How to Cook Premade Steak Pinwheels in the Oven
Steak pinwheels are a delicious and gourmet option for a steak dinner. While many people are accustomed to cooking steak pinwheels in a skillet or on the grill to get that caramelized crust, it is also possible to cook them in the oven. In this article, we will explore the best method for cooking premade steak pinwheels in the oven, along with tips and techniques to ensure a flavorful and tender result.
What are steak pinwheels?
Steak pinwheels are a surprisingly simple and impressive dish. They are typically made from flank steak, which is tenderized with a meat mallet. A layer of filling, such as cream cheese, herbs and spinach, is then spread over the steak. The steak is rolled tightly, similar to a Swiss roll, and secured with cooking string. The roll is then cut into individual pinwheels.
One of the advantages of steak pinwheels is that they use a slightly tougher cut of beef, allowing you to create a gourmet dinner on a tight budget. The fillings for steak pinwheels can vary, and you can experiment with different combinations such as salami, prosciutto, or different types of cheese.
How should Steak Pinwheels be cooked?
Cooking steak pinwheels requires a careful balance to achieve both tenderness and a caramelized exterior. While there are several ways to cook steak pinwheels, the most effective technique is to sear them on both sides in a cast-iron skillet, then finish cooking in the oven.
To cook premade steak pinwheels in the oven, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Remove the steak pinwheels from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Coat a cast iron griddle or baking sheet with a generous amount of vegetable oil.
- Place the griddle or baking sheet in a preheated oven for 3-4 minutes to heat through.
- Remove the griddle or tray from the oven and carefully place the pinwheels on the surface. They should sizzle when they touch the hot surface.
- Return the griddle or tray to the oven and cook for 3 minutes.
- Flip the pinwheels to sear the other side and cook for another 3 minutes.
- When both sides are golden brown, remove the griddle or pan from the oven and cover with aluminum foil to create a tent dome filled with steam.
- Return the covered grill or rack to the oven and continue cooking until the pinwheel steaks reach your desired doneness. This will typically take 10-15 minutes for a medium-rare steak.
How Long to Cook Beef Pinwheels in the Oven
Oven cooking time for steak pinwheels can vary depending on factors such as the thickness of the steak and the size of the pinwheels. In addition, the desired level of doneness will also affect the cooking time. As a general guideline, allow approximately 25 minutes from start to finish to cook steak pinwheels in the oven. This time frame should be sufficient to produce a medium-rare steak with a caramelized exterior for an average-sized pinwheel.
How to determine when steak pinwheels are done
The best way to determine when steak pinwheels are cooked to your desired doneness is to use a meat thermometer. However, if you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can rely on visual cues and the color of the meat.
For rare steak pinwheels, the internal temperature should reach about 120°F (49°C). Medium-rare steak pinwheels should reach an internal temperature of about 130°F (54°C). Medium doneness corresponds to an internal temperature of about 140°F (60°C). Medium-well steak pinwheels should have an internal temperature of approximately 145°F (63°C), while well-done steak pinwheels should reach an internal temperature of approximately 155°F (68°C).
In addition, you can visually judge the doneness of steak pinwheels by observing the color of the meat and juices. Rare steaks should show some pink in the center, while well-done steak pinwheels should be evenly cooked throughout.
Preparing Steak Pinwheels in Advance for a Party
If you’re hosting a dinner party and want to prepare steak pinwheels in advance, there are a few strategies you can employ to ensure a stress-free cooking experience.
First, take advantage of the resting time once the pinwheels are cooked. After cooking, the steak should rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. You can take advantage of this resting time by cooking the steak slightly under your desired doneness. The residual heat will continue to cook the steak while it rests, bringing it to the perfect level of doneness.
Another option is to partially cook the pinwheels in advance and finish them in the oven just before serving. This method allows you to do most of the cooking ahead of time, minimizing last-minute preparation.
To partially precook the pinwheels, follow these steps:
- Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pinwheels on each side for about 2 minutes, until they develop a caramelized crust.
- Remove the partially cooked pinwheels from the skillet or grill pan and allow to cool.
- Place the cooled pinwheels in an airtight container and refrigerate until needed.
When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the partially cooked pinwheels to a baking sheet. Cook them in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness.
By using these strategies, you can ensure that your steak pinwheels are cooked to perfection without feeling overwhelmed with last-minute cooking tasks.
Conclusion
Cooking premade steak pinwheels in the oven is a convenient and effective way to achieve tender, flavorful results. By searing the pinwheels on a hot surface and finishing in the oven, you can create a caramelized exterior while maintaining the desired level of doneness. Remember to let the pinwheels rest before serving to ensure optimal tenderness. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a special meal at home, these techniques will help you create an impressive and delicious dish that is sure to impress your guests or loved ones. Enjoy the culinary journey of pre-cooked steak pinwheels in the oven and savor every bite of this gourmet treat.
FAQS
Can I cook pre-made Steak Pinwheels in the oven?
Yes, you can definitely cook premade Steak Pinwheels in the oven. In fact, using the oven is an effective way to achieve tender and flavorful results.
What is the best way to cook premade Steak Pinwheels in the oven?
The best way to cook premade steak pinwheels in the oven is to sear them on each side on a preheated cast iron griddle in the oven, then loosely cover and cook through. This technique helps create a caramelized exterior while ensuring the pinwheels cook evenly.
How long should I cook premade steak pinwheels in the oven?
Oven cooking times for pre-made Steak Pinwheels can vary depending on factors such as the size and thickness of the pinwheels. As a general guideline, allow approximately 25 minutes from start to finish to cook steak pinwheels in the oven. However, it’s important to monitor the internal temperature and adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve your desired doneness.
What is the internal temperature of Steak Pinwheels when cooked?
The optimal internal temperature for steak pinwheels depends on your desired doneness. For rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 120°F (49°C). Medium-rare should have an internal temperature of about 130°F (54°C), while medium is about 140°F (60°C). For medium-well, the internal temperature should be about 145°F (63°C), and well-done pinwheels should reach about 155°F (68°C).
Can I prepare Steak Pinwheels in advance and cook them later?
Yes, you can partially cook the pinwheels in advance and finish them in the oven just before serving. This allows you to do most of the cooking ahead of time, which is more convenient when serving a large group or when you want to minimize last-minute preparation.
Why is it important to let the cooked pinwheels rest before serving?
Allowing the cooked pinwheels to rest for a few minutes before serving is important because it allows the juices in the meat to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. This resting period ensures a better eating experience by improving the overall texture and flavor of the pinwheels.