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Flank steak pinwheels are a delicious and impressive dish that will wow your family and friends. This dish combines the tenderness of flank steak with the flavors of various fillings to create a mouthwatering meal. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking flank steak pinwheels in the oven, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result every time.

First, you will need to prepare the flank steak. Start by laying the steak flat on a cutting board and using a sharp knife, carefully slice it horizontally through the middle, but not all the way through. This will create a pocket for the filling. Be sure to handle the knife with caution to avoid any accidents.

Next, it’s time to prepare the filling. You can get creative with your flavors here! Some popular fillings include spinach and feta, sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella, or mushrooms and blue cheese. Spread the filling of your choice evenly over the opened steak, leaving about an inch around the edges to ensure a neat rolling later on.

After the filling has been added, it’s time to roll up the steak. Start from one end and roll the steak tightly, ensuring that the filling remains inside. Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure the roll, keeping it in shape during the cooking process.

Finally, preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature (usually around 375°F or 190°C) and place the flank steak pinwheels on a baking sheet. Cook the pinwheels for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness.

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Once cooked, remove the flank steak pinwheels from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This step is crucial for ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Once rested, remove the twine or toothpicks and slice the pinwheels into medallions. Serve them with your favorite side dishes or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Now you are ready to impress your loved ones with this mouthwatering dish of flank steak pinwheels. Enjoy!

Preparing Flank Steak

Before cooking flank steak pinwheels in the oven, it is important to properly prepare the flank steak. This involves a few simple steps:

1. Trim the Steak

Start by trimming any excess fat from the flank steak. This will help prevent the steak from becoming too greasy during cooking and will also make it easier to roll into pinwheels later on.

2. Tenderize the Steak

Flank steak can be a tough cut of meat, so tenderizing it before cooking is beneficial. Using a meat mallet or a fork, pierce the steak several times on both sides. This will help break down the muscle fibers and make the steak more tender.

3. Marinate the Steak (optional)

Although not required, marinating the steak can add extra flavor. You can use a pre-made marinade or create your own using ingredients such as soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your flank steak is ready to be rolled into delicious pinwheels and cooked to perfection in the oven.

Selecting the Right Flank Steak

Choosing the right cut of flank steak is essential for making delicious pinwheels in the oven. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect flank steak:

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you choose the right flank steak for making delicious pinwheels in the oven.

Tenderizing the Flank Steak

To ensure your flank steak pinwheels turn out tender and juicy, it’s important to tenderize the meat before cooking.

Here are a few techniques to help tenderize the flank steak:

1. Pounding: Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the flank steak to break down the muscle fibers. This will help to make the meat more tender.
2. Marinating: Marinating the flank steak in an acidic marinade can help break down the tough muscle fibers. Use ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or even yogurt to create a tenderizing marinade.
3. Velveting: This Chinese cooking technique involves marinating the flank steak in a mixture of cornstarch, oil, and water. The cornstarch helps to tenderize the meat and create a velvety texture.

Making the Filling

To make the filling for the flank steak pinwheels, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1. In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

2. Lay the flank steak flat on a cutting board and spread the filling evenly over the surface of the steak. Make sure to leave about a 1/2 inch border around the edges.

3. Starting from one of the short ends, roll the steak up tightly, jelly-roll style, into a log shape. Secure the roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks to hold it together.

4. Slice the rolled steak into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Make sure to cut across the grain for tender pieces.

5. Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased baking dish.

6. In the next section, we will cover how to cook the flank steak pinwheels in the oven.

Choosing the Ingredients

When preparing flank steak pinwheels in the oven, it is important to choose the right ingredients to ensure a delicious and flavorful dish. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Flank steak: Look for a high-quality, well-marbled flank steak from your local butcher or grocery store. The steak should be about 1 to 1 ½ inches thick and free of any excessive fat or gristle.
• Seasonings: To enhance the flavor of the pinwheels, you will need a variety of seasonings. Consider using a combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any other herbs or spices that you enjoy.
• Fillings: The fillings for the pinwheels can be versatile. Some popular options include spinach, roasted red peppers, cheese (such as provolone or feta), and cooked bacon. Choose fillings that complement the flavors of the steak and create a harmonious combination of textures.
• Olive oil: Olive oil will be used to brush the steak and add moisture during the cooking process. Make sure to use a high-quality, extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
• Meat tenderizer: Depending on the quality of your flank steak, you may want to consider using a meat tenderizer to help break down the muscle fibers and achieve a more tender result. This step is optional, but it can make a noticeable difference in the final texture of the pinwheels.

By carefully selecting these ingredients, you can ensure that your flank steak pinwheels turn out flavorful, tender, and enjoyable for all.

Preparing the Filling

Before you can start assembling your flank steak pinwheels, you’ll need to prepare the filling. Here’s how:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when you’re ready to cook the pinwheels.
2. Next, gather your ingredients for the filling. Some popular options include spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. However, you can get creative and add any fillings you like!
3. If you’re using fresh spinach, rinse it thoroughly and remove any tough stems or blemished leaves. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture.
4. Finely chop the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic cloves. You can also crumble the feta cheese into small pieces.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and feta cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Season the filling mixture with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs you prefer, such as oregano or basil. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
7. Once the filling is ready, set it aside while you prepare the flank steak.

Preparing the filling is an essential step in creating delicious and flavorful flank steak pinwheels. Take your time to ensure each ingredient is properly prepared and combined for the best results.

Rolling and Cooking the Pinwheels

Once the flank steak has been prepared and marinated, it’s time to roll the pinwheels and cook them in the oven. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Roll the Pinwheels

Place the marinated flank steak flat on a clean work surface. Sprinkle a layer of grated cheese, spinach, and diced sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the steak. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges.

Starting from one of the shorter ends, tightly roll the steak into a log shape, enclosing the filling inside. Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure the roll and hold it in place. Repeat this process with the remaining flank steaks.

Step 2: Cook in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the rolled flank steak pinwheels on a greased baking sheet or in a baking dish.

Transfer the baking sheet or dish to the preheated oven and cook the pinwheels for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

For medium-rare pinwheels, aim for an internal temperature of about 135°F (57°C). Keep in mind that the pinwheels will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven due to residual heat, so you can remove them from the oven at a slightly lower temperature if desired.

Once cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the pinwheels to become more tender.

Finally, carefully remove the twine or toothpicks from the pinwheels before slicing them into rounds. Serve hot and enjoy!

FAQ

Can I use a different type of steak instead of flank steak?

Yes, you can use a different type of steak if you prefer. However, flank steak works best for pinwheels as it is thin and easy to roll. Other types of steak may be thicker and harder to roll.

How do I roll the flank steak pinwheels?

To roll the flank steak pinwheels, start by pounding the steak to an even thickness. Then, spread the filling ingredients (spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese) evenly over the steak. Roll the steak tightly and secure it with kitchen twine at regular intervals. This will help the pinwheels hold their shape during cooking.

What temperature should I cook the flank steak pinwheels at?

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help sear the outside of the pinwheels and lock in their juices. Cook the pinwheels in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness.

Can I cook the flank steak pinwheels on a grill instead of in the oven?

Yes, you can cook the flank steak pinwheels on a grill instead of in the oven. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the pinwheels directly on the grill grates and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness.