Grilled Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe

If you’re looking to impress with something a little different but absolutely delicious, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Grilled Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe is one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something flavorful, unique, and super fun to eat. The way the garlic, rosemary, and Parmesan come together inside the tender rolled steak? It’s just magical, and once you try it, I promise your family and friends will be asking for it on repeat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Grilled Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe has a special job, working together to make sure every bite is juicy, tender, and packed with delicious herby flavor. When shopping, look for fresh herbs and quality steak to really elevate the dish.

• Flank Steak: Choose a good quality flank steak; it’s lean but tender when cooked right and works perfectly for rolling.
• Olive Oil: Use a good extra virgin olive oil to add moisture and help those herbs stick.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning—don’t be shy here to bring out the beef’s natural flavors.
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice and a lovely bite.
• Lemon Zest: Brightens the dish with a zesty punch; dividing the zest between the two steaks helps balance the flavor.
• Rosemary: Fresh and fragrant, chopped rosemary adds an earthy, piney note that complements the garlic.
• Garlic: Grated fresh garlic melts into the steak roll, packing in savory goodness.
• Flat-Leaf Parsley: Adds fresh, slightly peppery greens that keep the rolls vibrant and herbaceous.
• Parmesan Cheese: Shaved parmesan brings a salty sharpness that contrasts beautifully with the herbs and meat.
• Pre-Soaked Skewers: Soaking prevents them from burning on the grill and helps keep those pinwheels together tightly.

Variations

I love playing around with this Grilled Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe to keep it fresh and exciting. You’ll find it’s a great canvas for adding your favorite herbs or swapping cheeses depending on what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

• Different Herbs: I’ve swapped rosemary for thyme or oregano before, and it totally changes the vibe while keeping it delicious.
• Cheese Variations: Instead of Parmesan, try shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, or even a sharp cheddar for a twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the garlic and herb mix for some heat.
• Vegetarian Pinwheels: For a meatless version, use eggplant or portobello mushroom slices as your base—just grill and stuff similarly.

How to Make Grilled Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Steak for Rolling

Start by unrolling your flank steaks on a clean, large surface. *If needed,* lightly pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to get an even thickness—about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick is perfect. This helps the steak roll up nicely without tearing, and it cooks evenly on the grill.

Step 2: Season and Layer the Flavors

Drizzle both sides of the steak with olive oil, then season lightly but generously with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Next, sprinkle the zest of one lemon evenly over each steak. Now comes the fun part: scatter chopped rosemary and grated garlic across the meat, then cover with flat-leaf parsley (about 1 cup per steak). Finish by layering shaved Parmesan cheese on top—this combo gives you all those layers of flavor that melt together when grilled.

Step 3: Roll and Secure the Pinwheels

Carefully roll each steak up tightly like a jelly roll—this part took me a couple tries before I felt confident, but once you get it, it’s easy. Use pre-soaked skewers to secure the roll, poking them through the center and spacing them about 1.5 inches apart. This keeps everything nice and tight on the grill.

Step 4: Slice and Grill

Using a sharp knife, slice evenly between the skewers to create about 6 pinwheels per steak—each roughly 1 1/2 inches thick and 4 inches in diameter. Then fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the pinwheels 5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired doneness. They cook fast, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.

How to Serve Grilled Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these pinwheels with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil to add a lovely sheen. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving always brightens the whole plate and complements the zest inside the rolls perfectly.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides here are simple and fresh—lightly grilled asparagus, a crisp mixed green salad, or even some roasted fingerling potatoes. You want sides that won’t compete with the robust flavors of the steak pinwheels but add balance and fresh textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these pinwheels on a large wooden board, arranged in a spiral or in rows, making it easy for guests to pick one up with tongs. Adding lemon wedges and small ramekins of chimichurri or a garlic yogurt sauce on the side really amps things up and gets everyone talking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to separate the pinwheels with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together, which makes reheating a breeze.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen grilled pinwheels before by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze them flat in a single layer to avoid squishing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the pinwheels in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 325°F oven until just heated through. This method keeps them juicy without drying out or overcooking, unlike microwaving which can be tricky here.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe holds a special spot in my recipe box because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together so quickly. It transforms a simple flank steak into something truly memorable with layers of vibrant flavors rolling together in every bite. Next time you want to wow your people without fuss, give this one a shot—I promise it’ll become a favorite in your household like it did in mine.

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