Description
French Onion Steak Pinwheels are a savory and elegant main course featuring thinly pounded flank steak rolled with caramelized balsamic onions, fresh thyme, and melted Gruyère cheese. Perfectly seared and bursting with flavor, these pinwheels combine tender beef and sweet, rich onions for a delicious meal that’s ideal for grilling or stovetop cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Steak and Filling
- 1½ pounds flank steak, butterflied and pounded thin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine, for securing the pinwheels
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown and caramelize. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and thyme, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove the skillet from heat and let the onion mixture cool slightly.
- Prepare the Steak: Lay the butterflied flank steak flat on a clean cutting board. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to infuse the meat with savory flavors.
- Assemble the Pinwheels: Spread the cooled caramelized onion mixture evenly over the entire surface of the steak. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the onions, ensuring a generous and even layer.
- Roll and Secure: Starting from one short end of the steak, tightly roll it up into a log. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the roll at intervals of 1 to 1½ inches to maintain its shape while cooking. Slice the roll into individual pinwheels.
- Cook the Pinwheels: Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Place the pinwheels onto the cooking surface and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the steak reaches your desired doneness and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pinwheels from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm as a main dish alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
Notes
- These pinwheels can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before cooking, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- For easy serving, ensure pinwheels are cut into uniform sizes to cook evenly.
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or a light green salad to complete the meal.
- Use kitchen twine for a firmer hold when grilling, especially on an open flame.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 pinwheels
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
