Steak pinwheels are a mouthwatering way to elevate your steak game, combining flavorful fillings with tender, juicy flank steak. Whether you’re grilling for a summer BBQ or preparing a keto-friendly meal, steak pinwheels are sure to impress. In this article, we’ll walk you through an easy steak pinwheel recipe, provide tips on the best marinades, and show how to make this dish your own with variations like cream cheese fillings or keto-friendly options.
Why You’ll Love Steak Pinwheels
These steak pinwheels are the perfect balance of flavor, presentation, and ease of preparation. Flank steak is used to create a rolled-up masterpiece, stuffed with rich fillings like provolone cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. By using different fillings or a customized marinade, you can adjust this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
Steak Pinwheels Recipe: How to Make Delicious, Flavor-Packed Pinwheels
Ingredients
To create a restaurant-quality steak pinwheel dish at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Below is a basic list, but feel free to get creative:
- 1 lb flank steak (butterflied and pounded evenly)
- 4-5 slices of provolone cheese
- Fresh spinach
- Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper
- Butcher’s twine
- Olive oil (for grilling)
- Optional: cream cheese, garlic, or marinades to enhance flavor
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Flank Steak
Start with a beautiful piece of flank steak. Trim off any excess fat and butterfly it open by carefully cutting down the middle. Once butterflied, pound the steak with a meat mallet until it’s even and flat. This ensures that the steak will cook evenly and hold the filling securely when rolled. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper to enhance the meat’s natural flavor.
2. Add the Filling
This is where the magic happens. Spread provolone cheese evenly over the steak, then layer fresh spinach leaves on top. Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes across the spinach, allowing some of the oil from the tomatoes to coat the meat. The combination of provolone, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes brings a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
If you’re looking for a variation, you can also spread cream cheese onto the steak before adding the spinach and tomatoes. Steak pinwheel recipe with cream cheese adds a rich, creamy layer that pairs wonderfully with the tender steak.
3. Roll and Secure
Once your fillings are in place, tightly roll the steak from one end to the other. Rolling the steak tightly is key to ensuring the filling stays intact during cooking. Use butcher’s twine to secure the rolled steak at intervals, and add wooden skewers through the center to hold everything in place. Be sure to tie the steak tightly enough that the filling won’t fall out, but not so tight that it squishes the contents.
4. Season and Grill
Now, it’s time to add flavor to the outside of the steak. Lightly coat the rolled steak with olive oil and season the exterior with salt, pepper, and any preferred spices.
If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to about 400°F. Grill the pinwheels for a few minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked to your desired doneness. For those seeking a smoky, charred flavor, cooking on a BBQ grill is an excellent option. Grilled steak pinwheel on the BBQ enhances the natural flavors of the steak and gives a beautiful, crispy exterior.
5. Slice and Serve
Once the pinwheels are cooked, remove them from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, keeping the steak tender and flavorful. Cut the steak into individual pinwheels, removing any skewers or twine, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
These pinwheels are not only a delicious main course but also make a great presentation for any dinner party.
Best Marinades for Steak Pinwheels
While the fillings provide most of the flavor, marinating your flank steak beforehand can take this recipe to the next level. Best steak pinwheel marinades often incorporate ingredients like soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and olive oil, creating a robust flavor that pairs beautifully with the steak and fillings. For a more tangy option, you could use a lemon-garlic marinade or even a red wine reduction.
Variations: Keto Steak Pinwheels and More
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, you can easily modify this recipe to fit your needs. Keto steak pinwheels recipe options include swapping out the provolone for a low-carb cheese like mozzarella and avoiding sun-dried tomatoes if you’re keeping a close eye on carbs. Instead, add mushrooms or bell peppers to maintain flavor without compromising your diet.
Additionally, you can adjust this recipe by trying different types of cheese or adding herbs like rosemary and thyme for a more aromatic flavor profile. Another idea is to use roasted red peppers instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a slightly sweeter taste.
Easy Steak Pinwheels: Perfect for Beginners
One of the best things about this easy steak pinwheel recipe is that it’s straightforward enough for beginners, yet impressive enough to serve at a special occasion. By using simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a gourmet meal in no time. Plus, steak pinwheels are customizable—whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or trying to elevate a BBQ spread, this recipe offers something for everyone.
Steak pinwheels are a versatile and delicious dish that can be adapted to suit any occasion. From grilled steak pinwheels on the BBQ to a keto-friendly version, there’s no shortage of ways to make this recipe your own. The key to success lies in selecting high-quality ingredients, using the right marinade, and keeping the filling well-balanced with flavors that complement the steak.
Next time you’re looking to impress your guests or family, give these steak pinwheels a try. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Steak Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak butterflied and pounded evenly
- 4-5 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for grilling
- Butcher’s twine to secure pinwheels
- Optional: 1/4 cup cream cheese for variation
Instructions
- Prepare the Flank Steak: Trim off any excess fat and butterfly the steak by slicing it down the middle, opening it flat. Pound the steak until even.
- Season the Meat: Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Add the Filling: Layer provolone cheese, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the steak. For a creamy variation, spread cream cheese before adding the spinach and tomatoes.
- Roll It Up: Tightly roll the steak from one end to the other, securing it with butcher’s twine.
- Season the Outside: Rub olive oil on the outside of the roll and season again with salt and pepper.
- Grill the Pinwheels: Heat your grill to 400°F. Place the steak pinwheels on the grill, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pinwheels from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Slice into individual rounds, remove the twine, and serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
