Description
French Onion Steak Pinwheels combine tender flank steak rolled with rich provolone or Swiss cheese and deeply caramelized onions infused with balsamic vinegar and thyme. Grilled or pan-seared to perfection, these pinwheels are a flavorful and impressive main course perfect for a special dinner or weekend meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Cheese
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak (butterflied and pounded thin)
- 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- Butcher’s twine (for tying)
Caramelized Onions
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter. Add the thinly sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook the onions for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and set the onions aside to cool.
- Prepare the Steak: Lay the butterflied and pounded flank or skirt steak flat on a clean surface. Arrange the cheese slices evenly over the entire surface of the steak.
- Assemble the Pinwheels: Spread the caramelized onions evenly atop the cheese layer, then sprinkle the thyme leaves over the onions. Starting at one long end, roll the steak tightly into a log. Secure the roll with butcher’s twine, tying at 2-inch intervals to hold the shape firmly.
- Chill the Roll: Place the tied steak roll in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes. Chilling firms the roll and makes it easier to slice into even pinwheels.
- Slice the Pinwheels: After chilling, slice the steak roll into approximately 1½-inch thick pinwheels.
- Cook the Pinwheels: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak pinwheels for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove from heat and let the pinwheels rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak in a garlic and herb mixture before assembling.
- You can bake the pinwheels at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes as an alternative to grilling or pan-searing.
- Serve the pinwheels alongside mashed potatoes or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
