Recipes / Dinner Party
Classic Beef Wellington
Tender beef fillet, mushroom duxelles and golden puff pastry. The showstopper for special occasions.
Prep45 min
Cook60 min
Total1 hr 45 min
Serves6
LevelAdvanced
Ingredients
- 2 lb (900 g) center-cut beef tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 lb (450 g) mushrooms, very finely chopped
- 2 shallots, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 6 to 8 slices prosciutto
- 1 sheet (about 14 oz / 400 g) puff pastry, thawed
- 2 egg yolks, beaten
- Flaky salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Season the beef well. Sear in hot oil on all sides for about 4 minutes total until browned. Cool slightly, brush with Dijon mustard and chill.
- Cook the mushrooms, shallots, garlic and thyme in a dry pan for 10 to 15 minutes until all the moisture has cooked off and the mixture is a thick paste. Season and cool completely.
- Overlap the prosciutto on plastic wrap and spread the duxelles over it. Place the beef at one end and roll it tightly into a log. Twist the ends and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the pastry, unwrap the beef and place it in the center. Fold the pastry around it, trim the excess and seal the seam. Chill for 15 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the pastry with egg yolk, score lightly, and sprinkle with flaky salt.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the pastry is deep golden and the center reads 120 to 125°F (49 to 52°C) for medium-rare. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Chef's tips
- Cooking the moisture out of the mushrooms is what keeps the pastry crisp.
- A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to get the doneness you want.
Cooking times and temperatures are a guide and vary by equipment. Always cook meat, fish and shellfish to a safe internal temperature and check ingredients for allergens. See our disclaimer.
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