French Onion Steak Pinwheels are a delectable fusion of two beloved comfort foods: French onion soup and grilled steak. This dish takes the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions and melds them with tender skirt steak and gooey melted cheese, all rolled into a neat pinwheel and grilled to perfection. The result is a mouthwatering entrée that’s both elegant and satisfying. Ideal for special occasions or a weekend dinner, these pinwheels offer a gourmet experience without the complexity. The combination of sweet onions, hearty beef, and melted cheese creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 whole skirt steaks
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2 medium white onions, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon beef tallow
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 cup beef broth
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1/4 cup bourbon
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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4 slices Swiss cheese
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1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
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1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
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1 tablespoon melted butter
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Kitchen twine for tying
Directions:
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Prepare the Caramelized Onions:
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C) for direct cooking. Place a cast iron skillet on the grill to preheat for about 2 minutes.
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Add beef tallow to the skillet and melt over medium heat.
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Add the thinly sliced white onions to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized. This process should take about 45-60 minutes.
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Once the onions are caramelized, add minced garlic and chopped rosemary to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
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Deglaze the skillet with beef broth and bourbon, then add brown sugar. Let the mixture simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Prepare the Skirt Steaks:
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Lay the skirt steaks on a cutting board and cover with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Use a heavy mallet to pound the steaks to about 1/2 inch thickness.
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Drizzle vegetable oil over both sides of the steaks and season with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
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Assemble the Pinwheels:
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Place 2 slices of Swiss cheese on each skirt steak, followed by a generous portion of the caramelized onion mixture.
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Carefully roll each steak lengthwise into a tight cylinder and secure with kitchen twine at 2-inch intervals.
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Prepare the Cheese Crust:
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In a small bowl, combine shredded Gruyère cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese.
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Grill the Pinwheels:
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
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Place the pinwheels on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness and the cheese crust is golden brown.
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Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 600 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings
French Onion Steak Pinwheels: A Gourmet Twist on a Classic Dish
French Onion Steak Pinwheels combine two culinary favorites into one unforgettable dish. This recipe takes the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup—caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted cheese—and pairs them with tender skirt steak, creating a unique and indulgent dish that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. It’s the perfect choice for a special dinner or a hearty meal that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone looking to try something new, this recipe offers a delicious journey through comfort food with a gourmet flair.
Background of the Dish
The concept of French onion soup is a time-honored dish that has been a staple of French cuisine for centuries. It’s beloved for its rich, savory flavor, stemming from slow-cooked caramelized onions and rich beef broth, usually topped with melted cheese and toasted bread. Over time, variations of this classic have emerged, including the use of the flavors of French onion soup in dishes such as casseroles and braises.
The French Onion Steak Pinwheels take the essence of French onion soup and combine it with skirt steak, a flavorful and tender cut of meat that’s perfect for grilling. The result is a dish that combines the best of both worlds: the sweetness and complexity of caramelized onions, the richness of beef, and the meltiness of cheese, all wrapped in a juicy steak pinwheel.
This recipe offers a fresh perspective on a classic French dish, adding an element of elegance while maintaining the comforting qualities that make French onion soup so beloved. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or hosting a gathering, French Onion Steak Pinwheels will wow anyone lucky enough to try them.
Why This Recipe is the Best
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A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
The combination of tender skirt steak, caramelized onions, and melted cheese makes each bite a flavor-packed experience. The natural sweetness of the caramelized onions pairs beautifully with the savory and juicy skirt steak, while the richness of melted cheese (like Swiss or Gruyère) adds a satisfying creaminess. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that are comforting yet refined.
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Gourmet Taste with Minimal Effort
While French Onion Steak Pinwheels may look like an intricate dish, it’s surprisingly simple to make. The hardest part is caramelizing the onions, which requires patience but yields a deeply flavorful result. After that, the steak is easy to prepare, and the rolling process is straightforward. This dish gives you the satisfaction of a gourmet meal without requiring hours of prep. It’s perfect for those who want to impress at dinner parties or enjoy a special meal at home without spending all day in the kitchen.
