Mouth-Watering Beef Wellington Recipe for Meat Lovers
Are you ready for a meal that will leave your taste buds tingling with excitement? Look no further than the classic British dish known as beef “wellington.” This elegant and sophisticated dish has been enjoyed for centuries and has recently experienced a revival thanks to culinary legend, Gordon Ramsay.
At its core, this iconic dish consists of beef tenderloin wrapped in layers of pâté and duxelles (finely chopped mushroom mixture) before being enveloped in buttery puff pastry and baked until golden brown. The result is a tender filet mignon surrounded by rich flavors and textures that will make any meal feel like a Michelin star fine dining experience.
While traditional beef wellington may seem daunting to make, fear not! With my step-by-step guide, easy substitutions, and helpful tips, you will have this crowd-pleasing classic on your plate in no time. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping Christmas recipe or simply want to impress guests at your next dinner party, beef wellington is the ultimate gourmet dish that looks as fancy as it tastes. So let’s dive in and create a masterpiece fit for the Savoy Grill.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin wrapped in layers of rich and savory mushroom duxelles, thinly-sliced Parma ham, and buttery puff pastry baked to golden perfection. This is the iconic dish known as Beef Wellington – a true masterpiece of British cuisine. And let me tell you why you’ll love this recipe.
Firstly, it’s an impressive dish that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. From its deconstructed version at Michelin-starred restaurants to its original incarnation at Savoy Grill, Beef Wellington has long been associated with fine dining and gourmet cuisine. With this recipe, you can recreate that same spectacular taste and presentation in your own kitchen.
But just because it’s fancy doesn’t mean it’s difficult to make. The steps are simple enough for anyone to follow, and the end result is truly a work of art. Plus, there are many variations and substitutions you can make depending on your preferences, making it a versatile and customizable dish.
Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is that it’s perfect for special occasions or celebrations such as Christmas or a dinner party with family and friends. It’s definitely a showstopper dish that will leave your guests speechless.
But even if you’re not entertaining guests, Beef Wellington is a great option for those who want to treat themselves to something special without having to go out to eat at a fancy restaurant. Plus, leftovers can easily be reheated and enjoyed the next day.
In short, this recipe for Beef Wellington is not only tasty but also easy to make, versatile and customizable, perfect for special occasions or simply indulging in gourmet cuisine at home. So go ahead – try this recipe out for yourself and see why it has become such an iconic British dish over the years.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the ingredients necessary for this delectable dish. Make sure to have everything ready before starting any step to ensure the recipe goes smoothly.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lb beef tenderloin
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 8oz Portabella Mushroom
- 1 Onion
- Dry Vermouth (100 ml)
- Flour (need extra for dusting)
- 2 tablespoon Milk
- 1 egg
- Salt
- Ground Black pepper
For vegetarian and slimming world version, just replace the beef tenderloin with spinach, mushroom, and some other veggies of your liking!
The Recipe How-To
Preparing the Beef Tenderloin
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Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
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Season two pounds of beef tenderloin well with salt and pepper.
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Heat one tablespoon of oil in a heavy-based pan until it begins to smoke.
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Sear the beef quickly on all sides until browned, for about 1-2 minutes per side.
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Remove from the pan and let it cool.
Making the Mushroom Duxelles Mixture
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In the same pan, melt four tablespoons of butter.
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Add one finely chopped onion and sauté until soft.
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Add 16 ounces of finely-chopped mushrooms, stirring occasionally until they have browned and reduced in size.
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Add ¼ cup of dry vermouth or white wine to deglaze the pan and let it reduce to almost nothing.
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Remove from heat and let it cool.
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Once cooled, put in a blender or food processor and pulse several times until you get a spreadable consistency.
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Set aside the mushroom duxelles mixture.
Assembling the Wellington
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Roll out 14 oz frozen puff pastry dough into a rectangle approximately 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface (or do it as instructed in the package).
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Spread a thin layer of your prepared mushroom duxelles mixture over the pastry’s surface, leaving an inch border around each side.
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Lay slices of parma ham over the top, slightly overlapping each other.
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Place cooled (but not chilled) seared beef atop the ham layers.
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Spread another layer of mushroom duxelles mixture over the whole beef tenderloin evenly.
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Wrap the edges of pastry up around tenderloin until it’s fully enclosed, then seal the edges with the help of an egg wash (one beaten egg and one tablespoon milk mixture).
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Place the wrapped beef seam side down on a baking sheet covered by parchment.
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Brush the top with egg wash but not the ends.
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Bake for 35-45 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
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Rest for 10 minutes before slicing into thick portions.
Deconstructed Beef Wellington
For a more modern twist, you may choose to create a deconstructed version of Beef Wellington instead of assembling all ingredients inside the puff pastry. Choose tenderloin medallions and layer ham and mushroom duxelles on each steak’s top before grilling or pan-frying them individually.
