese, creating a stunning spiral of flavor from classic Italian cuisine. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful meal you can confidently serve to impress family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) flank steak
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (stems removed)
  • 12 slices provolone cheese

Cheese and Protein Enhancers:

  • 8 ounces (227 grams) sun-dried tomatoes in oil

Seasoning and Support:

  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose BBQ rub (or your favorite steak seasoning)
  • Butchers twine (for tying the roll)
  • Skewers (for extra support)

Instructions

  1. Unfold the flank steak like an open book by slicing it horizontally, creating a thin, even surface perfect for rolling.
  2. Cover the meat with plastic wrap and gently tenderize using a meat mallet until uniformly flattened to approximately ¼ inch thickness.
  3. Trim the edges to create a precise rectangular shape for optimal rolling.
  4. Generously apply BBQ rub across both surfaces of the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Create a delectable layer of flavor by arranging Provolone cheese slices evenly over the seasoned steak.
  6. Distribute fresh spinach leaves across the cheese, followed by a scattered arrangement of vibrant sun-dried tomatoes.
  7. Enhance the moisture and taste by delicately drizzling the aromatic oil from the tomato jar.
  8. Carefully roll the steak from the shorter edge, maintaining a tight and compact cylindrical shape.
  9. Stabilize the pinwheel by wrapping butcher’s twine around the log at regular two-inch intervals.
  10. Insert skewers alongside the twine to provide additional structural support during cooking.
  11. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled steak into individual pinwheels, ensuring each portion includes a stabilizing skewer.
  12. Preheat a griddle or grill to an optimal temperature of 400°F (200°C).
  13. Arrange the pinwheels on the hot cooking surface, grilling for approximately 5 minutes per side.
  14. For medium-rare, remove when the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C), or 140°F (60°C) for medium doneness.
  15. Allow the steak pinwheels to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute before serving.

Notes

  • Butterfly the steak carefully to ensure even thickness and maximum filling potential.
  • Pound the meat gently to prevent tearing, creating a uniform surface for perfect rolling.
  • Trim edges meticulously to achieve a clean, professional-looking pinwheel shape.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like feta or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.
  • Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for added nutritional variety.
  • Use toothpicks instead of skewers for easier removal and more delicate presentation.
  • Pat meat dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a beautiful crust.
  • Allow steak to reach room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
  • Rest meat after grilling to lock in juices and maintain optimal tenderness.
  • For gluten-free option, verify BBQ rub ingredients and choose certified gluten-free seasoning.
  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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