Beef Wellington is a classic British dish believed to be named after the Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, who defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. The dish consists of beef coated with pâté and duxelles and a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms wrapped in puff pastry and then baked to perfection. Its exact origins are unclear, with some theories suggesting it was inspired by the French filet de bœuf en croûte.
Beef Wellington became popular in the mid-20th century and is celebrated for its rich flavors and elegant presentation. In the 21st century, classic dishes are getting a modern twist with some chefs giving Wellington a major refresh.
Such was the case when a vegan chef, known on TikTok as @thenottychef, introduced the world to his Cucumber Wellington. Unlike the traditional beef-centered dish—which chef Gordon Ramsay is popular for perfecting—this version replaced the meat with a whole cucumber, wrapped in puff pastry.
“I don’t know if I should be happily surprised or just upset,” the TikTok chef said in the viral video. “But this actually tasted kind of good.” The TikTok chef’s intention was clear as he asked viewers to “please tag Gordon Ramsay,” seeking to bring it to the chef’s attention for commentary.
Gordon Ramsay/TheNottyChef TikTok
A chef known for his sharp critiques, Ramsay quickly responded with expected vigor on the video, which quickly gathered millions of views. “How dare you insult Wellington,” Ramsay exclaimed in a duet on TikTok. “You need to get back to the vegan teacher’s classroom, you doughnut.”
The response from the TikTok community was equally mixed, with many echoing Ramsay’s disapproval, and others amused or intrigued by the innovative vegan twist.
The Notty Chef went on to create a variety of recipes in a recurring TikTok series he titles “F*ck, That’s Vegan”—where the recipes are only sometimes vegan.
Table of Contents
Gordon Ramsay’s own vegan Wellington
Over the years, Ramsay’s tough love persona has evolved and so has his stance on plant-based food. Despite his criticism of the Cucumber Wellington, Ramsay himself developed a Beet Wellington—along with vegan Sunday roast dinners, eggplant steaks, plant-based bacon, and more—a few years back.
Gordon Ramsay
In a surprising turn on an episode of MasterChef in 2022, Ramsay confessed his love for vegan food, a significant revelation given his previous dismissive comments towards veganism.
“After all these years, I can finally admit that I actually love vegan food,” Ramsay revealed on the show.
The chef underscored this newfound respect by demonstrating the technique behind his Beet Wellington, which he presented during the show’s first-ever vegan cooking challenge.
Vegan cucumber recipes without the controversy
If you’re looking for cucumber recipes with a little less controversy, we’ve pulled together a few of our favorites that we’re sure Ramsay would love:
Japan: The Vegetarian Cookbook
1One-Step Japanese Cucumber Salad With Ume and Shiso
This salad quickly brings together the crisp textures of cucumber with the sourness of umeboshi plums and the minty freshness of shiso leaves, offering a refreshing side dish.
Get the recipe
Sarah Bond
2Healthy Vegan Cucumber Sushi Rolls With Spicy Mayo
Featuring crisp cucumber and creamy avocado, these sushi rolls provide a fresh take on the traditional sushi experience, complete with a spicy mayo that adds a flavorful kick.
Get the recipe
Erin Scott
310-Minute Refreshing Vegan Watermelon and Cucumber Salad
Combining the hydrating qualities of cucumber with sweet watermelon, this salad is perfect for a quick, refreshing meal, especially on warm days.
Get the recipe
Sarah Bond
4Easy Vegan Bulgur Tabbouleh Salad
Refreshing cucumber pieces add a crunchy texture to this bulgur wheat salad, mixed with juicy tomatoes and a rich blend of herbs, ideal for a nutritious lunch.
Get the recipe
5Easy Vegan Spring Roll Bowl With Mango and Avocado
This dish deconstructs the elements of a spring roll into a bowl, with cucumber slices adding freshness to the sweet mango and creamy avocado.
Get the recipe
Lauren Toyota
6Easy Vegan Cold Cucumber Chile Noodles
Cucumber ribbons are tossed with flat rice noodles and spicy chili oil, creating a dish that balances cool textures with hot flavors.
Get the recipe
7Vegan Japanese-Inspired Rainbow Salad With Carrot-Ginger Dressing
A colorful and crunchy mix of vegetables, this salad uses cucumber for freshness, topped with a zesty carrot-ginger dressing that enhances every bite.
Get the recipe
8Vegan Sweet Corn and Pepper Summer Gazpacho
This vibrant chilled soup captures the essence of summer with its bright flavors, blending sweet corn with yellow bell peppers and cucumber. It’s a refreshing meal ideal for hot days.
Get the recipe
9Vegan Summery Picnic Pasta Salad with Italian Vinaigrette
Perfect for outdoor dining, this salad combines cooked fusilli pasta with an array of fresh vegetables including bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and artichokes. Dressed in a homemade Italian vinaigrette that blends tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, enhanced by herbs and spices, this pasta salad is ideal for making ahead, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully in the fridge.
Get the recipe
10Vegan Crispy Rice Salad with Smashed Cucumbers and Spicy Pickled Radishes
Rich in texture, this dish combines golden-brown crispy rice with tangy, spicy pickled radishes and refreshing smashed cucumbers, dressed with a zesty lime dressing.
Get the recipe
11Vegan Strawberry Lemon Elderflower Mocktail
This sophisticated drink is perfect for summer and combines the sweetness of strawberries and the tartness of lemon with the floral notes of elderflower. Cucumber rounds add a crisp, hydrating element, making it a perfect non-alcoholic choice for any occasion.
Get the recipe
If you’re looking to add even more cucumber to your meals, head over to the VegNews recipe tab for creative dishes.
For more on vegan cooking, read:
Anna Starostinetskaya is the Senior News Editor at VegNews and is always keeping an eye on all things vegan in her home city of San Francisco, CA and everywhere else.
