How to Cook Pinwheel Steaks: A Delicious and Impressive Meal
Pinwheel steaks are a fun and visually appealing way to elevate your steak game. They're perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner when you want to impress your guests. This technique involves rolling up thinly sliced steak with various fillings, creating a delicious and flavorful masterpiece.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook pinwheel steaks:
1. Choose Your Steak and Fillings
- Steak: Use a tender cut of beef like flank steak, skirt steak, or top sirloin. These cuts are thin enough to roll easily and become tender when cooked.
- Fillings: Get creative! Use a variety of ingredients like:
- Cheese: Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, brie, blue cheese.
- Veggies: Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, spinach, asparagus.
- Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, parsley.
- Spreads: Cream cheese, pesto, mustard, horseradish cream.
2. Prepare the Steak
- Tenderize: If your steak is thick, use a meat mallet to tenderize it. This will help it roll more easily and cook evenly.
- Season: Season the steak liberally with salt and pepper, or use a steak seasoning blend.
- Slice: Slice the steak thinly across the grain, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Assemble the Pinwheels
- Lay out the fillings: Spread your chosen fillings evenly over each slice of steak.
- Roll up: Starting from the narrow end, tightly roll each slice of steak around the fillings to create a pinwheel shape.
- Secure: Use toothpicks to secure the rolls in place.
4. Cook the Pinwheels
- Pan-frying: Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and sear the pinwheels for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the pinwheels for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Oven-baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.
5. Rest and Serve
- Rest: Let the pinwheels rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice: Cut the pinwheels into thick slices and serve immediately.
- Garnish: Add a drizzle of your favorite sauce, like a red wine reduction or chimichurri, and serve with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overfill: Too many fillings will make the pinwheels difficult to roll and cook evenly.
- Use toothpicks wisely: Place the toothpicks strategically to prevent the rolls from unravelling during cooking.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked steak will be tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness.
With a little creativity and these tips, you'll be able to create delicious and impressive pinwheel steaks that will wow your guests and leave them wanting more!
