Imagine a dish that combines the rich, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of perfectly cooked steak with the sweet, caramelized depth of French onions and the luxurious creaminess of Gruyere cheese. These French Onion Steak Pinwheels are not just a meal; they're a culinary journey that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary gastronomic experience. Prepare to impress your guests and elevate your cooking game with this show-stopping recipe that looks as incredible as it tastes!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the flank steak by laying it flat on a cutting board and carefully butterfly the meat, creating an even surface by gently pounding it to about 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown, approximately 20-25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during cooking.
- Allow the caramelized onions to cool completely. Once cooled, spread them evenly across the butterflied flank steak, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and shredded Gruyere cheese over the caramelized onions, ensuring even distribution.
- Carefully roll the steak tightly from one end to the other, creating a pinwheel shape. Secure the roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks to prevent unraveling.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the exterior of the rolled steak with additional salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over high heat. Sear the pinwheel on all sides until a golden-brown crust forms, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet with the seared pinwheel to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes for medium-rare, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness.
- Remove from the oven and let the steak rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Remove kitchen twine or toothpicks.
- Slice the pinwheel into 1-inch thick rounds, revealing the beautiful caramelized onion and cheese spiral. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Tips
- Choose a high-quality flank steak and ask your butcher to help you butterfly it evenly for consistent cooking.
- Take your time caramelizing the onions - patience is key to developing deep, rich flavor.
- Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure the pinwheel tightly and prevent unraveling during cooking.
- Let the steak rest after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness and easier slicing.
- For the most tender result, aim for medium-rare and use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- If possible, use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear and even heat distribution.
- Fresh thyme is crucial for authentic flavor, so avoid dried herbs if possible.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 100mg
