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Filipino-style beef Wellington on a budget

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Gordon Ramsay’s Signature Beef Wellington, a luxurious dish crafted from Wagyu beef, mushroom and truffle duxelles, creamed Koffmann’s potatoes, and red wine jus, is an iconic offering at Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill in Newport World Resorts. However, for many Filipinos, dining at the Michelin-starred chef’s restaurant might be out of reach.

But who says you can’t enjoy the essence of this classic British dish in your own home? With a bit of creativity and the use of local ingredients, you can go a long way in recreating this “dream-for-many” dish and crafting your very own “Wellington-inspired” meals, no matter how tight your budget is.

Corned beef Wellington

Corned beef, a Filipino pantry essential, makes for a clever substitute for expensive beef fillet. Here’s how to prepare it: form canned corned beef into a compact log shape by pressing it together. Chill it in the fridge for a few hours to hold its form. Sauté it with garlic and onions for added flavor, then wrap it in lumpia wrappers or a dough alternative. Bake until golden.  

Bangus Wellington

When beef is a splurge, boneless bangus (milkfish) steps in as a local favorite. To create this version, use deboned bangus fillet as the centerpiece. Marinate it with calamansi, soy sauce, and black pepper. Follow the same wrapping technique with sautéed mushrooms and lumpia wrappers for a flaky crust.

Pancake dough as pastry substitute

No puff pastry? No problem. Instant pancake mix can work as a makeshift crust. For this alternative, prepare pancake batter but make it thicker by reducing the water. Roll it out into a thin sheet and use it to wrap the filling. It creates a soft, doughy crust that’s easy and cheap.

Giniling for mushroom duxelles

Mushrooms can be pricey, but giniling (ground meat) mixed with veggies is a flavorful alternative. Try this approach: cook ground pork or beef with diced carrots, potatoes, garlic, and onions. Cook it until dry, spread it on your chosen dough or wrapper, and roll it up around your protein center.

Banana leaf as a wrapping material

Skip store-bought wrappers and go natural with banana leaves, a classic Filipino cooking hack. Here’s one way to approach it: wrap seasoned meat or fish in banana leaves, just as you would when making suman. Bake or steam, then pan-fry for a crispy exterior.

Sardines Wellington

Canned sardines, one of the most budget-friendly proteins, can be transformed into a Wellington-style dish. To achieve this, mash sardines (in oil or tomato sauce) and season with calamansi and pepper. Wrap the mixture in lumpia wrappers or dough, then bake until crispy.

Wellington-inspired empanadas

Why make a full roll when you can create individual portions? For this twist, use corned beef, ground pork, or sautéed veggies as the filling. Wrap them in empanada dough (or lumpia wrappers), and fry or bake for a quick, handheld version of Wellington.

Budget-friendly gravy for flavor

Even a simple Wellington shines with a good sauce. Here’s a way to make it: combine cornstarch, soy sauce, calamansi juice, and a beef bouillon cube dissolved in water to create a rich, savory gravy.

Bite-sized Wellington rolls

Transform the dish into finger food for sharing. Follow this process: roll smaller portions of filling in lumpia wrappers, fry or bake, and serve as bite-sized snacks for parties or family meals.

Tofu or vegetable fillings

For a meatless take, tokwa (tofu) and vegetables provide a healthier alternative. Consider this option: pan-fry tofu, season well, and pair it with sautéed veggies or mushrooms. Wrap and bake just as you would with other fillings.

Ramsay, renowned for his love of Beef Wellington, once said: “Beef Wellington has to be the ultimate indulgence. It’s one of my all-time favorite main courses, and it would definitely be on my last supper menu.”

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