Steak Pinwheels with Cowboy Butter Recipe
Introduction
Steak Pinwheels with Cowboy Butter are a flavorful and impressive dish that combines tender skirt steak, melted cheese, and savory salami rolled into a beautiful pinwheel shape. Finished with a spicy, rich butter, this recipe is perfect for grilling enthusiasts and steak lovers looking to elevate their meal.

Ingredients
- 2 whole skirt steaks
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups chopped parsley
- 20-30 salami slices
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- Oil (as needed)
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1.5 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp cayenne powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Lay your skirt steak flat on a cutting board and cover it with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Use a heavy mallet to pound the steak until it is less than ½ inch thick.
- Step 2: Spread a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the steak, then add a layer of salami slices and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Step 3: Carefully roll the steak up lengthwise to form a pinwheel. Secure the roll with two strings of butcher twine and slice between the strings to create two separate pinwheels.
- Step 4: Brush the outside of each pinwheel with oil and season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Repeat for all pinwheels.
- Step 5: Preheat your grill to a two-zone setup with a high heat zone around 400°F.
- Step 6: Place the pinwheels on the hot side of the grill and sear for 1 minute per side until a crust forms. Then move them to the cooler side of the grill and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 125°F, about 10-15 minutes. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Step 7: While the steaks rest, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, red chili flakes, and cayenne powder in a bowl to make the Cowboy Butter.
- Step 8: Top each rested pinwheel with a generous spoonful of Cowboy Butter. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
- Swap salami for prosciutto or smoked ham for a different flavor profile.
- For extra smokiness, add a handful of wood chips to your grill while cooking.
- Omit cayenne powder or reduce chili flakes for a milder Cowboy Butter.
Storage
Store leftover steak pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or covered skillet to maintain tenderness and avoid drying out. Cowboy Butter can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week and added warm when serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels earlier in the day and refrigerate them before grilling. Bring them to room temperature before cooking for even grilling.
What can I use if I don’t have skirt steak?
Flank steak or flat iron steak are good substitutes as they have a similar texture and cook well when pounded thin for rolling.
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Steak Pinwheels with Cowboy Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Steak Pinwheels with Cowboy Butter are a flavorful and visually impressive grilled dish featuring skirt steak rolled with mozzarella, salami, and parsley. The pinwheels are seared over high heat for a crust then finished on a cooler part of the grill for perfect doneness. They are served topped with a zesty, spicy Cowboy Butter made from melted butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, parsley, red chili flakes, and cayenne powder, adding a rich and bold finish to this hearty and delicious recipe.
Ingredients
Steak Pinwheels
- 2 Whole Skirt Steaks
- 3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 cups Chopped Parsley
- 20–30 Salami Slices
- 2 tbsp Kosher Salt
- 2 tbsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Garlic Powder
- Oil (as needed)
- Beef Tallow (amount as needed for slathering)
Cowboy Butter
- 2 sticks Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1.5 tbsp Chopped Parsley
- 2 tsp Red Chili Flakes
- 1 tsp Cayenne Powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Lay your skirt steaks on a cutting board and cover them with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a heavy mallet or meat mallet, pound the steaks until they are less than ½ inch thick, ensuring even thickness for rolling and cooking.
- Add the Filling: Evenly spread a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the flattened steak. Next, layer salami slices on top, followed by a generous amount of chopped parsley to add freshness and flavor.
- Roll and Secure: Carefully roll the steak lengthwise into a tight pinwheel shape. Use butcher twine to securely tie two strings around the roll, then slice between the twines to create two individual pinwheels from each roll.
- Season the Pinwheels: Slather the exterior of each pinwheel with beef tallow to enhance browning and flavor. Generously season all sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Preheat the Grill: Prepare your grill for two-zone cooking with a high heat side around 400°F (204°C) and a cooler side. This setup allows for searing and then slower cooking.
- Sear the Pinwheels: Place the pinwheels on the hot side of the grill, searing each side for 1 minute until a deep crust forms. This step locks in juices and develops flavor.
- Cook to Temperature: Move the pinwheels to the cooler side of the grill. Cook them indirectly for about 10-15 minutes more, or until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare doneness. Once cooked, remove the pinwheels and let them rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter: In a bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, red chili flakes, and cayenne powder. Mix well and set aside.
- Serve: Top each rested pinwheel with a generous amount of Cowboy Butter. Slice the pinwheels into rounds, serve immediately, and enjoy the rich and spicy flavors.
Notes
- Use a meat mallet carefully to avoid tearing the steak while pounding.
- Beef tallow can be substituted with oil or butter if unavailable, but beef tallow adds authentic flavor.
- Monitoring internal temperature with a meat thermometer is key for perfect doneness.
- Allowing the meat to rest after cooking ensures juiciness and tenderness.
- Adjust chili flakes and cayenne in the Cowboy Butter to control spiciness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: steak pinwheels, grilled steak roll, cowboy butter, skirt steak recipe, summer grilling, savory pinwheels

