Stuffed Flank Steak

Elevate your family dinner with stuffed flank steak, a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress! This flavorful favorite features tender flank steak stuffed with a delicious blend of spinach, cheeses, and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy weeknight meal, this dish combines rich flavors and an elegant presentation that will delight your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spinach, cheeses, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
• Impressive Presentation: Stuffed flank steak looks stunning on the plate, making it ideal for dinner parties or celebrations.
• Versatile Dish: This recipe can be adapted with different fillings, allowing you to customize it to your family’s tastes.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish without any hassle, even if you’re not an expert cook.
• Leftover Friendly: Any leftovers make for great sandwiches or salads the next day!

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect stuffed flank steak, having the right tools is essential. Below are some items that will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Baking dish
• Skillet
• Meat mallet

Importance of Each Tool

• Sharp knife: A quality knife makes slicing the flank steak easier and ensures clean cuts when preparing the filling.
• Baking dish: Using a suitable baking dish allows even cooking and helps retain all those delicious juices while roasting.
• Skillet: A skillet is perfect for sautéing your filling ingredients to enhance their flavors before stuffing them into the steak.

Ingredients

For the Steak

• 1 pound flank steak
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

How to Make Stuffed Flank Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by sautéing the fresh spinach in a skillet until wilted. Remove it from heat and mix it with ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic powder in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Flank Steak

Lay the flank steak on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to butterfly it by cutting horizontally through the thickest part but not all the way through. Open it like a book and gently pound it out with a meat mallet for even thickness.

Step 3: Stuff and Roll

Spread the prepared filling evenly over one side of the opened flank steak. Carefully roll it up from one end to the other. Secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks to hold its shape during cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Steak

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each side of the rolled flank steak for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Then transfer it to a baking dish.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

With these steps completed, you’ll have an impressive stuffed flank steak ready to serve! Enjoy every bite of this delectable meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

How to Serve Stuffed Flank Steak

Serving stuffed flank steak can transform a regular meal into a special occasion. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Garden Salad: A crisp mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons complement the steak well.
• Spinach Salad: With slices of red onion and a tangy vinaigrette, it echoes the stuffing flavors.

Add Flavorful Sauces

• Chimichurri Sauce: This vibrant sauce brings a zesty kick that pairs perfectly.
• Balsamic Reduction: Drizzling this sweet and tangy sauce enhances the savory notes.
• Garlic Herb Butter: A dollop on top melts beautifully over the warm steak.

Serve with Hearty Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Perfect for soaking up juices and sauces from the steak.
• Garlic Bread: Adds a crispy, buttery element that complements the dish well.

How to Perfect Stuffed Flank Steak

Perfecting stuffed flank steak involves careful preparation and cooking techniques. Follow these tips for an unforgettable meal.

• Choose Quality Meat: Select fresh, high-quality flank steak for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Even Stuffing Distribution: Spread the filling evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
• Tightly Roll: Roll the flank steak tightly to prevent the stuffing from spilling out during cooking.
• Sear Before Baking: Searing adds depth of flavor and creates a beautiful crust on the meat.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the steak to rest after cooking helps retain juices for a moist result.

Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Flank Steak

The right side dishes can perfectly complement your stuffed flank steak. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until tender enhances your plate’s color and nutrition.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their rich texture provides a delightful contrast to the savory steak.
3. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus adds freshness and crunch without overpowering flavors.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa mixed with herbs offers a healthy, protein-packed side.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy slaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the meat.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with broth or spices serves as an excellent base for your meal.
7. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness that pairs nicely with stuffed flank steak.
8. Potato Wedges: Crispy wedges seasoned with herbs make for an easy, crowd-pleasing side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing stuffed flank steak, avoiding common pitfalls can make all the difference in your dish’s success.

• Not tenderizing the meat: Flank steak is naturally tough. Use a meat mallet to pound it to ensure tenderness and better flavor absorption.
• Overstuffing the steak: While it’s tempting to add plenty of filling, overstuffing can cause the steak to burst during cooking. Aim for a moderate amount of stuffing for even cooking.
• Skipping the resting period: Allowing the stuffed flank steak to rest after cooking keeps it juicy. Cutting into it too soon will let all the juices escape.
• Neglecting seasoning: Don’t forget to season both the outside and inside of the steak. A little salt and pepper enhance overall flavor significantly.
• Ignoring cooking temperature: Cooking at too high a temperature can dry out your steak. Use medium heat for even cooking and check internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Stuffed Flank Steak

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Stuffed Flank Steak

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is stuffed flank steak?

Stuffed flank steak is a beef dish where flank steak is filled with ingredients like spinach, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, then rolled and cooked.

How do I choose flank steak?

Look for flank steaks that are bright red with minimal fat marbling. A good cut should feel firm to the touch.

Can I use other fillings besides spinach?

Absolutely! You can customize your stuffed flank steak with various fillings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or different types of cheese to suit your taste.

How long does it take to cook stuffed flank steak?

Cooking time varies by thickness but generally takes about 25-30 minutes at medium heat on the stovetop or grill.

How do I know when my stuffed flank steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for medium.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed flank steak is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and fillings. This dish can elevate any dinner table and impress family or guests alike. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; customize it according to your preferences!