·
5 from 12 votes
10 Comments
· by Amanda Gajdosik
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This Deer Wellington recipe is an absolutely stunning holiday dinner idea! Traditional beef Wellington gets a twist with the use of fresh venison tenderloin. Serve with roasted potatoes and brussels sprouts for a Christmas dinner that is elegant, but surprisingly easy!
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (1) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (1)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/deer-wellington-683x1024.jpg)
I have wanted to make deer wellington for ages now, and I am so glad it finally happened! It turned out even better than I could have imagined. The venison was perfectly medium rare, the duxelles was flavorful, and the puff pastry was flaky! What more could you ask for in a venison wellington recipe?
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (2) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (2)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1508-683x1024.jpg)
If you’ve got the itch to try your hand at one of the most classic Christmas dishes and have cuts of venison on hand – this is the dish for you! Here’s what you’ll need to make your own:
- Venison Tenderloin (backstrap would work too!)
- Puff Pastry (just use the store-bought!)
- Dijon Mustard
- Prosciutto
- Mushrooms (I used a mix of button and cremini)
- Shallot
- Garlic
- Fresh Thyme
- Butter
- Grapeseed Oil
- S&P
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (3) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (3)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Deer-Wellington-ingredients-682x1024.jpg)
As far as recipes go, this isn’t a huge list of ingredients! A lot of people are intimidated by beef Wellington, as there are numerous steps, but none of them are too complicated! Let’s take a look, shall we?
Deer Wellington Recipe
Make the duxelles. In the bowl of a food processor combine the mushrooms, shallots, and garlic until chopped fine.
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (4) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (4)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/making-duxelles-683x1024.jpg)
Cook the duxelles. In a sauté pan with butter, salt, and pepper. Stir in the fresh thyme.
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (5) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (5)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/cooking-duxelles-683x1024.jpg)
Sear the tenderloin. In a cast iron pan after it’s been wrapped with butcher’s twine. This will help the meat keep its shape!
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (6) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (6)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/searing-venison-tenderloin-683x1024.jpg)
Make a rectangle of prosciutto. Simply overlap slices of the meat on plastic wrap. This will help you roll everything together later!
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (7) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (7)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/prosciutto-layer-for-wellington-683x1024.jpg)
Add the cooked duxelles. In a thin even rectangle that’s just a tiny bit smaller than the prosciutto.
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (8) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (8)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/duxelles-layer-for-wellington-683x1024.jpg)
Add the seared tenderloin. And then brush it with Dijon mustard. There are so many layers of flavor here!
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (9) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (9)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/adding-dijon-to-tenderloin-683x1024.jpg)
Wrap up the tenderloin. Use the plastic wrap to help guide and aid in the rolling process. Make sure the bundle is wrapped tightly and the ends are twisted shut before chilling in the refrigerator.
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (10) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (10)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/wrapping-venison-tenderloin-for-wellington-683x1024.jpg)
Wrap the tenderloin in puff pastry. After chilling it. This will help keep everything sealed together during the cooking process!
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (11) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (11)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/wrapping-puff-pastry-around-venison-683x1024.jpg)
Seal and egg wash the Wellington. I just used the back of a spoon to press down onto the seams of the pastry before brushing the entire thing with one beaten egg.
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (12) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (12)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/brushing-with-egg-wash-683x1024.jpg)
Bake the deer Wellington. For 25 minutes! Using two small cuts of venison tenderloin and two small sheets of puffy pastry mean a fast cook time for this stunning dinner.
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (13) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (13)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1506-683x1024.jpg)
Let the meat rest. Before slicing and serving with roasted potatoes and brussels sprouts!
Helpful hints:
No food processor? No problem! Finely chop all the ingredients for the duxelles with a sharp chef’s knife before cooking.
Easy on the butter! I know, I can’t believe I’m saying that! Start with two tablespoons of salted butter when cooking the mushrooms. These fungi naturally release their moisture when they begin to cook so you don’t want them swimming in liquid!
Cook times may vary. The reason a lot of people are intimidated by Wellington recipes is that you can’t see the meat while it’s cooking. The most important thing is to get the meat up to 130 degrees in the oven (carryover cooking will take care of the rest!). An instant read thermometer is a great tool to have to check the doneness of venison around 25 minutes.
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (14) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (14)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/recipe-for-deer-wellington-683x1024.jpg)
More venison recipes you may enjoy
- Ground Venison Stroganoff
- Venison Enchiladas
- Grilled Venison Backstrap
- Venison Meatballs
- Mini Venison Pot Pies
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (15) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (15)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/deer-wellington-recipe-683x1024.jpg)
And to all a good night!
![Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (16) Deer Wellington Recipe (using venison tenderloin) - Midwest Nice (16)](https://i0.wp.com/midwestniceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/recipe-rating-banner-1.jpg)
Print Recipe
5 from 12 votes
Deer Wellington
All of the traditional elements of beef Wellington – the duxelles, the puffy pastry, the prosciutto, and the Dijon mustard are in this recipe for deer Wellington made with cuts of fresh venison tenderloin! Perfect for a stunning holiday dinner!
