Flank steak pinwheels are a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for special occasions or an elegant dinner at home. This recipe features tender flank steak rolled up with a flavorful filling and then cooked to perfection in the oven. The result is a mouthwatering dish with juicy steak and a savory filling.
But how long should you cook flank steak pinwheels in the oven? The cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the steak, as well as your preferred level of doneness. As a general guideline, it is recommended to cook flank steak pinwheels in the oven for about 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak to be more well-done, you can cook it for an additional 5-10 minutes.
It’s important to note that cooking times may vary, so it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the steak reaches the desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 130°F (54°C). For medium, it should be around 140°F (60°C).
Before cooking the flank steak pinwheels in the oven, it’s recommended to sear them in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side. This will help to seal in the flavors and create a nice crust on the outside of the steak. After searing, transfer the steak to a preheated oven and continue cooking until it reaches the desired level of doneness.
Once the flank steak pinwheels are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a juicy and flavorful steak. Serve the pinwheels with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Flank steak pinwheels: a delicious option
Flank steak pinwheels are a mouthwatering dish that showcases the rich flavors of flank steak. The steak is rolled and filled with delicious ingredients to create an impressive presentation and burst of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of flank steak
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
To begin, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Butterfly the flank steak by slicing it lengthwise, but not all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach. Stir until well mixed.
Open the flank steak and spread the filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the steak tightly and tie with kitchen twine in 1-inch intervals.
Season the outside of the steak with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the flank steak and sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Transfer the skillet with the steak to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the desired level of doneness is reached. For medium-rare, cook to an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a tender, juicy steak.
After resting, remove the kitchen twine and slice the steak into pinwheels. Serve hot and enjoy!
This flank steak pinwheels recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its robust flavors and elegant presentation. Give it a try for your next special occasion or dinner party!
Preparing the flank steak
Before cooking the flank steak pinwheels in the oven, it’s important to properly prepare the flank steak. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious result.
1. Trim the excess fat:
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the flank steak. This will help prevent flare-ups and excessive smoking during the cooking process. Use a sharp knife to carefully trim away any visible fat.
2. Butterfly the flank steak:
To create pinwheels, you’ll need to butterfly the flank steak. Lay the steak flat on a cutting board and carefully slice it in half horizontally, keeping the knife parallel to the board. Be sure not to cut all the way through, leaving about 1/2 inch of uncut space. Open up the steak like a book.
3. Tenderize the steak:
To ensure a tender and juicy flank steak, use a meat mallet or a tenderizing tool to gently pound the steak. This will help break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender. Avoid using excessive force, as you don’t want to tear or damage the steak.
4. Season the steak:
Season the flank steak generously with your favorite spices and herbs. This can include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or any other seasonings you prefer. Rub the seasonings into the meat, ensuring that both sides are well coated.
5. Roll the steak:
Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll up the flank steak, forming a compact cylinder. Secure the roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks to hold its shape during cooking.
6. Marinate (optional):
For added flavor, you can marinate the rolled flank steak for a few hours or overnight. Place the steak in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish, and pour your chosen marinade over it. Let it marinate in the refrigerator, turning occasionally to evenly distribute the flavors.
Now that the flank steak is prepared, it is ready to be cooked using your preferred method, such as in the oven or on the grill.
Stuffing the pinwheels
Once the flank steak is flattened, it’s time to stuff the pinwheels with delicious fillings. Here are some popular options:
- Spinach and feta: Lay a layer of fresh spinach leaves on the flattened steak and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Sun-dried tomato and mozzarella: Spread a thin layer of sun-dried tomato pesto on the steak and top with slices of mozzarella cheese.
- Mushroom and Swiss cheese: Sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil until they are soft and spread them on the steak. Place slices of Swiss cheese on top of the mushrooms.
- Roasted red pepper and goat cheese: Lay roasted red pepper strips on the steak and crumble goat cheese over them.
After adding the fillings, roll up the steak tightly, making sure the filling is evenly distributed. Use kitchen twine to secure the pinwheels, tying them at regular intervals.
Securing the pinwheels
Once you have rolled your flank steak pinwheels, it is important to secure them properly to prevent them from unraveling while cooking.
Toothpicks: The most common method of securing pinwheels is by using toothpicks. Place toothpicks through the outer edges of the pinwheels, spacing them evenly to keep the steak roll intact.
Twine: Another option is to use kitchen twine. Cut a long piece of twine and slide it under the pinwheel. Cross the twine ends over the top of the pinwheel and tie them tightly together, securing the roll.
Butcher’s string: If you have butcher’s string on hand, it can be used in a similar way to twine. Wrap the string around the pinwheel and tie it tightly, ensuring the roll stays intact.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to remove any toothpicks or strings before serving the cooked flank steak pinwheels. These securing techniques will help the pinwheels retain their shape and cook evenly.
Seasoning the pinwheels
Before cooking the flank steak pinwheels in the oven, it is important to season them to enhance their flavor. You can use a variety of seasonings depending on your taste preferences. Here is a suggested seasoning for the pinwheels:
Seasoning | Amount |
---|---|
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl and mix well. Then, evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the flattened flank steak. Make sure to rub the seasoning into the meat to ensure even distribution and full flavor. Allow the seasoned pinwheels to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before cooking.
Cooking time and temperature
When it comes to cooking flank steak pinwheels in the oven, the cooking time and temperature are crucial to ensure that the steak is cooked to perfection. The right cooking time and temperature will help to achieve a tender and juicy result.
Cooking Temperature
The recommended cooking temperature for flank steak pinwheels in the oven is 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). This high temperature allows for a quick sear on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for flank steak pinwheels in the oven can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, it is recommended to cook the pinwheels for about 15-20 minutes.
If you prefer your steak to be medium-rare, cook it for around 15 minutes. For medium, you can cook it for about 17-18 minutes, and for well-done, cook it for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
It’s important to note that these cooking times are just guidelines, and the best way to determine the doneness of the steak is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, and when it reaches your desired temperature, the steak is ready to be removed from the oven.
Remember to let the flank steak pinwheels rest for a few minutes before slicing them. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Q&A
How long should I cook flank steak pinwheels in the oven?
The cooking time for flank steak pinwheels in the oven can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, you should cook the pinwheels for about 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for medium-rare. However, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium-rare.
What temperature should I set the oven to cook flank steak pinwheels?
The oven temperature for cooking flank steak pinwheels can be set to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows the pinwheels to cook evenly and develop a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. However, it’s always a good practice to check the internal temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness.
Can I cook flank steak pinwheels in the oven if they are frozen?
Yes, you can cook frozen flank steak pinwheels in the oven. However, it is recommended to thaw the pinwheels before cooking for more even and consistent results. If cooking the pinwheels from frozen, you may need to increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes to ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
What should the internal temperature of flank steak pinwheels be when cooked?
The internal temperature of flank steak pinwheels should be around 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium-rare. This temperature ensures the steak is cooked to a safe level while still remaining tender and juicy. If you prefer a different level of doneness, you can adjust the internal temperature accordingly. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the steak.
Can I marinate flank steak pinwheels before cooking them in the oven?
Yes, you can marinate flank steak pinwheels before cooking them in the oven. Marinating can add flavor and tenderize the meat. It is recommended to marinate the pinwheels for at least 30 minutes, but you can marinate them longer for a more intense flavor. After marinating, you can remove the excess marinade before cooking the pinwheels in the oven.