Beef Wellington is one of those dishes that was a lot more popular 40 years ago than it is now. But once my dad decides he wants to make something, come hell or high water, it will be made. It also helps that Chef Gordon Ramsay has a video online on how to make his version of Beef Wellington, using Parma ham wrapped around the tenderloin instead of the more traditional pâté de foie gras. So, we recently set out to make it, dad channeling Chef Ramsay, albeit without the yelling and swearing (though I’m guessing that if dad thought he could get away with acting like Chef Ramsay around the rest of us, he would). It’s actually a lot easier to make than it looks, assuming you are using ready-made puff pastry, and the result is fantastic. A great idea for a Father’s Day dinner for the beef-loving dads out there. The beef is covered in paté de foie gras or mushrooms duxelles (a mushroom puree that has its moisture cooked out) and some sort of ham — like Parma or proscuitto — cover the beef. It’s then wrapped in puff pastry and cooked in the oven.
Make-Ahead Strategies for Beef Wellington
We don’t recommend making Beef Wellington ahead of time and reheating it when it’s time to serve because the puff pastry will get soggy, but you can make the mushrooms duxelles in advance so it’s quicker going when it’s time to cook. Prepare the mushrooms duxelles up to 2 days ahead of time as directed in Step 4. Cool completely and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using.
Tips for Buying Beef Tenderloin
It might be tricky to find the right size beef tenderloin on the supermarket shelf. Beef tenderloins are often cut into steaks, which won’t work for this recipe. When in doubt, as a butcher. They should be able to cut a thick, 1-pound tenderloin for you.
What to Serve With Beef Wellington
Smashed New Potatoes With Garlic and Chives French Green Beans With Butter and Herbs Quick and Easy Asparagus Broccoli Rabe With Caramelized Onions Roasted Baby Carrots
You can use any mushrooms you like. We used half cremini and half shiitake. If using shiitake mushrooms, cut off the tough stems and discard or save them for stock. This recipe uses a frozen puff pastry sheet. Plan ahead to thaw the sheet for 2 to 4 hours in the refrigerator, or on the counter for about 40, until it’s easily pliable but not too soft or squishy. Heat the sauté pan on medium-high heat. Transfer the mushroom mixture into the pan and cook, allowing the mushrooms to release their moisture, 10 to 15 minutes. When the moisture released by the mushrooms has all boiled away, remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside to cool. Place the beef in the middle and roll the mushroom and ham over the beef, using the plastic wrap so that you do this tightly. Wrap up the beef into a tight barrel shape, twisting the ends of the plastic wrap to secure. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Unwrap the beef from the plastic wrap and place in the middle of the pastry dough. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg yolks. Fold the pastry around the beef, cutting off any excess at the ends. (Pastry that is more than 2 layers thick will not cook all the way, try to limit the overlap.) Place on a small plate, seam side down, and brush beaten egg yolks all over the top. Chill for 5 to 10 minutes. Score the top of the pastry with a sharp knife, not going all the way through the pastry. Sprinkle the top with coarse salt. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Slice in 1-inch thick slices. Leftover slices can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Wrap tightly with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven. Once warm, remove the foil and bake for a few minutes more to crisp the pastry. Note that reheated slices will be closer to medium or well-done. Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below!
