Spicy Southwestern Flank Steak Pinwheels
Indulge in the bold flavors of the Southwest with these Spicy Southwestern Flank Steak Pinwheels. This visually stunning dish features a butterflied flank steak, marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke, then rolled into a beautiful pinwheel shape. Each slice reveals vibrant layers of seasoned spinach, roasted red peppers, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, all tied together with a hint of cumin and chili powder. Perfect for a lively gathering or a cozy dinner, this recipe elevates the humble flank steak into a show-stopping centerpiece. Just remember, marinating for eight hours ensures the steak is infused with delicious flavors and keeps it tender.
8
Servings
350
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
lemon juice
3/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
vegetable oil
3/4 cup (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup (none)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
flank steak
1 1/2 lbs (butterflied)
frozen chopped spinach
1 (8 ounce) package (thawed and well drained)
roasted red peppers
1 (12 ounce) jar (drained and cut into thin strips)
onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
chopped green chilies
2 (4 ounce) cans (drained)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, liquid smoke, and black pepper until well combined.
2
Place the butterflied flank steak in a large, heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it's evenly coated. Seal the bag securely and place it in a shallow dish. Refrigerate for 8 hours, turning the bag occasionally to maximize flavor absorption.
3
After marinating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the steak from the marinade, discarding any excess marinade.
4
Spread the thawed and well-drained spinach evenly over the steak, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Layer the roasted red peppers and finely chopped onions on top of the spinach.
5
In a small bowl, combine drained chopped green chilies, minced garlic, ground cumin, and chili powder. Spread this spicy mixture over the peppers and onions, then sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese across the top.
6
Starting from the short side of the steak, carefully roll the steak tightly into a log. Use heavy kitchen twine to secure the rolled steak at 2-inch intervals.
7
Place the pinwheel steak in a shallow roasting pan and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Once cooked, allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into pinwheels and serving.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
5g
Carbs
28g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Southwestern Flank Steak Pinwheels?
Spicy Southwestern Flank Steak Pinwheels are a visually stunning dish featuring butterflied flank steak marinated in a zesty blend and rolled with layers of spinach, roasted red peppers, and Monterey Jack cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of the pinwheels?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
How long should the flank steak marinate?
The steak should be refrigerated in the marinade for 8 hours to ensure it is infused with flavor and stays tender.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the pinwheels need to cook in the oven?
The steak pinwheels should be baked for 45 minutes.
What ingredients are used in the marinade?
The marinade consists of lemon juice, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, liquid smoke, and black pepper.
What type of steak is required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 1 1/2 lbs of flank steak that has been butterflied.
How do I prepare the spinach for the filling?
Use one 8-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and well-drained.
What kind of cheese is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 28 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Which spices provide the southwestern flavor?
The southwestern flavor comes from a combination of ground cumin, chili powder, and chopped green chilies.
How do I secure the steak log before baking?
Use heavy kitchen twine to tie the rolled steak at 2-inch intervals.
Should the steak rest after cooking?
Yes, allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into pinwheels.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are 22.5 grams of fat per serving.
What gives the marinade a smoky flavor?
A teaspoon of liquid smoke is added to the marinade to provide a smoky depth.
How much fiber is in this dish?
There is 1.25 grams of fiber per serving.
How should the roasted red peppers be prepared?
The peppers should be drained and cut into thin strips before layering.
How many garlic cloves are needed in total?
The recipe uses two garlic cloves: one for the marinade and one for the spicy green chili mixture.
What size cans of green chilies are used?
The recipe uses two 4-ounce cans of chopped green chilies.
How do I layer the ingredients on the steak?
Spread spinach first, then layer red peppers and onions, followed by the chili and spice mixture, and finally the cheese.
Is there a border I should leave when spreading the filling?
Yes, leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges of the steak when spreading the spinach.
How much lemon juice is needed for the marinade?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What type of oil is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of vegetable oil.
How do I ensure the steak absorbs the marinade evenly?
Place the steak in a zip-top bag and turn the bag occasionally while it refrigerates.
Should I discard the excess marinade?
Yes, remove the steak from the marinade and discard any excess before proceeding to fill and roll.
What kind of pan is best for roasting the pinwheels?
A shallow roasting pan is recommended for baking the steak.
How do I chop the onion for the filling?
The onion should be finely chopped.
How much Worcestershire sauce is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce.