Grilling London broil can be a rewarding experience, especially when you transform it into flavorful pinwheels. This method not only enhances the tenderness of the meat but also allows for creative stuffing combinations, making it a crowd-pleasing dish. Let’s dive into the art of grilling London broil pinwheels, ensuring a succulent and memorable meal.
Understanding London Broil and Pinwheel Preparation
London broil, despite its name, isn’t a specific cut of beef but rather a method of preparing and cooking flank steak or top round steak. It’s crucial to understand this because the technique relies on marinating and slicing against the grain to maximize tenderness.
Choosing the Right Cut
Ideally, opt for flank steak when making London broil pinwheels. Flank steak’s fibrous texture is perfectly suited for this preparation. Top round can also work, but it tends to be leaner and requires extra attention to avoid dryness. Look for a piece of meat that is relatively uniform in thickness for even cooking. A good weight is between 1.5 to 2 pounds.
The Art of Butterflying and Pounding
The first step is to butterfly the London broil. Place the steak on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice horizontally through the center of the steak, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open it up like a book. This will double the surface area for stuffing and rolling.
Next, place the butterflied steak between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the steak to an even thickness of about 1/4 to 1/3 inch. This tenderizes the meat further and creates a consistent surface for even cooking.
Crafting the Perfect Marinade
A marinade is essential for London broil, adding flavor and helping to break down tough fibers. The best marinades contain an acid (like vinegar or citrus juice), oil, and flavorful herbs and spices.
Consider these marinade ingredients:
- Soy sauce: Provides umami and helps tenderize.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth of flavor.
- Olive oil: Keeps the meat moist.
- Garlic: A classic flavor enhancer.
- Fresh herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and oregano work beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat (optional).
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds sweetness and acidity.
Marinate the butterflied and pounded steak for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
Assembling and Rolling the Pinwheels
The stuffing is where you can get creative. Consider various flavor combinations to suit your taste.
Stuffing Options: Unleashing Culinary Creativity
The possibilities are endless. Here are a few stuffing ideas to inspire you:
- Spinach and Feta: Sautéed spinach, crumbled feta cheese, garlic, and a touch of nutmeg.
- Sun-dried Tomato and Pesto: Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained), pesto, and mozzarella cheese.
- Mushroom and Swiss: Sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions.
- Italian Sausage and Provolone: Cooked Italian sausage (removed from casing), provolone cheese, and roasted red peppers.
- Jalapeno Popper: Cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapenos (canned or fresh).
Layering the Flavors
Spread your chosen stuffing evenly over the butterflied and pounded steak, leaving a small border around the edges. Avoid overfilling, as this can make it difficult to roll and secure the pinwheel.
The Art of the Roll
Starting from one end, tightly roll the steak into a log. Use your hands to keep the filling inside as you roll. Once rolled, secure the pinwheel with butcher’s twine every 1-2 inches. This prevents the pinwheel from unraveling during grilling. Alternatively, use toothpicks, but remember to remove them after cooking.
Slicing into Pinwheels
Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled steak into pinwheels that are about 1-inch thick. Aim for even slices to ensure consistent cooking.
Grilling London Broil Pinwheels to Perfection
Grilling is the ideal cooking method for London broil pinwheels, imparting a smoky flavor and beautiful sear.
Preparing the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F). Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Grilling Techniques: Achieving the Perfect Sear
Place the pinwheels on the hot grill grates. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, until they develop a nice crust. Once seared, reduce the heat to medium or move the pinwheels to a cooler part of the grill to prevent burning.
Monitoring Internal Temperature
The key to perfectly cooked London broil pinwheels is monitoring the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F. For medium, aim for 135-145°F.
Resting: An Essential Step
Once the pinwheels reach your desired internal temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Tent the pinwheels loosely with foil during resting to keep them warm.
Serving Suggestions
Remove the butcher’s twine or toothpicks before serving. London broil pinwheels are delicious served with a variety of sides.
Consider these options:
- Grilled vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions are all excellent choices.
- Roasted potatoes: Add herbs and garlic for extra flavor.
- Rice or quinoa: A healthy and versatile side.
- Salad: A refreshing complement to the rich flavors of the pinwheels.
- Sauce: A chimichurri sauce, balsamic glaze, or horseradish cream sauce can elevate the dish.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Mastering London broil pinwheels requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success:
- Don’t Overcook: London broil is best served medium-rare to medium. Overcooking will result in tough, dry meat.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the best way to ensure accurate doneness.
- Marinate for Long Enough: The longer the marinating time, the more flavorful and tender the meat will be.
- Don’t Overfill: Overfilling the pinwheels will make them difficult to roll and cook evenly.
- Secure Tightly: Make sure the pinwheels are securely tied with butcher’s twine or toothpicks to prevent them from unraveling.
