Beef Wellington is the epitome of gourmet cuisine—an elegant, impressive dish perfect for special occasions. This recipe combines tender beef fillet, savory mushroom duxelles, and a crisp puff pastry crust for a dish that’s both flavorful and beautiful. While it may seem daunting to prepare, with a step-by-step guide, you can master this classic and wow your guests. Here’s how to create the ultimate Beef Wellington.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds of beef tenderloin (center-cut)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
For the Mushroom Duxelles:
- 1 lb mushrooms (button or cremini, finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Assembly:
- 12 slices prosciutto
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sear the Beef
- Prepare the Beef: Season the beef tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. Brush the beef with Dijon mustard to enhance the flavor and create a barrier between the meat and the pastry.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the beef on all sides for about 2-3 minutes, or until the meat is well-browned. This step helps to develop rich flavor and seal in the juices. Remove the beef from the pan and let it cool. Refrigerate the beef to cool completely for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Mushroom Duxelles
- Cook the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add the Mushrooms: Add the finely chopped mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and it evaporates, leaving a dry mixture (about 10-12 minutes).
- Deglaze and Season: Pour in the white wine and cook until the mixture is dry again. Stir in fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Step 3: Assemble the Wellington
- Prepare the Prosciutto Layer: Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a clean surface. Arrange the prosciutto slices in a row, slightly overlapping, to form a rectangle large enough to wrap around the beef.
- Spread the Duxelles: Spread the cooled mushroom duxelles evenly over the prosciutto, leaving about an inch around the edges.
- Wrap the Beef: Place the chilled beef in the center of the prosciutto and mushroom layer. Using the plastic wrap, carefully roll up the prosciutto around the beef, ensuring it’s tightly wrapped. Chill the wrapped beef again for 10-15 minutes to set the shape.
Step 4: Encase in Puff Pastry
- Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a size large enough to completely encase the beef.
- Wrap the Beef: Remove the wrapped beef from the plastic wrap and place it in the center of the pastry. Fold the edges of the pastry over the beef and seal the seams by pinching the dough together. Trim any excess pastry and reserve for decoration if desired.
- Apply the Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it evenly over the surface of the pastry to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
Step 5: Bake the Wellington
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the Wellington: Place the wrapped beef on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the beef reaches 120-125°F (49-52°C) for rare, 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the Beef Wellington rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the Wellington into thick portions. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and enjoy the rich, savory flavors.
Conclusion
Mastering Beef Wellington is a culinary achievement that will impress your guests and elevate your cooking skills. With careful preparation and attention to detail, this elegant dish can be the centerpiece of any special occasion or holiday meal. The combination of perfectly seared beef, savory mushroom duxelles, prosciutto, and flaky puff pastry makes for an unforgettable dining experience. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll create the ultimate Beef Wellington every time.
