Creamy Spinach Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe

Savory Creamy Spinach Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe

Slicing through a succulent flank steak pinwheel reveals layers of creamy spinach magic that instantly captivate hungry diners.

Tender meat embraces a rich, velvety filling packed with robust flavors.

Mediterranean herbs dance alongside smooth cheese, creating an irresistible combination.

Quick preparation meets gourmet presentation in this deceptively simple dish.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate the elegant technique.

Each spiral promises a burst of intense, harmonious tastes that melt in your mouth.

Get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with this show-stopping centerpiece.

Variations on Flank Steak Pinwheels

  • Mediterranean Spinach Pinwheels: Replace cream cheese with feta, add sun-dried tomatoes and chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Mushroom Swiss Pinwheels: Substitute spinach with sautéed mushrooms, incorporate Swiss cheese instead of Parmesan, and add fresh thyme for an earthy undertone.
  • Roasted Red Pepper Pinwheels: Mix roasted red peppers into the cream cheese blend, sprinkle with smoked paprika, and use mozzarella cheese for a smoky, vibrant version.
  • Herb Garden Pinwheels: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like basil, chives, and parsley into the cream cheese mixture, using pecorino romano for an extra sharp cheese note.

Best Pairings for Creamy Spinach Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

  • Pair Wine with Robust Flavor: Choose a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, meaty flavor of the flank steak and creamy spinach filling.
  • Create Zesty Side Dish: Serve roasted garlic rosemary potatoes to enhance the herbal notes in the steak and provide a crispy texture contrast to the creamy pinwheels.
  • Match Bright Salad: Prepare a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese and provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the hearty main dish.
  • Select Complementary Sauce: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the pinwheels to add a sweet and acidic element that balances the creamy filling and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.

How to Store Flank Steak Pinwheels

  • Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
  • Wrap individual pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Place pinwheels on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent overcooking.
  • Preheat oven to 325F. Place pinwheels in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture.

Common Questions on Creamy Spinach Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

  • How do I butterfly the flank steak?

Slice the steak horizontally with a sharp knife, cutting almost through but not completely, to create a flat surface that opens like a book for even spreading of the filling.

  • Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture completely to prevent the filling from becoming watery and losing its creamy consistency.

  • What's the best way to keep the pinwheels from unrolling?

Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the roll tightly, inserting them at regular intervals to maintain the pinwheel shape during cooking.

Why Creamy Spinach Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels Are So Delicious

  • Create Impressive Dish: Wow guests with restaurant-quality presentation that looks sophisticated yet surprisingly manageable.
  • Master Protein Perfection: Learn an elegant technique to transform simple flank steak into a delectable, flavor-packed meal that elevates your cooking skills.
  • Packed with Nutrients: Incorporate healthy spinach and protein-rich steak into one delicious recipe that satisfies nutritional needs while delivering incredible taste.
  • Quick Gourmet Experience: Combine simple cooking methods like searing and baking to produce a stunning main course that feels luxurious without complicated preparation.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Spinach Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

Main Protein:
  • Flank Steak: A lean and flavorful cut that provides the base for the delicious pinwheel rolls.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the stuffing mixture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
  • Spinach: Provides a nutritious green element and earthy flavor to the filling.
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Garlic: Offers a robust and aromatic flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing the steak and creating a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Preparation Guide for Flank Steak Pinwheels

Step 1: Butterfly the Flank Steak

Carefully slice the flank steak horizontally, opening it like a book to create a thin, flat surface that will allow for easy rolling and even cooking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh spinach
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and create a smooth, vibrant mixture.

Step 3: Spread and Roll the Steak

Lay the butterflied steak flat and spread the creamy spinach mixture evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the steak tightly from one end to the other, creating a compact pinwheel.

Step 4: Secure the Pinwheel

Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the rolled steak in place, ensuring it doesn’t unravel during cooking.

Step 5: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the rolled steak in the pan and sear on all sides until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Step 6: Bake to Desired Doneness

Transfer the seared steak to a baking dish and place in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your preferred level of doneness.

Step 7: Rest and Slice

Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. Remove the toothpicks and slice the pinwheel into beautiful, spiraled portions.

Tips for Making Creamy Spinach Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

  • Butterfly the steak carefully to ensure even thickness, which helps create perfect pinwheels and prevents uneven cooking.
  • Pat the spinach dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the filling soggy and compromising the steak's texture.
  • Use toothpicks strategically around the roll to keep the pinwheels intact during searing and baking, ensuring a beautiful presentation.
  • Choose high-quality, full-fat cream cheese for maximum richness and a smoother filling that binds the spinach and cheese together.
  • Allow the steak to rest after cooking to help redistribute juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish that's guaranteed to impress.
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Creamy Spinach Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe

Creamy Spinach Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent flank steak rolls showcase a Mediterranean-inspired creamy spinach stuffed pinwheel masterpiece that elevates weeknight dinner expectations. Rich flavors and elegant presentation promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) flank steak

Cheese and Filling:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup (40 grams) chopped spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Olive oil

Instructions

  1. Carefully butterfly the flank steak by slicing horizontally, creating an even, expanded surface for optimal filling distribution.
  2. Thoroughly blend cream cheese, Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until ingredients are fully integrated.
  3. Evenly spread the creamy spinach mixture across the entire flattened steak surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Tightly roll the steak from one end to the other, ensuring a compact and secure spiral formation.
  5. Secure the rolled steak with toothpicks at regular intervals to prevent unraveling during cooking.
  6. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  7. Sear the rolled steak on all sides, developing a rich, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
  8. Transfer the seared steak to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, achieving desired internal temperature.
  9. Allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a tender, succulent result.
  10. Remove toothpicks and slice the steak into elegant pinwheel portions, revealing the vibrant spinach filling.

Notes

  • Butterfly the steak carefully to ensure even thickness, which helps create uniform, picture-perfect pinwheels with consistent cooking.
  • Pat the spinach mixture dry to prevent excess moisture from making the roll soggy and compromising the steak’s texture.
  • Use kitchen twine instead of toothpicks for a more professional presentation and easier slicing after cooking.
  • For a low-carb and gluten-free option, this recipe naturally fits those dietary preferences without additional modifications.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 445 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 370 mg
  • Fat: 31 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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