Beef Wellington is a traditional British dish thought to be named after Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, who defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. This dish consists of beef coated with pâté and duxelles, and a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms wrapped in puff pastry and baked to perfection. Its exact origin is unknown, but some say it was influenced by the French. Filet de boeuf en croute.
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Beef Wellington became popular in the mid-20th century and is known for its rich flavor and elegant presentation. In the 21st century, some chefs have given Wellington a major makeover, with modern twists on classic dishes.
Such was the case when the vegan chef known as @thenottychef on TikTok introduced the world to Cucumber Wellington. Unlike the traditional beef-centric dish that chef Gordon Ramsay has perfected, this version replaces the meat with whole cucumbers wrapped in puff pastry.
“I don’t know if I should be happily surprised or just upset,” the TikTok chef said in a viral video. “But this was actually kind of delicious.” The TikTok chef’s intentions are clear, asking viewers to “tag Gordon Ramsay” to get the chef’s attention for a comment. Ta.
Gordon Ramsay/TheNottyChef TikTok
Chef Ramsay, who is known for his sharp criticism, received a predictably energetic response in the video, which quickly racked up millions of views. “What an insult to Wellington,” Ramsay exclaimed in a duet on TikTok. “Go back to your vegan teacher’s classroom, Donut.”
Reactions from the TikTok community were similarly mixed, with many echoing Ramsay’s disapproval, while others were amused or intrigued by the innovative vegan twist.
Chef Knotty continued to create a variety of recipes in a regular TikTok series titled “F*ck, That’s Vegan.” Its recipes are only sometimes vegan.
Gordon Ramsay’s own vegan Wellington
Over the years, Ramsay’s tough love personality has evolved, and so has his stance on plant-based foods. Despite his criticism of cucumber Wellingtons, Ramsay himself developed beet Wellingtons several years ago to accompany vegan Sunday roast dinners, eggplant steaks and plant-based bacon.
gordon ramsay
In a surprising development of the episode, chef In 2022, Ramsay confessed his love for vegan food, which was a major revelation considering his previous negative comments about vegans.
“After many years, I’ve finally accepted that I love vegan food,” Ramsay revealed on the show.
The chef highlighted this newfound respect by demonstrating the technique behind beet wellington, which he showed off during the show’s first-ever vegan cooking challenge.
Vegan cucumber recipes without controversy
If you’re looking for less controversial cucumber recipes, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite recipes that even Ramsay would love.
Japan: Vegetarian Cookbook
1One-step cucumber salad with plum and shiso
A refreshing side salad with the crunchy texture of cucumbers, the sourness of pickled plums, and the refreshing mint of shiso leaves.
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sarah bond
2Healthy vegan cucumber spicy mayo sushi rolls
Featuring crunchy cucumber and creamy avocado, these sushi rolls are a fresh take on the traditional sushi experience, served with spicy mayonnaise for a flavorful kick.
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erin scott
3Refreshing vegan watermelon and cucumber salad in 10 minutes
Combining the hydrating properties of cucumber with sweet watermelon, this salad is perfect for an easy and refreshing meal, especially on warmer days.
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sarah bond
FourEasy Vegan Bulgar Tabbouleh Salad
Crisp cucumber pieces add crunch to this bulgur wheat salad, mixed with juicy tomatoes and a rich blend of herbs, making it the perfect nutritious lunch.
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FiveEasy vegan spring roll bowl with mango and avocado
This dish breaks down the spring roll elements into a bowl, with cucumber slices adding freshness to the sweet mango and creamy avocado.
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lauren toyota
6Easy vegan cold cucumber chili noodles
Cucumber ribbons are tossed with flat rice noodles and spicy chili oil to create a dish with a perfect balance of cool texture and spiciness.
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7Vegan Japanese Rainbow Salad with Carrot Ginger Dressing
A colorful and crunchy mix of vegetables, this salad uses cucumber for freshness and is topped with a tangy carrot and ginger dressing that adds flavor to every bite.
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8Vegan sweet corn and pepper summer gazpacho
This bright, cold soup captures the essence of summer with a bright blend of sweet corn, yellow peppers, and cucumber. It’s a refreshing dish perfect for a hot day.
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9Vegan Summer Picnic Pasta Salad with Italian Vinaigrette
Perfect for outdoor dining, this salad combines cooked fusilli pasta with fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and artichokes. A blend of tangy sweet and savory, tossed with a homemade Italian vinaigrette enhanced with herbs and spices, this pasta salad is perfect to make ahead of time and the flavors meld beautifully in the fridge.
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TenVegan crispy rice salad with crushed cucumber and spicy radish
This richly textured dish combines golden, crispy rice with tangy, spicy pickled radish and refreshingly crushed cucumber, tossed with a tangy lime dressing.
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11Vegan Strawberry Lemon Elderflower Mocktail
This sophisticated drink is perfect for summer, combining the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of lemon and the floral aroma of elderflower. Cucumber slices add a refreshing and hydrating element, making them the perfect non-alcoholic option for any occasion.
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If you want to add more cucumbers to your meals, visit VegNews’ recipes tab for creative dishes.
Read below to learn more about vegan cooking.
Anna Starostinetskaya is a senior news editor at VegNews, where she keeps up to date with all things vegan in her hometown of San Francisco, California, and beyond.
