Tillie Doyle
Beef Florentine pinwheels are a delicious and visually impressive dish that combines beef with spinach and cheese. They are easy to prepare and can be cooked in an air fryer in just 15 minutes. The beef is flattened and seasoned, then filled with spinach and cheese, and rolled up. The air fryer cooks the beef to perfection, resulting in a juicy and tender dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or when entertaining guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Flank steak |
| Filling | Spinach, feta, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper |
| Seasoning | Salt and pepper, steak seasoning |
| Cooking method | Air fryer |
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Cooking time | 15 minutes, flipping halfway |
| Resting time | 5 minutes |
| Serving suggestion | Salad |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right beef cut
When it comes to choosing the right beef cut for your Beef Florentine Pinwheels, there are a few options to consider. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you select the best cut for this delicious dish:
Flank Steak
The flank steak is a popular choice for beef pinwheels. Look for a tender, well-marbled piece of flank steak, as this will ensure your pinwheels are juicy and flavourful. Before preparing the pinwheels, you can pound the flank steak with a meat mallet to thin it out and ensure even cooking. This cut of beef is versatile and can be used in various recipes, including grilling and air frying.
Skirt Steak
Skirt steak is another excellent option for beef pinwheels. It is a favourite cut for many due to its flavour and versatility. When using skirt steak, it is essential to trim the meat and pound it out to an even thickness. Skirt steak tends to be tougher than flank steak, so it may require marinating before use to ensure tenderness. You can also season it generously with salt, pepper, and garlic to enhance its flavour.
London Broil
If you're looking for a leaner option, London Broil is a suitable choice. It is a relatively lean cut of beef that can be flattened and used for pinwheels. While it may not be as tender as the other cuts, proper preparation and seasoning can make it a delicious option.
Blade Steak
When making beef pinwheels, you can also consider using blade steak. This cut of beef is known for its tenderness and flavour. To use blade steak for pinwheels, cut it horizontally, almost all the way through, and open it up like a book. Then, use a meat mallet to pound it to an even thickness. This technique will help create a uniform base for your pinwheels.
When choosing the right beef cut for your Beef Florentine Pinwheels, consider your personal preference, availability, and the desired cooking method. Remember, the key to delicious pinwheels is to start with a tender, well-marbled piece of meat that will roll easily and cook evenly.
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Preparing the beef
To prepare the beef for your Beef Florentine Pinwheels, start by placing your roast in the freezer for 20 to 25 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and slice.
Next, take your beef and carefully cut it lengthwise, right down the middle, being careful not to cut it all the way through. Open it up like a book and place a sheet of plastic wrap on top. Using a meat mallet, pound the meat evenly until it is about 1/4 inch thick. If your beef is already thin, you can skip this step. Square up the edges to create a uniform rectangle.
Now it's time to season your beef. You can use salt and pepper, or your favourite BBQ or steak seasoning. If you want to get fancy, try layering with slices of provolone cheese, followed by spinach leaves and sun-dried tomatoes, or a mixture of spinach, feta, and Parmesan cheese. You can also add crispy bacon strips or slices of prosciutto for an extra indulgent touch.
Once you have added your desired fillings, spread them evenly, leaving about 1/2 inch of space around the edges. Now, carefully roll up your beef in the direction of the grain of the meat, jelly-roll style. If needed, you can use kitchen string or skewers to hold it together.
Finally, slice your beef roll evenly into 8 slices, and you're ready to start cooking your Beef Florentine Pinwheels in your air fryer!
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Preparing the filling
Firstly, prepare your ingredients. For the filling, you will need spinach, cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. You can use frozen chopped spinach, but make sure it is thoroughly thawed and squeezed of excess water. Fresh spinach that has been lightly sautéed will also work, as will other hearty greens like kale or Swiss chard. For the cheese, grated Parmesan will add a nice mix of bite, nuttiness, and salt. Asiago or Pecorino Romano also offer a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, you could use feta cheese, which pairs well with spinach. For a lighter filling, swap the cheese with ricotta or herbed cream cheese for additional flavor.
Next, in a small bowl, combine the spinach, cheese, and seasoning. Mix well. If you want to add extra ingredients to the filling, now is the time to do so. For example, you could add crispy bacon strips, slices of prosciutto, or sun-dried tomatoes. You could also drizzle some oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor.
Now you have your filling, you can start to assemble your beef Florentine pinwheels. Lay down your piece of flank steak. If your flank steak is relatively thin, you can skip this step, but if you find that yours is thicker, use a meat mallet to pound it thin. Scoop the spinach and cheese mixture onto the flank steak. Roll up the steak in the direction of the grain of the meat. You can use kitchen string or skewers to hold it together.
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Cooking the pinwheels
To cook beef Florentine pinwheels in an air fryer, you'll first need to prepare the beef and filling. Choose a tender, well-marbled piece of flank steak and cut it horizontally, leaving it attached on one side. Open the steak up like a book, and place plastic wrap on top. Flatten the meat to a thickness of about 1/4 inch, then remove the plastic wrap.
For the filling, mix spinach, feta or Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. You can also add ingredients like crispy bacon strips, sour cream, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavour.
Spread the filling over the steak, leaving a gap of about 1/2 inch from the edges. Roll up the steak with the grain of the meat going from left to right, ensuring a tight roll to retain the filling. You can use kitchen string or skewers to hold the roll together. Cut the roll into 8 slices to create the pinwheels.
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the beef pinwheels in the air fryer and cook for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of doneness.
Once cooked, remove the pinwheels from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. You can serve them with a simple garden salad or air-fried side dishes like sweet potato fries or a baked potato.
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Serving suggestions
Beef Florentine pinwheels are a delicious and visually impressive dish. They are perfect for a busy weeknight meal or when entertaining guests. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this tasty treat:
Salad: A simple garden salad is a great way to serve beef Florentine pinwheels, especially if you are looking for a healthier option. A bowl of fresh, crisp salad leaves with a light dressing complements the rich flavours of the beef and spinach.
Sides: If you want to make the pinwheels the star of the show, serve them with some tasty sides. Air fryer sweet potato French fries or an air fryer baked potato are great choices to keep the cooking consistent and easy. You could also go for a more traditional route with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, or a side of creamy polenta.
Dipping Sauce: To elevate the dish, serve with a dipping sauce. A creamy horseradish sauce or a tangy mustard dip will enhance the flavours of the beef and spinach. A rich bearnaise or peppercorn sauce would also be a delicious choice.
Carve at the Table: Presenting the beef Florentine pinwheels at the table and carving them in front of your guests adds a touch of theatre to the meal. Let the pinwheels rest for 5-10 minutes before bringing them to the table and carving. This allows the juices to settle and prevents them from drying out.
Leftovers: If you have any pinwheels left over, they can be sliced and served cold the next day. They are a great addition to a charcuterie board or antipasti platter, or simply enjoyed as a sandwich filling.
With these serving suggestions, your beef Florentine pinwheels are sure to be a hit!
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Frequently asked questions
First, lay down a piece of flank steak and pound it with a meat mallet until it is thin. Then, in a small bowl, mix spinach, cheese, salt, and pepper. Next, scoop the spinach and cheese mixture onto the flank steak and roll it up in the direction of the grain of the meat. You can use kitchen string or skewers to hold it together. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the steak in the air fryer for 15 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking process.
You can fill your beef Florentine pinwheels with spinach and cheese, such as feta or Parmesan. You can also add ingredients like bacon, crispy bacon strips, prosciutto, provolone cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or sour cream.
You should cook your beef Florentine pinwheels in the air fryer for around 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.