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Perfectly Balanced Meal
This recipe is not only delicious, but it also offers a balanced combination of macronutrients. The steak provides a hearty serving of protein, while the caramelized onions contribute fiber and nutrients, especially when cooked slowly to bring out their natural sweetness. The melted cheese adds a rich, creamy texture, making each bite decadent without being overly heavy. The dish is also rich in iron, which is important for energy production and transporting oxygen throughout the body. With a side of vegetables or a salad, this meal becomes a complete and satisfying dinner.
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Versatility in Toppings and Fillings
One of the standout features of French Onion Steak Pinwheels is their versatility. While the recipe calls for specific ingredients like Swiss cheese and caramelized onions, you can easily customize it based on your preferences. For example, you can add mushrooms to the filling for an earthy flavor, or swap out the Swiss cheese for Gruyère or provolone. For a bit of extra heat, try adding some fresh herbs like thyme or even a touch of Dijon mustard. This recipe can adapt to whatever flavors you enjoy or have on hand, making it a great option for experimenting in the kitchen.
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Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
If you’re making this dish ahead of time, French Onion Steak Pinwheels hold up well for meal prep or leftovers. You can assemble the pinwheels in advance, refrigerate them, and grill them just before serving. They can be reheated the next day, and the flavors will only deepen, especially with the caramelized onions. Whether you’re preparing a meal for the week or simply want to enjoy leftovers, this recipe keeps well and doesn’t lose its appeal after a day in the fridge.
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Elegant Yet Approachable
French Onion Steak Pinwheels are perfect for dinner parties or any occasion where you want to present a refined yet approachable dish. The pinwheels are visually stunning when plated and add a touch of sophistication to any table. At the same time, they are simple enough to be enjoyed by the whole family. The process of rolling the steak and securing it with twine elevates the dish’s presentation, making it look more elaborate than it actually is.
Health Benefits
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Protein-Rich
Skirt steak is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and maintaining overall health. Each pinwheel is packed with a significant amount of protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied. Protein is also crucial for maintaining a healthy metabolism and promoting weight management.
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Rich in Essential Nutrients
In addition to protein, the ingredients in this recipe offer various essential nutrients. The caramelized onions are rich in fiber, which supports digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer. Onions also contain antioxidants, which can help protect the body against oxidative stress. The addition of cheese provides calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth, as well as vitamin A, important for eye health.
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Flavor without Excessive Calories
While French Onion Steak Pinwheels are undeniably indulgent, they don’t come with an excessive calorie count, especially when made at home. The key is using high-quality ingredients in moderation. By making this dish yourself, you can control the amount of oil, cheese, and other seasonings, making it possible to enjoy the rich flavors without overdoing it on calories.
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Customizable to Dietary Needs
While this dish is naturally gluten-free (as it uses skirt steak and no bread crumbs in the filling), it can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences. For those looking to reduce fat content, you can opt for a leaner cut of steak or use less cheese. For vegetarians, the steak can be replaced with a variety of plant-based protein sources, such as grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu, along with the caramelized onions for that sweet-savory combination.
The Best Steak for French Onion Steak Pinwheels
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility with different cuts of steak, but skirt steak is the recommended choice due to its flavor and texture. Skirt steak is thin and full of marbling, which means it stays tender and juicy when cooked. Other good options include flank steak or flat iron steak, which are also relatively lean yet flavorful.
For optimal results, it’s important to cook the steak to the desired doneness. Skirt steak cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Medium-rare to medium is usually the ideal doneness for this recipe, as it ensures the steak remains tender and juicy, complementing the rich fillings.
Serving Suggestions
French Onion Steak Pinwheels are incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. Since the steak is rich and savory, serving it with lighter sides can help balance the meal. A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts would complement the richness of the pinwheels without overpowering them.
If you prefer a heartier meal, consider pairing the pinwheels with mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes. The creamy texture of the potatoes will pair well with the rich, caramelized onions and tender steak.
Conclusion
French Onion Steak Pinwheels are a perfect example of how classic flavors can be elevated into a show-stopping dish. With their rich combination of tender skirt steak, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, these pinwheels deliver a gourmet experience that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a special meal at home, this recipe offers a sophisticated yet approachable way to enjoy the flavors of French onion soup. Customize it to suit your taste and dietary preferences, and you have a dish that is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
