Looking for an impressive dinner centerpiece? This Beef Wellington is the perfect dish to wow your guests. A tender beef tenderloin wrapped in flaky puff pastry, accompanied by flavorful mushrooms and pâté, makes for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lb beef tenderloin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
- 4 oz pâté (chicken or mushroom)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the Beef Wellington to golden perfection.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Generously season the beef tenderloin with salt and black pepper, enhancing its natural flavors.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, which should only take a few minutes. Remove from heat and allow the beef to cool.
Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped mushrooms. Cook until the moisture evaporates, concentrating the flavor. Let the mixture cool.
Step 5: Spread Pâté and Mustard
Once the beef is cool, spread the pâté and Dijon mustard over it evenly, creating a flavorful barrier.
Step 6: Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry. Place the beef in the center of the pastry.
Step 7: Add the Mushroom Mixture
Top the beef with the cooled mushroom mixture, ensuring it’s well covered before preparing to wrap.
Step 8: Enclose the Beef
Fold the pastry over the beef, sealing it tightly to ensure no filling escapes during baking.
Step 9: Brush with Egg Wash
Brush the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish once baked.
Step 10: Bake and Rest
Bake the Beef Wellington for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the beef reaches medium rare. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to serve.
Pairings
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the rich flavors of the Beef Wellington beautifully.
- Steamed Green Beans: These vibrant greens add a crunch and freshness to the meal, balancing the richness of the main dish.
Storage Tips
- Wrap any leftover Beef Wellington tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven to retain the pastry’s crispiness instead of using a microwave, which can make it soggy.