The Marinade: Flavorful and Tenderizing
The marinade is key to achieving a tender, flavorful steak that will melt in your mouth. Combining olive oil, soy sauce, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, this marinade infuses the steak with savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. Garlic and Italian seasoning further enhance the flavor profile, while ground black pepper and salt bring out the natural taste of the beef.
The acidity from the red wine and lemon juice helps to tenderize the flank steak, making it easier to roll up and cook. The marinade needs at least 8 hours (or overnight) to fully penetrate the steak, so be sure to plan ahead. While marinating, turn the steak occasionally to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
The Filling: Savory and Fresh
The filling for these steak pinwheels is both vibrant and satisfying, thanks to the combination of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs. Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and a mild, earthy flavor that complements the richness of the beef. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory cheese.
Swiss cheese and Parmesan add a creamy, nutty richness that ties the entire filling together. The bread crumbs help to bind the ingredients while giving the filling a slightly crunchy texture. This combination of ingredients is not only flavorful but also adds complexity and texture to the dish.
Assembling the Pinwheels: Rolling with Care
Once the flank steak is marinated and tenderized, it’s time to assemble the pinwheels. Start by spreading a garlic paste made from the second garlic clove and a pinch of salt over the surface of the steak. This creates an extra layer of flavor that permeates the meat.
Next, sprinkle the chopped onion, bread crumbs, spinach, Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes evenly across the steak. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges to make rolling easier. Starting at one short end of the steak, carefully roll it up tightly, keeping the filling inside. Secure the roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks to hold everything in place during cooking.
Baking: Creating a Tender, Juicy Steak
The pinwheels are baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour. The beef will cook through and become tender while the filling inside melts and blends together. The steak should be baked until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak cooked longer, you can increase the cooking time slightly, but be careful not to overcook it, as the beef may become tough.
Once the pinwheels are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak tender and juicy. After resting, slice the pinwheels into 1-inch thick slices and serve.
Serving: Elegant and Delicious
Serve the steak pinwheels hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs, if desired. They can be plated as a main dish for a dinner party or sliced into smaller pieces for an appetizer or finger food. Pair them with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
The beautiful spiral shape of the pinwheels adds an elegant touch, making this dish a great option for special occasions, holidays, or romantic dinners. Its combination of tender beef, savory filling, and flavorful marinade ensures that every bite is satisfying and delicious.
Nutritional Breakdown
Each serving of these steak pinwheels contains approximately 680 calories, making it a rich and filling meal. With about 50g of protein, it provides a good amount of sustenance and is ideal for anyone looking for a protein-packed dish. The 44g of fat comes from the beef, cheese, and olive oil, adding richness and flavor to the dish.
In terms of carbohydrates, each serving contains around 16g, with 2g of fiber, which helps to balance out the richness of the meat. The 5g of sugar comes from the natural sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes and onions.
This dish is also relatively high in sodium, with about 800mg per serving, mainly from the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and cheese. However, it provides valuable nutrients like potassium (1370mg), which supports heart health, and iron (a good amount) from the beef.
Conclusion: A Show-Stopping Dish
Steak pinwheels are a show-stopping dish that combines the tenderness of flank steak with a savory, flavorful filling. The rich marinade and deliciously packed filling create a perfect balance of flavors, while the cheesy crostini topping adds an indulgent touch. Whether you serve them as a main course for a dinner party or slice them into appetizers for a special occasion, these steak pinwheels are sure to impress your guests.
Easy to prepare, customizable, and full of bold flavors, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their cooking with a stunning and delicious meal. So, fire up the oven, roll up the beef, and enjoy these mouthwatering steak pinwheels that are guaranteed to be the star of your next meal.