Beef Wellington is a dish made of beef and mushrooms and just a few other ingredients. But what if you don’t like mushrooms or you’re allergic to them?
The good news is that you can use other foods instead of mushrooms in beef Wellington, including peppers, spinach, green beans, and carrots. But possibly the best substitute for mushrooms in this dish is a shallot, which is fresh-tasting, crunchy, and adds a lot of flavor.
What Is Beef Wellington?
Beef Wellington is made out of beef and other ingredients that are wrapped and cooked in some type of puff pastry, then baked in an oven. Other ingredients in this dish include red wine, liver pâté, various seasonings, and onions, not to mention the mushrooms.
If you want to try using shallots as a mushroom substitute, you can use them basically the same way as mushrooms.
Shallots as a Substitute for Mushrooms in Beef Wellington
Below are a few things you should know when adding shallots to your recipe in place of mushrooms.
Shallots Have a Different Size and Shape
Shallots tend to be bigger than green onions but smaller than garlic. They also taste a little like garlic or onions and have white flesh and thin, brown skin.
You Don’t Have To Change the Recipe at All
When you use shallots instead of mushrooms, you don’t have to change anything else in the recipe. Just proceed as if you were making the dish with mushrooms. Cut the shallots up into small pieces for the best results.
Let the Shallots Cook a Little Longer
Shallots have to cook a little longer than mushrooms because otherwise they may be too crunchy. In fact, you should cook them down until they are soft before you add them to the rest of the ingredients.
Use Canned Shallots if You Prefer
If you don’t feel like cutting up and cooking fresh shallots, use canned shallots instead. They are less expensive than fresh shallots.
Other Mushroom Alternatives for Beef Wellington
Shallots aren’t your only option for a mushroom substitute in beef Wellington. Other replacements, including artichoke hearts and eggplant, have an earthy flavor much like mushrooms do.
Remember that both the taste and texture of your replacement should be similar to that of mushrooms if you want the best results.
Here are a few of the foods you can use instead of mushrooms in beef Wellington:
- Artichoke hearts
- Arugula
- Caramelized onions
- Carrots
- Eggplant
- Green beans
- Green peas
- Kale
- Peppers (yellow, red, or green)
- Spinach
In most cases, you can cook these foods down with your onions and garlic, then fold them into the rest of the ingredients you’ll be combining with your beef.
Why Cook Beef Wellington Without Mushrooms?
Some people are allergic to mushrooms or just don’t like the taste of them. Besides, mushroom-free beef Wellington has certain advantages …
It Still Tastes Great
A substitute for mushrooms doesn’t have to drastically affect how your beef Wellington tastes. In fact, the right substitute can improve the overall flavor of the dish, depending on your preferences. Just make sure you read the instructions for whatever food item you’re using instead of the mushrooms.
It’s Perfect for Both Kids and Adults
Children often despise mushrooms. For this reason alone, a lot of parents opt for a mushroom substitute.
It’s Cost-Effective
Vegetables are the most common mushroom substitutes in beef Wellington. Veggies tend to be cheaper than mushrooms, so you’ll save a little money in the trade.
Beef Wellington Meat Substitutes
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about meat substitutes in beef Wellington.
Can I Use Chuck Roast for Beef Wellington?
If you’re out of (or don’t care for) beef tenderloin, you can make a chuck roast Wellington that tastes pretty good. Chuck roast is also quite a bit cheaper than beef tenderloin. Combine those savings with a veggie replacement for mushrooms and you’ll have entered frugal cooking territory!
Can I Use Silverside for Beef Wellington?
Silverside isn’t a great cut of meat for beef Wellington because it requires a long cooking time. However, as with the chuck roast Wellington, you can cook silverside ahead of time and then work it into your Wellington recipe. It won’t be as good as the real thing, but it might be worth a shot if you’re desperate.
Can I Use Topside for Beef Wellington?
Topside beef has to be cooked slow and long for the best results, so it’s not ideal for beef Wellington. It’s no moon shot, but it’s risky. Make sure you slow cook the topside for a few hours, then let it rest before wrapping it in the pastry.