Can You Eat Beef Wellington When Pregnant? The Surprising Answer

Pregnancy comes with a whole new set of guidelines on what you can and cannot eat. With morning sickness, food aversions, and cravings constantly changing, sticking to a healthy diet can be challenging. As your due date approaches, you may be wondering if enjoyed treats like beef wellington are still on the table.

I’m here to tell you that you absolutely can eat beef wellington while pregnant! With a few modifications and precautions, this elegant entrée can be a safe and satisfying part of your diet. As a mom of three, I’ve been through multiple pregnancies and learned how to tweak recipes to make them pregnancy-friendly.

In this article I’ll go over

What’s in traditional beef wellington and potential pregnancy concerns
How to modify the ingredients and preparation to reduce risks
Tips for safely storing and reheating leftovers
When you should avoid beef wellington altogether

Let’s dive in so you can keep enjoying this delicious dish during your nine months!

Traditional Ingredients in Beef Wellington and Pregnancy Precautions

So what exactly is in a classic beef wellington recipe? Essentially, it’s tender filet mignon wrapped in prosciutto and puff pastry, then baked Here are the core components

Beef tenderloin – This lean, tender cut of beef provides protein and iron. Make sure it’s cooked to the proper internal temperature.
Prosciutto – This dry-cured ham adds a layer of savory flavor. Be mindful of the sodium content.
Puff pastry dough – The light, flaky exterior is made from wheat flour, butter, and sometimes egg. Use premade dough rather than raw eggs.
Pâté and/or mushrooms – A layer of pâté or duxelles (sautéed mushrooms) is traditional. Check if they are made with any off-limit ingredients.
Herbs and seasonings – Often includes garlic, shallots, thyme, parsley, Madeira wine. Avoid raw garlic.

So what potential pregnancy concerns are there? Here are the main things to keep in mind:

Undercooked beef – Raw or undercooked beef carries the risk of foodborne illness. Use pasteurized eggs and cook beef to recommended temps.

High mercury levels – Certain types of fish used in pâté could have high mercury. Choose pâté made without fish.

Alcohol – Madeira wine is used in many recipes. Omit the wine or use very small amounts.

Unpasteurized foods – Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk should be avoided. Opt for pasteurized brie or camembert.

Foodborne illness – Salmonella and E. coli are risks with raw eggs, meat, and dairy. Review food safety practices.

How to Modify Beef Wellington for a Safer Pregnancy Meal

The good news is that with a few simple modifications, you can still enjoy beef wellington while pregnant! Here are some tips:

Choose the right cut of beef – Go for beef tenderloin or filet mignon. They are more tender and easier to cook to a safe temperature.

Monitor cooking temperature – Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef reaches at least 145°F internally after resting. This kills any potential bacteria.

Skip raw seafood pâté – Opt for mushroom duxelles or a seafood-free country pâté made with cooked meats.

Use pasteurized puff pastry – Choose premade frozen dough or one made with pasteurized eggs. Avoid raw dough and eggs.

Omit or limit wine – Madeira wine adds nice depth of flavor but should only be used occasionally in small amounts.

Substitute unpasteurized cheese – Skip soft raw cheeses like brie and use pasteurized versions or swiss cheese instead.

Increase garlic and herbs – Boost flavor with fresh garlic, thyme, parsley, shallots. Avoid raw chopped garlic.

Brush egg wash carefully – If using an egg wash on the pastry, fully cook the egg mixture first to reduce raw egg risks.

Rely on refrigerated foods – Use dough, meat, and other ingredients that have been kept refrigerated at proper temperatures before cooking.

Tips for Safely Storing and Reheating Leftover Beef Wellington

One of the best parts about beef wellington is enjoying leftovers! Here are some storage and reheating tips to keep it safe for pregnancy:

Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge within 2 hours.
Eat within 3-4 days for the best quality. The pastry may lose its crispness but still tastes great!
Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, at least 165°F. The oven keeps the pastry flaky.
Microwaving is okay, but keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. Heat in 30 second intervals.
Don’t eat any leftovers that have been left out for over 2 hours. Toss food if there is any odd coloring, smell, or mold.
When reheating, check that the beef reaches 165°F internally using a food thermometer.
Refrigerate any uneaten portions immediately and don’t reheat more than once.

Following these storage guidelines helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps beef wellington safe for pregnant women to eat leftovers.

