01 -
First things first, let's get that flank steak ready. Lay it out on a cutting board, cover it with plastic wrap, and then, with a meat mallet, gently pound it to an even 1/4-inch thickness. This is where I always get a little aggressive, honestly, and sometimes end up with holes! Just aim for evenness so it cooks uniformly. You want it nice and wide for rolling. I love the rhythmic thudding sound, makes me feel like a proper chef!
02 -
Now for the good stuff! In a bowl, mix together the wilted spinach (make sure it’s squeezed dry, otherwise you’ll have a soggy mess, trust me on this), grated Parmesan, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, red pepper flakes, and that lovely fresh basil. Give it a good stir. Season with a little salt and pepper, but go easy on the salt because the prosciutto and cheese are already salty. This mixture should smell absolutely divine, making your kitchen smell like a little slice of Italy.
03 -
Lay your pounded flank steak flat. Arrange the prosciutto slices evenly over the steak, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, spread your spinach and cheese filling over the prosciutto. Don't overfill it, or it'll be a nightmare to roll. Start from one of the longer sides and tightly roll the steak into a log. This step can be a bit fiddly, honestly, and I've had a few rolls come undone on me. Just be patient!
04 -
Once rolled, secure the Italian Stuffed Flank Steak with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals. This is crucial! Remember my earlier disaster? Don't be like me. The twine keeps everything tucked in nicely while it cooks. Trim any excess twine. You should have a neat, tightly bound log now, ready for its close-up.
05 -
Heat a little olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is my favorite for this!) over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully sear the Italian Stuffed Flank Steak roll on all sides until it's beautifully browned and caramelized. This step is all about building flavor and creating that gorgeous crust. The smells wafting through the kitchen right now? Unbeatable, I swear. Don't rush this part!
06 -
Pour the beef broth into the skillet around the seared steak. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and roast for about 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness (130-135°F for medium-rare, 135-140°F for medium). Remove from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period is non-negotiable for juicy steak!