Prep Time1 hour hr
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Resting Time10 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 35 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beef wellington, christmas dinner, deer wellington, Venison, Venison Recipe
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 490kcal
Author: Amanda Gajdosik
Equipment
Butcher’s Twine
Plastic Wrap
Instant Read Thermometer
Cast Iron Skillet
Pastry Brush
Baking Tray
Ingredients
For the duxelles:
- 1 pound mixed mushrooms I used button and cremini
- 2 small shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 2 tsp. fresh thyme
For the Wellington:
- 1 ½ pound venison tenderloin cut in half
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon Grapeseed oil
- 12 slices prosciutto
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 sheets puff pastry thawed according to package directions.
- 1 egg beaten
Instructions
Wrap the tenderloin pieces with butcher’s twine in 1-inch sections. This will help the meat to keep its shape during the cooking process. Season each tenderloin with salt and pepper and set aside while you prepare the duxelles.
For the duxelles:
In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the mushrooms, shallots, and garlic until very fine. (This may need to be done in two batches.) Meanwhile, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the mushroom mixture to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Stir to coat and cook, stirring occasionally, for ten minutes. During this time the mushrooms will release all of their moisture. This is ok! The liquid will evaporate and the mushrooms will then brown.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh thyme. Set duxelles aside.
For the Wellington:
Set a cast iron pan over high heat. Add 2 tablespoon of grapeseed oil to the pan and when the oil begins shimmering, add the tenderloin. Sear on each side for 1 minute. Remove from pan and set on a plate to rest. When cool enough to handle, snip of the butcher twine and discard.
To make the prosciutto layer place 6 pieces of prosciutto slightly overlapping over one another on a large piece of plastic wrap. They should form a rectangle that is slightly longer and twice is tall as the tenderloin.
Spread half of the duxelles over the prosciutto rectangle. Brush the tops of the tenderloin with Dijon mustard.
Place one of the tenderloin pieces, mustard side down, on the bottom of the prosciutto and duxelles rectangle. Brush with more Dijon mustard.
Using the plastic wrap to help, wrap the prosciutto tightly around the venison tenderloin. Seal each end by twisting them shut.
Repeat the process with the second tenderloin, creating another layer of prosciutto and using the second half of the duxelles. You will now have two pieces of wrapped venison tenderloin. Chill for at least 25 minutes, or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the puff pastry sheets just a tad.
Rotate the pastry so it has a corner pointing toward you, like a diamond. Place a wrapped tenderloin in the center of the puff pastry. Fold the corner facing you up and over the tenderloin and brush with egg wash. Fold in each end corner and brush with more egg wash. Fold over the top and press down the seams with the back of a spoon or fork before brushing with egg wash. Repeat the process with the second wrapped tenderloin and the second sheet of puff pastry. Slice slits into the top of the pastry with a sharp knife.
Bake deer Wellington in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the center of the venison registers 130 degrees.
Remove from oven and allow Wellington to rest for 10 – 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Duxelles can be made up to one day ahead, as well as the wrapped tenderloin.
- Removing the meat at 130 degrees means that carryover cooking will bring the tenderloin up to at least 135, or medium rare. For a more rare tenderloin, cook only 20 minutes. For a more well-done Wellington, cook longer.
- Recipe adapted from Delish.
Nutrition
Serving: 1slice | Calories: 490kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 518mg | Potassium: 499mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 142IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 5mg
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Marisa says
This recipe worked great. Used our meat thermometer to gauge the inside and our loin took about 27 minutes. Got great! Thank you for the Recipe.Reply
Robin Holmes says
Stunning and so delicious! We used back strap instead of tenderloin and only had one sheet of puff pastry, rolled out a little thinner and had plenty for 2 rolled pieces. Thank you for the great recipe!Reply
Amanda Gajdosik says
Hi Robin!
I am so THRILLED that you enjoyed this recipe. It's so fun and festive for the holidays 🙂 Thank you for rating and reviewing!
Amanda
Reply
Ryan says
Amazing recipe, very detailed and turned out delicious - even though I had to make one with prosciutto and one with out (didn't have enough) and had to omit the Dijon because I didn't have that either- may try with another mustard in the future though!Reply
Stacey says
I made my own dijon mustard. It turned out fabulous.Reply
Amanda Gajdosik says
Oh that is so ambitious, Stacey! Love it! So glad you enjoyed 🙂 Thanks for rating and reviewing!
Ken Wedig says
My family has very high standards when it comes to judging food and they ABSOLUTELY LOVED this meal. It became an instant Christmas classic in our home. Bonus, I had fun preparing. Thank you for sharing such amazing recipes.Reply
Amanda Gajdosik says
So, so, so happy to hear your family enjoyed the recipe, Ken! Thanks for being here 🙂
Reply
Mary-Margaret says
When do I remove the butcher's twine?
Reply
Amanda says
After searing and before coating the tenderloin in mustard. I will be sure it states so in the recipe and post! Thanks, Mary-Margaret 🙂
Reply