When Pregnant Women Should Avoid Beef Wellington

While beef wellington is generally fine in pregnancy when prepared properly, there are some instances where it’s better to avoid it:

If you have an iron deficiency – The raw beef raises risks of illness. Stick to thoroughly cooked meats.
If you are immunocompromised – Those with weakened immune systems have higher chances of foodborne illness. Avoid raw meats and eggs.
Allergy to any ingredients – If allergic to eggs, wheat, or mushrooms, avoid beef wellington made with those ingredients.
Within 2 weeks of your due date – Some obstetricians recommend avoiding undercooked meats this close to delivery in case of early labor.
History of foodborne illness – Those who have had food poisoning or are sensitive to undercooked foods may want to take extra precautions.
If unsure of food handling and prep – Safety risks increase if you are unable to verify ingredients or preparation methods.

Trust your instincts – you know your body best! If beef wellington does not sound appetizing or you have any concerns about risks, choose a different meal. There are plenty of pregnancy-friendly recipes to try instead.

Make Sure You Keep Food Safety Top of Mind

While many typical pregnancy food rules have been debunked, foodborne illnesses are still a real concern. Be diligent with the following safety practices when cooking beef wellington:

✔️Use a food thermometer to check temperatures. Cook beef to at least 145°F and reheat to 165°F.

✔️Avoid raw, undercooked, and cold deli meats unless heated to steaming 165°F.

✔️Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat only once. Toss if moldy or smells odd.

✔️Wash hands, utensils, and cooking surfaces before and after handling raw beef and eggs.

✔️Keep foods that won’t be cooked, like produce and puff pastry, away from raw meats.

✔️Buy pasteurized egg products when possible, or use eggs immediately after cracking.

✔️Use separate cutting boards and knives for raw meats and other ingredients.

Following safe food handling practices is important for all populations, but take extra care when pregnant. Stay vigilant and you can keep enjoying beef wellington!

Satisfy Your Beef Wellington Craving in Pregnancy

Beef wellington holds a special place in many people’s hearts. With its tender beef wrapped in flaky pastry, it seems like the last dish you’d want to give up for 9 months. The good news is that you don’t have to!

Is red meat safe in early pregnancy? – Ms. Sushma Jaiswal

FAQ

Can a pregnant lady eat beef wellington?

You can safely eat beef during pregnancy as long as it’s cooked thoroughly until it’s steaming hot with no trace of pink or blood. It’s not recommended to eat rare or undercooked beef¹. Beef is a good source of protein during pregnancy and is recommended to be included as part of a healthy pregnancy diet.

Can you have a medium steak while pregnant?

Can you eat rare or medium steak while pregnant? It’s best to avoid raw or undercooked meat while you’re pregnant because it may make you ill, and could harm your baby. You may become infected with the toxoplasma parasite if you eat meat that is raw or pink and bloody in the middle .

Can you eat slow cooked meat when pregnant?

Foods that help build a healthy baby include eggs, liver, oily fish, dark green leafy vegetables, meat-on-the-bone and slow-cooked meat. While you may feel hungrier, it’s important to eat meals with lots of vitamins and nutrients, but there are certain foods you should be cautious about.

Can I eat cured meat while pregnant?

Only eat cured meats (like salami, pepperoni, chorizo and prosciutto) if they’ve been thoroughly cooked until steaming hot. You should not eat game meat, such as hare, partridge or pheasant due to the presence of lead. You should also not eat raw or rare meat as this can cause food poisoning.

Can you eat meat while pregnant?

Follow safe food handling guidelines and don’t eat raw or undercooked meat while pregnant. Also, avoid eating deli or lunch meats, bacon, and hot dogs during pregnancy unless you heat these meats until they’re steaming hot or 165 degrees F. Can I eat meat while I’m pregnant?

Is it safe to eat crab meat during pregnancy?

It is safe to eat crab meat during pregnancy as long as it comes from a reliable source, with appropriate hygienic and sanitary conditions for pre-preparation, preparation and packaging of this food.

Is it safe to cook a steak If I’m Pregnant?

The chef should check with a thermometer, not by sight or feel. Many chefs cook by instinct and although they’re very good at this, there’s too much variation to be 100% safe if you’re pregnant. Almost every pro kitchen will have a meat thermometer and should use it to cook your steak to an internal temperature of 145F/63C.

Is medium rare steak good if pregnant?

A lot of people enjoy their fillet, rump or T-bone cooked medium rare, because at this degree of doneness the meat is warm, juicy and full of flavor. However, if you are pregnant then unfortunately medium rare steaks are off the menu as this degree of doneness doesn’t result in a high enough cooking temperature.