Wellington...

[Morigan]

Hi, I'm new to this site but I hope to become an active member of this community.

I'm planning on making Beef Wellington pretty soon, but I'm kind of reluctant to buy a large amount of beef tenderloin. Needless to say, it's pretty expensive.

I was wondering if I could use a replacement meat for it? A less costy part of the same animal, or maybe even pork?

Please don't flame me about this. I'm just a student.

[ironchef]

Originally Posted by Morigan

Hi, I'm new to this site but I hope to become an active member of this community.

I'm planning on making Beef Wellington pretty soon, but I'm kind of reluctant to buy a large amount of beef tenderloin. Needless to say, it's pretty expensive.

I was wondering if I could use a replacement meat for it? A less costy part of the same animal, or maybe even pork?

Please don't flame me about this. I'm just a student.

Sirloin would work, and would be much cheaper than tenderloin. I'd tenderize it though before you sear it and stuff it in the puff pastry, just in case. You don't want to use a fatty piece of beef like a ribeye because the puff pastry may get overly soggy during cooking.

Pork would be very tricky because of the cooking time differential, and since you'd in effect be experimenting by using the pork, I would advise against it.

Another alternative would be salmon. Salmon Wellington actually comes out pretty good.

[lulu]

Oh, an all time favorite. I too have used a sirloin when its just family and we fancy the pastry. A well hung, well tenderised piece is a good "informal" alternative. It is not as superlative of course, but an excellent way to experiment with this wonderful meal on a budget.

[Half Baked]

I've seen it made with meatloaf....that's a great way to practice.

btw, Welcome to DC, Morigan!

[ChefJune]

Another alternative would be salmon. Salmon Wellington actually comes out pretty good

as much as I love salmon, and as much as I love foie gras, they don't sound like a very appetizing combination!

I've never used pork, but I know some chefs who have, and they thought the results were fine. Personally, for "practice," I'd go with the meatloaf...

[cjs]

I've made the Meatloaf Wellington and we all loved it - it's a fun take off!! ;)

Welcome to the forums and let us know if you try this.

[Chef_Jen]

Yes Minced Beef Welly is on a lot of menus over here..

I personally LOVE pork wellington

and Uhh salmon wellington is nice but i minus the foie gras :)

[ChefJune]

There's another classic dish for salmon in puff pastry. Julia did it on one of her early '80's shows... Coulibiac... I think that is the name..

(I know, it sounds like a disease, but it really was delicious.)

[ironchef]

Originally Posted by ChefJune

as much as I love salmon, and as much as I love foie gras, they don't sound like a very appetizing combination!

I've never used pork, but I know some chefs who have, and they thought the results were fine. Personally, for "practice," I'd go with the meatloaf...

For the Salmon Wellington you wouldn't add the foie gras, just the mushroom duxelles. There's different versions. The best one that I made layered seared wild King salmon, spinach, mushroom duxelle, and a dungeness crab mousse in the puff pastry. I served it with a lobster and ginger beurre blanc.

[Morigan]

Thank you for those nice ideas!

Since a few members of my family don't really like red meat, I think I'm gonna do it with salmon, a bit like you described yours, Ironchef.

I'm going to tell you how it turned out after. ;)