Introduction
Fillet Wellington is a timeless classic, perfect for special occasions or a gourmet dinner. This dish combines the best of beef tenderloin (fillet), mushroom duxelles, prosciutto, and puff pastry for an unforgettable meal. Cooking on the Arteflame grill adds a smoky, wood-fired flavor and allows you to achieve steakhouse-quality searing on the 1,000°F center grill grate. Follow this recipe to elevate your Fillet Wellington with Arteflame's unique grilling capabilities.
Basic Ingredient List
Beef:
Beef tenderloin (fillet) 2–3 pounds, coarse sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, olive oil or butter
Mushroom Duxelles:
Mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or mixed), shallot, garlic, butter, fresh parsley, fresh thyme leaves, salt, pepper
Assembly:
Prosciutto, puff pastry, egg yolk, flour
For Grilling:
Wood or charcoal
Instructions
1. Prepare the Arteflame Grill
Fire up your Arteflame grill by placing oil-soaked paper napkins at the base and stacking wood or charcoal on top. Light the napkins and let the grill heat for about 20 minutes. Ensure the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F for searing and use the flat top griddle for medium heat zones.
2. Season and Sear the Beef
- Pat the beef tenderloin (fillet) dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Generously season all sides with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Lightly oil the center grill grate with olive oil or butter.
- Sear the fillet for 2-3 minutes per side on the center grill grate until a deep golden crust forms. The interior should remain rare.
- Remove from the grill and set aside to rest.
3. Prepare the Mushroom Duxelles
- Melt butter on the flat top griddle over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped mushrooms, minced shallots, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes dry and golden.
- Stir in chopped parsley, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes and transfer to a bowl to cool.
4. Assemble the Wellington
- Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Overlap slices of prosciutto into a rectangular shape.
- Spread the cooled mushroom duxelles evenly over the prosciutto.
- Place the seared fillet on top and use the plastic wrap to tightly roll the prosciutto and mushroom layer around the beef. Chill for 15 minutes to set the shape.
5. Wrap in Puff Pastry
- Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle.
- Remove the plastic wrap from the beef and place it on the pastry. Wrap the puff pastry around the fillet, sealing the edges with beaten egg yolk. Trim any excess pastry and brush the entire surface with egg yolk for a golden finish.
6. Cook on the Arteflame
- Place a cast-iron skillet or grill-safe baking dish on the flat top griddle over medium heat for 5 minutes to preheat.
- Transfer the wrapped fillet to the skillet. Use the Arteflame pizza oven or tent with foil to create an oven-like environment.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, rotating the skillet occasionally for even browning. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature: 120°F for medium-rare, as it will continue to cook while resting.
7. Rest and Serve
- Remove the Wellington from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice into thick portions and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Tips for Success
- High-Quality Beef: Use center-cut beef tenderloin for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Sear Perfectly: The 1,000°F center grill grate ensures a caramelized crust without overcooking.
- Keep Everything Cold: Chilling between steps helps maintain the shape and prevents pastry from becoming soggy.
- Monitor Temperature: Use a thermometer to achieve precise doneness.
Pairings
- Wine: A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah pairs beautifully.
- Sides: Serve with grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
- Sauce: Complement with a red wine reduction or creamy béarnaise sauce.
Conclusion
Cooking Fillet Wellington on the Arteflame grill not only elevates its flavor with a smoky, wood-fired essence but also achieves a perfect sear that transforms the dish into steakhouse-quality perfection. With its 1,000°F center grill grate and versatile flat top griddle, the Arteflame is the ultimate tool for creating this showstopping classic.
