Cowboy Butter Steak Pinwheels

Cowboy Butter Steak Pinwheels are a show-stopping, flavor-packed dish that combines tender steak with a rich, buttery herb spread.

This recipe is ideal for an impressive dinner or a special occasion, but it’s so easy to make that it works for weeknight meals too! Juicy steak is rolled up with cowboy butter—a blend of butter, garlic, herbs, and a touch of spice—then sliced into pinwheels and grilled or baked to perfection.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Cutting board
• Small mixing bowl
• Baking sheet or grill
• Kitchen twine

Ingredients Overview

• Steak: Flank steak or skirt steak works best for its thin cut and ability to roll easily.
• Butter: The base of the cowboy butter, adding richness and moisture.
• Garlic and Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, and garlic bring aromatic flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
• Spices: Paprika and cayenne provide a smoky, spicy kick.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs flank steak
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cowboy Butter

• In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic, parsley, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well until smooth.

2. Flatten the Steak

• Lay the flank steak on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it into an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

3. Spread the Cowboy Butter

• Evenly spread the prepared butter mixture over one side of the steak, ensuring full coverage.

4. Roll and Tie the Steak

• Starting from one end, tightly roll the steak into a log. Use kitchen twine to tie the roll at 1-inch intervals to secure it.

5. Slice into Pinwheels

• Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled steak into 1-inch-thick pinwheels.

6. Cook the Pinwheels

• Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the pinwheels for 3–4 minutes per side until the steak reaches your desired doneness.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the pinwheels on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

7. Serve

• Remove the twine before serving and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Choose the Right Steak: Use flank steak or skirt steak for the best texture and rolling capability.
• Soften the Butter: Ensure the butter is soft enough to spread easily, but not melted.
• Secure the Rolls: Tie the steak tightly with kitchen twine to prevent the pinwheels from unraveling during cooking.
• Don’t Overcook: Steak pinwheels are best served medium-rare to medium for optimal tenderness.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic potatoes
• Grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini
• A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Buttery dinner rolls or crusty bread

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and cook just before serving.

What can I use instead of flank steak?
Skirt steak or a butterflied sirloin steak are excellent alternatives.

Can I freeze the pinwheels?
Yes, freeze the prepared pinwheels before cooking. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before grilling or baking.

How do I prevent the butter from leaking out during cooking?
Make sure the steak is tightly rolled and tied securely with twine.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a bold red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.
• Top with additional melted cowboy butter for extra richness.
• Pair with a fresh tomato-cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

Enjoy these flavorful Cowboy Butter Steak Pinwheels, a perfect mix of juicy steak and buttery, herby goodness that’s sure to impress!

Cowboy Butter Steak Pinwheels

Cowboy Butter Steak Pinwheels are a show-stopping, flavor-packed dish that combines tender steak with a rich, buttery herb spread.

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Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs flank steak
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Cowboy Butter
• In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic, parsley, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well until smooth.
• Flatten the Steak
• Lay the flank steak on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it into an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Spread the Cowboy Butter
• Evenly spread the prepared butter mixture over one side of the steak, ensuring full coverage.
• Roll and Tie the Steak
• Starting from one end, tightly roll the steak into a log. Use kitchen twine to tie the roll at 1-inch intervals to secure it.
• Slice into Pinwheels
• Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled steak into 1-inch-thick pinwheels.
• Cook the Pinwheels
• Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the pinwheels for 3–4 minutes per side until the steak reaches your desired doneness.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the pinwheels on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Serve
• Remove the twine before serving and garnish with additional parsley if desired.