Steak Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Steak Pinwheels are an impressive and flavorful dish that combines the tenderness of steak with delicious fillings, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for any occasion. The thin slices of steak are rolled around a flavorful filling of herbs, cheese, and vegetables, then seared to perfection, offering a beautiful balance of textures and tastes. The result is a show-stopping meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare and guaranteed to please your guests or family.

These steak pinwheels are incredibly versatile, as you can experiment with various fillings and seasonings to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a way to elevate your next dinner party or simply craving a savory, comforting meal, Steak Pinwheels are sure to deliver. With a combination of tender beef, savory herbs, and a crispy exterior, this dish is as satisfying as it is elegant.

Why You’ll Love Steak Pinwheels

• Flavorful and Savory: Steak Pinwheels are packed with a flavorful filling that complements the richness of the beef. Whether you use fresh herbs, cheese, or vegetables, each bite is bursting with flavor, making it a standout dish.
• Versatile and Customizable: The beauty of steak pinwheels is how easily you can adapt the filling to your taste. Whether you prefer creamy cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes, you can make each batch unique and exciting.
• Impressive Presentation: The pinwheels are not only delicious but also visually striking. When sliced, they reveal a beautiful spiral of tender steak and vibrant filling, making them an impressive dish to serve at dinner parties, special occasions, or holidays.
• Easy to Prepare: Despite their fancy appearance, Steak Pinwheels are surprisingly simple to make. With a few basic steps, you can prepare a dish that looks and tastes gourmet, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced home cooks.
• Great for Meal Prep: Steak Pinwheels make excellent leftovers. You can prepare them ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze them, and then cook them later for a quick and easy meal. They also work well for meal prepping lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the type of steak and filling used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 22-25g
• Carbohydrates: 5-8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 2-3g

Ingredients

For the Steak Pinwheels:

• 4 thin-cut flank steaks or skirt steaks (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing the pinwheels)

For the Filling:

• ½ cup spinach leaves, fresh or frozen (thawed and squeezed dry)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
• 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak

To begin, you’ll want to prepare your steaks by tenderizing them and flattening them to an even thickness. If you’re using thicker cuts of steak, you can place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them with a meat mallet to about ½-inch thickness. This step ensures that the steak cooks evenly and remains tender.

Once the steaks are flattened, season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. You want the seasoning to coat the steak generously, ensuring full flavor in every bite.

2. Prepare the Filling

While the steak is resting, prepare the filling. Start by sautéing the minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a small pan until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Add the spinach leaves and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted. If you are using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the pan.

Remove the spinach mixture from the heat and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, combine it in a small bowl with the crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until well combined. If you’re using balsamic vinegar, stir it in at this stage to give the filling an extra depth of flavor.

3. Assemble the Pinwheels

Lay the seasoned steak slices flat on a clean surface, such as a cutting board or large plate. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of each steak, spreading it out evenly across the length of the steak.

Starting at one end of the steak, carefully roll it up, securing the filling inside. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the edges of the pinwheel, ensuring that the filling stays inside and the pinwheel holds its shape during cooking. Repeat with all the steaks.

4. Cook the Pinwheels

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak pinwheels to the pan, being sure not to overcrowd the skillet. You may need to cook the pinwheels in batches depending on the size of your pan.

Sear the pinwheels for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare steak, cook for about 12 minutes in total. If you prefer your steak more well-done, continue cooking for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to overcook.

Once the pinwheels are cooked, remove them from the pan and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that the steak remains juicy and tender when you cut into it.

5. Serve and Enjoy

After resting, slice each pinwheel into two or three pieces, depending on how large you’d like the portions to be. Arrange the pinwheels on a platter and serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Perfect Steak Pinwheels

• Choose the Right Cut of Steak: While flank steak or skirt steak works best for pinwheels due to their tenderness when thinly sliced, you can also use other cuts like sirloin or ribeye. Just be sure to tenderize the steak properly before rolling to ensure a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the steak generously with your chosen spices. Since the filling is flavorful but light, the steak itself will benefit from a good amount of seasoning to create a balanced flavor profile.
• Use Toothpicks or Twine: When rolling the steak, securing the pinwheels with toothpicks or kitchen twine is crucial for preventing the filling from spilling out. This will help maintain the shape of the pinwheels as they cook.
• Experiment with Fillings: While spinach and feta are a classic combination, you can get creative with your fillings. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted peppers for different flavor profiles. Cheese lovers can add shredded mozzarella or provolone for a melty, gooey center.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making several steak pinwheels, avoid overcrowding the pan during cooking. This will allow the pinwheels to sear properly and develop a beautiful, golden-brown crust. Cook in batches if needed.
• Let the Pinwheels Rest: After cooking, give the pinwheels a few minutes to rest before slicing. This helps retain the juices and ensures that the meat stays tender and flavorful.

Variations of Steak Pinwheels

• Mushroom and Swiss Steak Pinwheels: Add sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese to the filling for a rich and earthy flavor. The Swiss cheese melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the savory mushrooms.
• Pesto Steak Pinwheels: Spread a layer of basil pesto on the steak before adding the filling. You can combine this with sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella for an Italian-inspired version of the pinwheels.
• Bacon-Wrapped Steak Pinwheels: For an extra crispy, smoky twist, wrap each steak pinwheel with a slice of bacon before searing. The bacon will crisp up during cooking and add a delicious flavor to the dish.
• Southwest Steak Pinwheels: Add some Mexican flair by including black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese in the filling. A dash of cumin and chili powder can enhance the flavor, giving it a bold, southwestern taste.
• Herbed Steak Pinwheels: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley in the filling. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of the steak and add an aromatic element to the dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Steak Pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over low heat to preserve the crispy crust.

For longer storage, you can freeze cooked pinwheels. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen steak pinwheels can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Steak Pinwheels

Pair your Steak Pinwheels with a variety of complementary sides to create a well-rounded meal:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic make the perfect accompaniment to the juicy, flavorful steak pinwheels.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts bring a touch of earthiness and a crispy texture that pairs beautifully with the tender steak.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch to balance the richness of the pinwheels.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky grilled corn on the cob is an excellent side that adds a touch of sweetness to the savory steak pinwheels.
• Baked Potatoes: Serve with a baked potato topped with sour cream, chives, and butter for a hearty side that complements the steak.

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Conclusion

Steak Pinwheels are a flavorful, visually stunning dish that is sure to impress at any meal. The combination of tender steak, savory fillings, and a crispy exterior creates a satisfying and delicious experience that is as easy to make as it is enjoyable to eat. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, Steak Pinwheels offer a perfect balance of elegance and simplicity. With endless filling options and a straightforward cooking process, you can customize these pinwheels to suit your tastes, making them a versatile dish in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy!