Individual Beef Wellington Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 11, 2025

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Individual Beef Wellingtons: A Gourmet Delight for One

Are you craving the elegance and richness of Beef Wellington but don't want a massive portion? This recipe teaches you how to make individual Beef Wellingtons, perfect for a romantic dinner, a sophisticated solo meal, or an impressive appetizer. Each bite offers the perfect combination of tender beef, savory duxelles, and flaky pastry, all scaled down for a manageable and satisfying experience.

Ingredients for One Individual Beef Wellington:

• For the Beef:
  • 4 oz (115g) high-quality beef tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Duxelles:
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cremini mushrooms
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped shallots
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp dry sherry (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Pastry:
  • 1 sheet (about 4x6 inches) of ready-made puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing the Beef:

1. Season the beef: Generously season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the beef (optional): For extra flavor, sear the beef in a hot pan with olive oil for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. This step is optional but enhances the overall taste. Let it cool slightly.

Making the Duxelles:

1. Sauté the aromatics: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, and sauté until softened (about 2 minutes).
2. Add mushrooms: Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and brown slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Deglaze (optional): If using sherry, add it to the pan and cook until it reduces slightly.
4. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let cool completely.

Assembling the Individual Wellington:

1. Assemble: Spread the cooled duxelles evenly over the beef.
2. Wrap in pastry: Place the beef, duxelles-side up, in the center of the puff pastry sheet. Fold the pastry over the beef, creating a neat parcel. Crimp the edges to seal.
3. Egg wash: Brush the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden brown finish.
4. Chill (optional): For best results, chill the assembled Wellington in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the pastry to firm up.

Baking the Individual Wellington:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the beef is cooked to your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
3. Rest: Let the Wellington rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your individual Beef Wellingtons with a simple side salad, roasted asparagus, or creamy mashed potatoes. A rich red wine pairing complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality ingredients: The better the beef, the better the Wellington!
• Don't overcook the beef: Overcooked beef will be tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
• Cool the duxelles completely: Warm duxelles will make the pastry soggy.
• Chill the assembled Wellington: Chilling helps prevent shrinkage and ensures a crispier pastry.

This recipe offers a luxurious dining experience without the commitment of a larger Wellington. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #IndividualBeefWellington. Happy cooking!