Beef Pinwheels Recipe

Beef flank steak: A lean cut of beef that is perfect for rolling and slicing into pinwheels.

Fresh spinach: Adds a nutritious and vibrant green layer to the pinwheels.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides a creamy and melty texture that complements the beef and spinach.

Olive oil: Used to brush the rolled steak, adding moisture and flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

When preparing the beef flank steak, ensure you pound it evenly to achieve a uniform thickness. This not only helps in even cooking but also makes it easier to roll. Use a rolling pin or a meat mallet for this task. Additionally, when spreading the spinach and mozzarella cheese, make sure to leave a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out when you roll the steak. Secure the roll tightly with kitchen twine to maintain its shape during baking.

• beef flank steak - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is lean and can be pounded thin, making it a good alternative for rolling into pinwheels.

• beef flank steak - Substitute with pork tenderloin: Pork tenderloin is tender and can be sliced thinly, providing a similar texture and flavor profile.

• fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and can be used raw or lightly cooked, offering a comparable nutritional profile.

• fresh spinach - Substitute with arugula: Arugula has a peppery flavor that can add a different but complementary taste to the pinwheels.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone melts well and has a mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar provides a sharper flavor and melts nicely, adding a different but enjoyable taste.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and has a high smoke point, suitable for searing the pinwheels.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different flavor profile.

• ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to add a subtle heat.

• ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick, offering a different flavor dimension.

• Allow the beef pinwheels to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the meat soggy.
• Wrap each pinwheel individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped pinwheels in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will help keep out any unwanted odors and maintain the flavor.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of how long they have been stored.
• Store the pinwheels in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
• To freeze, ensure the pinwheels are tightly wrapped and placed in a freezer-safe container or bag. This will help prevent freezer burn.
• When ready to eat, thaw the pinwheels in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• For a quicker option, you can also reheat the pinwheels in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the beef pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the pinwheels with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want a slightly crispy exterior.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the beef pinwheels on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the beef pinwheels in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the beef pinwheels in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check for doneness and add an extra minute if necessary.

• Oven: Used to bake the beef pinwheels at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface to lay and prepare the beef flank steak.

• Rolling pin: Utilized to pound and flatten the beef flank steak for even thickness.

• Kitchen twine: Essential for securing the rolled-up steak to maintain its shape during cooking.

• Baking sheet: Holds the rolled steak while it bakes in the oven.

• Brush: Used to apply olive oil evenly on the rolled steak.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the beef pinwheels after they have rested.

• Meat thermometer: Optional but useful for checking the internal temperature of the beef to ensure it is cooked to your liking.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Pre-wash and dry the spinach and shred the mozzarella cheese in advance to save time during assembly.

Use a meat mallet: Flatten the beef flank steak quickly and evenly with a meat mallet instead of a rolling pin.

Preheat the oven: Start preheating your oven before you begin assembling the beef pinwheels to ensure it reaches the desired temperature by the time you're ready to bake.

Secure with toothpicks: If you don't have kitchen twine, use toothpicks to hold the rolled steak together, which can be quicker and easier to handle.