Now your traditional Beef Wellington Recipe is ready to be served!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch things up in your Beef Wellington recipe? No problem, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to truly make it your own. Here are some ideas:
– Vegetarian Option: Swap out the beef for spinach or a meatless ground option, and use vegetarian puff pastry.
– Mini Wellingtons: Create individual mini Wellingtons by cutting the beef tenderloin into smaller portions before wrapping in puff pastry.
– Deconstructed Beef Wellington: Instead of wrapping the beef tenderloin in puff pastry, serve the components separately on a plate – sliced filet mignon topped with mushroom duxelles and a side of crispy pastry, for example.
– Slimming World Version: Want to cut down on calories? Try using filo pastry instead of puff pastry or reduce the amount of butter used in the preparation.
– Sauce Variations: There’s no harm in experimenting with different sauces to serve alongside your Beef Wellington. Try a port gravy or a classic red wine reduction to elevate your dish.
These are just a few ideas that will help you customize your recipe according to your personal preferences. By taking this approach, you will make sure everyone at your table is happy with their meal.
Serving and Pairing
Beef Wellington is a classic and elegant dish that will work well for any fine dining occasion. The dish looks stunning when it is plated with the puff pastry crust. Beef Wellington is best served hot, fresh from the oven, with its crispy exterior and tender filet mignon coated in mushroom duxelles and parma ham. Additionally, this recipe pairs perfectly with a wide range of side dishes and sauce options to complement the flavors.
A common side dish that fits well with Beef Wellington is roasted or mashed potatoes, as they add a hearty texture to the meal. You can also serve grilled asparagus, sautéed spinach, or glazed carrots to introduce some color and freshness to the plate.
In terms of sauces, I recommend serving with dry vermouth sauce drizzled over the top of your Beef Wellington; this adds an elevated layer of complexity to the flavors of the beef and mushrooms. Alternatively, traditional french bordelaise sauce or red wine reduction is another option that works well.
When it comes to pairing red wines with your Beef Wellington dish, I recommend a full-bodied wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, or Malbec. If you prefer white wine instead, go for Chardonnay or Champagne instead of a bold red so that it doesn’t clash with the steak’s flavor profile.
The ultimate goal when serving your Beef Wellington is to achieve a harmonious balance of flavors on the plate. By choosing appropriate sides and sauces around your Wellington recipe and big-flavored wines to go along with it, you can create a truly unforgettable dining experience that will keep guests raving for days!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about beef wellington is that it can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake it. Here are a few tips for making this process as easy and stress-free as possible:
If you plan on making the beef wellington ahead of time, assemble it completely up to the point of baking, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It’s important to let it come to room temperature for an hour before baking so that it bakes evenly.
If you want to make your beef wellington further in advance, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 1 month. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
When reheating leftovers, be sure to do so at a low heat to prevent overcooking. Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of your portions.
While some people claim that reheated beef wellington doesn’t quite match up to the freshly baked dish, I find that with a little bit of care and attention, reheated beef wellington can taste almost as good as the original.
One final note: if you’re concerned about the fat content of puff pastry or are following a diet such as Slimming World, there are plenty of variations on the classic beef wellington recipe that use more figure-friendly ingredients such as ground beef or spinach filling. These options can be just as delicious and satisfying but with less guilt!
Tips for Perfect Results
While beef “wellington” is a classy dish, it’s not always the easiest to prepare. But fear not, my dear friend! With these simple tips and tricks, you’ll be able to perfect your beef wellington recipe in no time.
1. Keep Your Puff Pastry Cold
It’s important to keep your puff pastry as cold as possible before baking. This will ensure that it rises evenly and holds its shape. If you’re making an individual beef wellington, you can prep the pastry on top of your steak before placing it in the fridge. However, if you’re making a large beef wellington, wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap and let it chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
2. Use High-Quality Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloin is the star of this recipe, so you want to make sure you’re using the best quality meat possible. While filet mignon is most commonly used, some recipes call for less expensive cuts of beef like ground beef or diced stew meat. If you’re going for traditional or fancy, use filet mignon to achieve perfect results.
3. Sear Your Meat Properly
Searing the meat is an essential step in cooking beef wellingtons because it locks in moisture and adds flavor. Before wrapping your tenderloin in puff pastry dough, make sure you have seared it on all sides to create a crust while preserving its juiciness.
4. Drain Excess Moisture
If there’s too much moisture in your mushroom mixture or if your spinach has a lot of water content after washing (when applicable) it may cause your dough to get soggy underneath which leads to a soupy result rather than brown and crispy we all want so bad! Press the water out of everything from the mushrooms mixture to the spinach to ensure a drier outcome – this also goes for any vegetables you put in—a perfect tip for a vegetarian variant.