- Rest the Meat: Resting is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
- Experiment with Stuffing: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your stuffing combinations.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the final product will be.
- Clean Grill Grates: Start with clean grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Oil Grill Grates: Lightly oiling the grill grates will also help prevent sticking.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best intentions, sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues:
- Pinwheels Unraveling: Make sure the pinwheels are tightly rolled and securely tied with butcher’s twine or toothpicks.
- Meat is Tough: This is usually due to overcooking. Use a meat thermometer and don’t overcook. Marinating for a longer period of time also helps.
- Stuffing is Dry: Add a little moisture to the stuffing with olive oil or a sauce.
- Pinwheels are Burning: Reduce the heat or move the pinwheels to a cooler part of the grill.
- Uneven Cooking: Ensure the steak is pounded to an even thickness and that the pinwheels are evenly sized.
Beyond the Grill: Alternative Cooking Methods
While grilling is the preferred method, there are alternative ways to cook London broil pinwheels if grilling isn’t an option.
Oven Roasting
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness.
Pan-Searing
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and sear the pinwheels for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Then, reduce the heat to medium and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness.
London Broil Pinwheel Variations
Expand your culinary horizons with these creative variations:
Mediterranean-Inspired Pinwheels
Stuff with hummus, roasted red peppers, olives, and feta cheese.
Mexican Fiesta Pinwheels
Stuff with black beans, corn, salsa, and cheddar cheese.
Asian-Inspired Pinwheels
Stuff with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and scallions.
Spicy Southwestern Pinwheels
Stuff with chorizo, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle peppers.
London broil pinwheels are a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for grilling. By following these steps and tips, you can create a memorable meal that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process of experimentation and customization to create a unique pinwheel recipe that is all your own. The possibilities are endless!
What cut of meat is best for making London Broil pinwheels?
While London Broil is the traditional choice, flank steak is an excellent alternative and often considered even better. Flank steak tends to be more tender and has a more uniform thickness, making it easier to roll into pinwheels. Both cuts benefit from marinating and are best cooked to medium-rare to medium to avoid toughness.
Skirt steak could also be used, but it is considerably thinner than flank or London Broil, so you might need to layer the steak or adjust cooking times accordingly. The key is selecting a cut that is relatively lean and can be butterflied and rolled without falling apart easily.
How do I properly butterfly and pound the London Broil for pinwheels?
To butterfly a London Broil, place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice horizontally through the center, stopping about 1 inch from the opposite edge. Open it like a book, creating a larger, thinner surface. Cover the butterflied steak with plastic wrap.
Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the steak to an even thickness of about ¼ to ½ inch. This process tenderizes the meat and ensures it cooks evenly when rolled. Be careful not to pound too aggressively, as you don’t want to tear the meat.
What are some delicious filling ideas for London Broil pinwheels?
Classic fillings include a mixture of sautéed spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Another popular option is a combination of prosciutto, provolone cheese, and roasted red peppers. These provide a balance of flavors and textures that complement the beef.
For a spicier kick, consider adding crumbled Italian sausage, pepper jack cheese, and jalapenos. Experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and vegetables to create your own unique flavor combinations. Remember to chop all ingredients finely to ensure even distribution within the pinwheel.
How long should I marinate the London Broil before grilling the pinwheels?
Ideally, marinate the London Broil for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight, for maximum flavor penetration and tenderizing. Longer marinating times allow the marinade to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. A good marinade typically contains an acid (like vinegar or citrus juice), oil, and seasonings.
Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acid can start to break down the meat too much, leading to a mushy texture. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinade can make a noticeable difference in flavor.
What is the best way to secure the pinwheels so they don’t fall apart on the grill?
The most reliable method is to use butcher’s twine. Cut several lengths of twine, about 6-8 inches each. Tie the pinwheel securely at 1-inch intervals along its length. This prevents the filling from escaping and helps maintain the pinwheel’s shape during grilling.
Alternatively, you can use wooden skewers, but ensure they are soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Insert the skewers through the pinwheel perpendicular to the rolled edge, spacing them evenly. Remember to remove the twine or skewers before serving.
What’s the ideal grilling temperature and cooking time for London Broil pinwheels?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-450°F (190-230°C). This allows for a good sear on the outside while cooking the inside to the desired doneness. Use indirect heat for the majority of the cooking process if possible.
Grill the pinwheels for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare, or 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate readings. Let the pinwheels rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
How do I slice the London Broil pinwheels for serving?
After grilling and resting, remove the butcher’s twine or skewers from the pinwheels. Use a sharp knife to slice the pinwheels crosswise, about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Slicing against the grain of the meat will ensure maximum tenderness.
Arrange the sliced pinwheels on a platter for serving. The beautiful spiral of the filling is visually appealing and showcases the delicious layers of flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or rosemary, for an extra touch of elegance.