If you’re craving a steak dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors and is a total crowd-pleaser, you’ve got to try my Grilled Lemon Herb Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe. These pinwheels are not only impressive-looking but also incredibly juicy and packed with vibrant herbs, tangy lemon zest, and nutty Parmesan. Trust me, once you grill these, your family and friends will be asking for seconds—this is one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want to wow everyone without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh, Vibrant Flavor: The lemon zest and herbs bring an incredible brightness that lifts the rich steak beautifully.
- Easy to Prep: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
- Perfect Portions: Cutting the flank steak into pinwheels makes for attractive presentation and easy serving sizes.
- Juicy, Tender Steak Every Time: Rolling the herbs and cheese inside keeps the steak moist and flavorful throughout grilling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients work so well together to create a bold, herbaceous flavor profile with a hint of citrusy zing. When shopping, look for a nice fresh flank steak that’s even in thickness, and fresh herbs that smell fragrant for that extra pop.
- Flank steak: I love using flank for this recipe because it’s lean but tender when cooked right and perfect for rolling.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasonings stick to the meat.
- Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh ground black pepper: For that subtle heat and depth.
- Lemon zest: Divided between steaks to brighten and lift the whole dish.
- Rosemary: I stem it and coarsely chop to distribute that piney, aromatic flavor evenly.
- Garlic: Fresh grated garlic infuses the meat with wonderful pungency.
- Flat-leaf parsley: Adds freshness and a bit of earthiness—loose packing helps layer the flavor without weighing down.
- Shaved Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty nuttiness that melts slightly inside the pinwheels.
- Pre-soaked skewers: Prevents skewers from burning on the grill—soak them for at least 20 minutes.
Variations
I’m all about making recipes my own, and you’ll find that this Grilled Lemon Herb Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe is super flexible. Swap out ingredients or add extras to match your taste or occasion—there’s no wrong way to enjoy these pinwheels.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic and herb mixture for a subtle heat that my family loves.
- Cheese Swap: For a gooey twist, try replacing Parmesan with mozzarella or even a sharp cheddar if you want something melty.
- Herb Variations: Thyme or oregano can be great alternatives or add-ins if you want a different herb flavor profile.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Skip the Parmesan and increase the garlic and herbs to keep the same punch of flavor.
How to Make Grilled Lemon Herb Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Flatten Your Steak
Lay your flank steak flat on a large work surface. If some parts are thicker, gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it’s evenly about ¼ to ½ inch thick. This not only helps it cook evenly but also makes rolling it up so much easier.
Step 2: Season and Layer Flavors
Drizzle your steak with olive oil on both sides and season generously with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Spread the zest of one lemon evenly on each steak; this zest is where your steaks get that incredible bright note. Scatter the chopped rosemary, grated garlic, and then sprinkle about 1 cup of flat-leaf parsley leaves over each piece. Finally, lay on a generous amount of shaved Parmesan cheese—you want the cheese right on top to help it stick inside when you roll the steak.
Step 3: Roll and Skewer
Carefully roll each steak tightly into a large pinwheel. Using your pre-soaked skewers, thread them through the center of each rolled steak about 1.5 inches apart. This keeps your pinwheel snug and helps it hold its shape on the grill. Then, slice between the skewers to give you six pinwheel segments per steak, each about 1 ½ inches thick and roughly 4 inches in diameter.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lay the pinwheels carefully on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. I like to watch the internal temperature, aiming for medium-rare to medium—about 130-135°F—but you can cook it to your preference. Just avoid overcooking as flank steak can get tough.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Lemon Herb Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe
- Even Thickness is Key: Flattening the steak evenly ensures every bite cooks at the same rate and prevents chewy, uneven spots.
- Pre-Soaked Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers ahead stops them from burning and keeps them sturdy for grilling.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Let the pinwheels rest for 5 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices and keep every slice tender.
- Sharp Knife for Cutting: Use a very sharp knife to cut between skewers for clean pinwheels that hold together nicely.