5. Let it Rest before Cutting
Waiting before cutting is crucial for two reasons: At first, cutting lets out all of the steam that was trapped inside your beef wellington, causing your pastry to get soggy. Secondly, stopping prevents your filling from slipping out while slicing.
6. Don’t be afraid to get creative
While traditional beef wellington consists of beef tenderloin wrapped in puff pastry with pate or mushroom duxelle, feel free to experiment with different ingredients that suit your palate. Create an alternative filling that highlights and complements the flavors of the star ingredients.
Now that you have a few tips on how to prepare this iconic dish, give it a try and impress your guests with your culinary skills!
FAQ
Now that you know how to make a delicious beef “wellington” recipe, you might have some questions or concerns. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to give you more insight and help you perfect your recipe.
What cut of beef is best for Beef Wellington?
If you’re in the mood for a delectable dish, then Beef Wellington is definitely worth trying! This recipe centers around a choice cut of meat, typically a fillet steak, beef tenderloin, or filet mignon, which is renowned for being the juiciest and most tender part of the animal. It is then coated in a flavorful mustard sauce and enveloped in a savory mixture of mushroom duxelles and prosciutto.
Why is Beef Wellington so hard to make?
When it comes to making a Wellington, the key to success lies in how it looks once it’s sliced. A common problem is the pastry base taking in too much liquid, causing the whole dish to fall apart. Although this doesn’t impact the taste, it can be disappointing. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to keep the juices inside the prosciutto wrap.
How to make Beef Wellington without a soggy bottom?
To ensure a visually appealing and evenly cooked final product, securing the tenderloin with twine is important. In addition, wrapping it in phyllo dough creates a necessary barrier to moisture, preventing the puff pastry from becoming soggy. A double layer of plastic wrap also aids in wrapping the tenderloin, making the process smoother.
What are the traditional ingredients of Beef Wellington?
For a classic Beef Wellington preparation, a tender cut of beef like tenderloin is coated in a rich layer of creamy pâté, finely-chopped duxelles made with mushrooms, salty parma ham, and a flaky puff pastry before being baked to perfection.
Bottom Line
Now that you’ve learned all about my beef “wellington” recipe, I encourage you to give it a try. Whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian or a fan of classic British cuisine – this recipe is certainly worth trying. Trust me, the combination of the tender filet mignon, mushroom duxelles and buttery puff pastry is simply unbeatable.
But perhaps the best part of this “wellington” recipe is how easy it is. With just a handful of ingredients and some simple steps, you can easily create a fancy and tasty dish that will impress anyone.
So go ahead and give it a try. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting guests, this dish is sure to deliver. And if you get stuck along the way or have any questions, don’t hesitate to refer back to this article for tips and guidance.
In conclusion, thank you for taking the time to read about my beef “wellington” recipe. I hope it inspires you to get into the kitchen and start cooking!
Beef “wellington” Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 5 ounces liver pate
- 3 lbs beef tenderloin
- 1 cup finely chopped portabella mushroom
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 1/3 cup dry vermouth
- salt and pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Season the roast with salt and pepper. In a large (preferably iron) skillet, heat 2 T of butter, over medium-high heat. When the butter is hot, (but not browning) brown the meat on all sides, being careful to just sear it. This should only take a minute or two for each “side”. You want a nicely browned crust on the meat.
- Cover the meat and refrigerate for at least an hour, until the meat is cold.
- Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2T of butter in the skillet, over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the minced onion and sauté until softened, stirring constantly. Add the mushrooms and sauté until softened, stirring. Add the vermouth to the onion and mushroom mixture and reduce until almost absorbed. Add the liver pate and turn off the heat. Mash the pate and the mushroom mix together. Allow to cool.
- Sprinkle one sheet of the pastry with flour and roll out large enough to enclose the roast tenderloin completely. (The other sheet can be re-frozen or used to make decorative shapes for the top of your Wellington). Spread the liver/mushroom mix over the entire fillet. Place the cooled meat in the center of the pastry. Wrap the pastry around the meat and seal with a little of the egg wash.
- Lift the roast onto a shallow baking dish or a cookie sheet, seam side down, and refrigerate at this point (Can be done the day ahead).
- Pre-heat oven to 400°F Bake for 30 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown. Check the internal temperature of the beef. Reduce the heat to 350F and bake for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meat is 120°F (If the pastry is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil). Remove the roast from the oven, and let stand, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Carve using a serrated knife, into thick slices.
- (This dish is best rare, and really, should be eaten this way. For well-cooked meat, I’d suggest cutting the roast into 4 thick steaks and following the above steps, only wrapping individually.).
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.