Steak Pinwheels Recipe

Sizzling Steak Pinwheels Recipe: A Fancy Twist on Dinner Tonight

Steak pinwheels spark culinary creativity with their elegant spiral design and burst of flavor.

Carefully selected ingredients dance together inside tender beef rolls.

Crisp herbs and rich cheese mingle in each delectable slice.

Meat lovers appreciate the impressive presentation that seems complex yet remains surprisingly simple.

Weekend cooking transforms into a gourmet adventure with this showstopping dish.

Unexpected combinations make these pinwheels a conversation starter at any gathering.

You’ll impress everyone when these beauties arrive at the table, promising a memorable meal that looks far more challenging than it actually is.

Why Steak Pinwheels Are a Showstopper

  • Customize with Ease: Personalize these steak pinwheels by switching up ingredients like different cheeses, herbs, or adding sun-dried tomatoes for a unique flavor profile.
  • Impress Dinner Guests: Create a restaurant-quality dish that looks sophisticated but requires minimal culinary skills, making you appear like a professional chef.
  • Quick Cooking Method: Combine stovetop searing and oven baking for a fast cooking technique that locks in moisture and develops rich, delicious flavors in a single pan.
  • Family-Friendly Meal: Pack these pinwheels with nutritious spinach and protein, making them a crowd-pleasing option that appeals to both adults and kids with their fun spiral presentation.

What You’ll Need for Savory Steak Pinwheels

Main Protein:
  • Steak Slices: A tender and flavorful base for creating delicious pinwheel rolls.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and creamy texture to the pinwheel filling.
  • Spinach: Adds nutrition and a vibrant green color to the stuffing.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Minced Garlic, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Contribute a robust and aromatic flavor profile to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that help balance and elevate the overall taste of the steak pinwheels.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing the steak pinwheels and creating a golden-brown exterior.
  • Toothpicks: Temporary support to keep the pinwheels tightly rolled during cooking.
  • Fresh Parsley: A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and subtle herb flavor.

How to Roll and Roast Steak Pinwheels Just Right

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F and get ready for a culinary adventure.

Step 2: Tenderize the Meat

Lay out the steak slices on a clean surface.

Use a meat mallet to gently flatten and tenderize the meat, creating a perfect canvas for your filling.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling

Combine the filling ingredients in a mixing bowl:
  • Cream cheese
  • Chopped spinach
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend everything until you have a smooth, rich mixture.

Step 4: Spread and Roll

Evenly spread the creamy spinach mixture across each steak slice. Carefully roll the meat into tight, elegant pinwheels.

Secure each roll with toothpicks to keep them compact.

Step 5: Sear the Pinwheels

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

Gently place the pinwheels in the skillet and sear for about 2 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Remove the pinwheels from the oven.

Carefully pull out the toothpicks. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately and enjoy your gourmet creation.

Expert Tips for Searing, Slicing, and Savoring

  • Choose thin-cut flank or sirloin steak for easier rolling and more tender pinwheels.
  • Pat the steak completely dry before spreading the cream cheese mixture to ensure better adhesion and prevent soggy rolls.
  • Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for smoother spreading and more even distribution.
  • Use kitchen twine instead of toothpicks for a more professional presentation and easier removal after cooking.
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to achieve perfect doneness: 125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium.

Creative Fillings to Stuff Your Steak Pinwheels

  • Southwestern Spice Blast: Replace spinach with roasted green chiles, add cumin, swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese, and include diced jalapeños for extra heat.
  • Mediterranean Herb Journey: Substitute spinach with sun-dried tomatoes, mix in crumbled feta, fresh basil, oregano, and a touch of lemon zest for bright Mediterranean flavors.
  • Blue Cheese Mushroom Sensation: Replace cream cheese with soft blue cheese, fold in sautéed wild mushrooms, add fresh thyme, and drizzle with balsamic reduction after cooking.
  • Bacon Ranch Combo: Mix crispy bacon bits into cream cheese mixture, sprinkle ranch seasoning, and top with green onions for a hearty ranch-style version.

Sides That Match the Flavor of Steak Pinwheels

  • Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, meaty steak pinwheels and enhance the creamy spinach filling.
  • Create Zesty Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish and provide a fresh, tangy contrast.
  • Serve Roasted Garlic Potatoes: Prepare crispy herb-roasted potatoes that match the savory flavors of the steak pinwheels and absorb the delicious pan juices.
  • Match Grilled Asparagus: Grill asparagus spears with olive oil and sea salt to provide a green vegetable side that echoes the spinach inside the pinwheels and adds textural variety.

Store Steak Pinwheels Without Losing the Spiral Magic

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover steak pinwheels in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they're tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual pinwheels in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pinwheels on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp the exterior.

FAQs for the Perfect Steak Pinwheel Experience

  • What type of steak works best for pinwheels?

Flank steak or skirt steak are ideal because they’re thin, tender, and roll easily without breaking.

  • Can I prepare steak pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking, which helps the flavors meld together.

  • How do I know the steak is cooked to the right temperature?

Use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F, medium 145°F, and well-done 160°F.

  • Is there a way to make the pinwheels less messy when rolling?

Pat the steak dry before spreading the filling, and don’t overfill. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking.

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Steak Pinwheels Recipe

Steak Pinwheels Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Succulent Steak Pinwheels blend Italian-inspired flavors with classic beef elegance, rolling tender steak around savory spinach and cheese. Grill masters and home cooks will discover a showstopping dish that delivers complex tastes in every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 4 flank steak slices

Dairy:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Spices:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Other:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the work surface with a clean cutting board, ensuring ample space for meat preparation.
  2. Gently flatten steak slices to uniform thickness using a meat mallet, creating an even surface for rolling.
  3. Create a vibrant filling by thoroughly mixing cream cheese, finely chopped spinach, garlic, Parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
  4. Distribute the creamy spinach mixture evenly across each steak slice, leaving a small border around the edges.
  5. Carefully roll the steak slices into compact pinwheels, making sure the filling is securely enclosed.
  6. Secure each pinwheel with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking.
  7. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  8. Sear the pinwheels for approximately 2 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown crust that locks in flavor.
  9. Transfer the skillet directly into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, cooking until the steak reaches the desired level of doneness.
  10. Remove from the oven, let rest for 3-5 minutes, then carefully extract the toothpicks.
  11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.

Notes

  • Choose flank or sirloin steak for the best texture and flavor in pinwheels, ensuring thin and even slices for easier rolling.
  • Pat the steak completely dry before spreading the mixture to help the cream cheese adhere better and prevent excess moisture.
  • Allow the steak to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before preparing to ensure more even cooking and tender results.
  • Use toothpicks sparingly and remember to remove them before serving to prevent accidental biting or choking hazards.
  • For a low-carb option, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or skip cheese entirely to reduce calories.
  • Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme in the cream cheese mixture to create unique flavor variations.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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