How to Serve Grilled Lemon Herb Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish the pinwheels with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a little extra lemon zest for that fresh pop. Sometimes I drizzle a bit of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or even a light balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness that balances the herbs beautifully.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels pair wonderfully with grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, or my go-to garlicky mashed potatoes. Sometimes I’ll do a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to keep the meal light and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served these pinwheels on a wooden charcuterie board surrounded by roasted cherry tomatoes and olives. It makes a stunning presentation for dinner parties or intimate gatherings, and everyone loves the visual impact!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually wrap leftover pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well up to 3 days, and the flavors actually intensify overnight.
Freezing
If I want to prep ahead, I’ll assemble the pinwheels but skip the grilling step, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully and can go straight onto the grill from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes.
Reheating
To reheat leftover pinwheels, I pop them in a hot skillet with a tiny bit of olive oil for a few minutes per side until warmed through. This helps retain their crisp exterior without overcooking the steak.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its flavor and ability to roll well, you can try skirt steak or even sirloin, but make sure the cut is thin enough to roll easily. Thicker cuts may take longer to cook or be harder to shape into pinwheels.
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How do I know when the pinwheels are done on the grill?
Grilling about 5 minutes per side over medium-high heat usually gets you medium-rare to medium. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temp of 130-135°F. Remember, the steak will continue to cook a little after removing from the grill, so pull them just before your ideal doneness.
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Can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pinwheels a few hours ahead and keep them wrapped tightly in the fridge until ready to grill. If you want to freeze them, do so before grilling and add a bit more cooking time when grilling from frozen.
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What sides go best with grilled flank steak pinwheels?
Roasted or grilled veggies, garlicky mashed potatoes, or fresh salads with lemon vinaigrette all complement the vibrant, herbaceous steak perfectly. I recommend something bright and fresh to balance the richness.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Grilled Lemon Herb Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe transforms a humble cut of steak into something so special and festive. It’s my go-to when I want delicious gourmet vibes without a ton of fuss. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy the juicy, fresh flavor explosion as much as my family and I do. Trust me, once you master these pinwheels, they’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!
Print
Grilled Lemon Herb Flank Steak Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Flank Steak Pinwheels are a flavorful and visually impressive grilled dish featuring tender flank steak rolled with a zesty blend of lemon, rosemary, garlic, parsley, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Perfect for outdoor cooking and ready in under 30 minutes, these pinwheels offer a deliciously balanced meal that pairs well with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 lbs flank steak
Seasonings and Marinade
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- Zest of 2 lemons, divided
- 4 tablespoons rosemary, stemmed and coarsely chopped
- 8 cloves garlic, grated
Fillings
- 2 cups loosely packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 1 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Other
- Pre-soaked skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it is ready for cooking the pinwheels evenly.
- Prepare the Steak: Lay the flank steaks on a large work surface and gently pound them if necessary to achieve an even thickness of about 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick, ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Season the Meat: Drizzle olive oil over both sides of each steak. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Add Lemon Zest: Sprinkle the zest of one lemon evenly across each steak to add a fresh citrus aroma and flavor layer.
- Layer Aromatics: Evenly spread the chopped rosemary and grated garlic over the steaks, followed by scattering about 1 cup of the flat-leaf parsley leaves atop each steak.
- Add Cheese: Top the parsley with shaved Parmesan cheese to provide a savory and creamy component.
- Roll and Secure: Carefully roll each steak tightly into pinwheels, then insert pre-soaked skewers through the center of each roll, spacing skewers approximately 1.5 inches apart to hold the pinwheels firmly together.
- Slice into Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, cut between the skewers to create 6 even pinwheels per steak, each roughly 1 1/2 inches thick and 4 inches in diameter.
- Grill the Pinwheels: Place the pinwheels on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your preferred level of doneness, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to slightly melt.
Notes
- This recipe delivers tender and juicy flank steak pinwheels that can be quickly prepared and grilled in under 30 minutes.
- Make sure to pre-soak wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Adjust grilling time according to your preferred steak doneness.
- Serve these pinwheels with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 434 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 504 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 59 g
- Cholesterol: 158 mg