Make Steak In A Fondue Pot: Is It Possible?

Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience that involves cooking small pieces of food in a hot sauce or cooking medium. While cheese and chocolate fondues are popular, it is possible to make steak fondue. This involves cutting steak into bite-sized pieces and cooking them in hot oil in a fondue pot. The steak can then be eaten with a variety of sauces.

Steak fondue cooking times

Steak fondue is a fun and unique way to cook and enjoy your steak. It is a great option for a dinner party as it allows your guests to cook their steak to their desired doneness. Here are some tips and guidelines for cooking steak fondue:

Preparation:

Before your guests arrive, cut the steak into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. You can also prepare some sauces and put them in little bowls around the fondue burner, along with the meat, bread, and salad. It is recommended to use tender cuts of meat for steak fondue, as the cooking time is relatively short. You can also marinate the steak cubes beforehand to add more flavor.

Cooking:

For cooking steak fondue, you will need a fondue pot, a heat source such as a burner or stove, and fondue forks or skewers for your guests. Fill your fondue pot about halfway with vegetable oil or broth and heat it to around 375°F (190°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the temperature by throwing in a cube of bread; when it turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready. Place the fondue burner on a stable surface, such as a trivet, and light the flame.

Cooking Times:

Once the oil or broth reaches the desired temperature, your guests can start cooking their steak. The cooking time will depend on the desired doneness:

• For rare steak: cook for 25-30 seconds
• For medium steak: cook for 30-35 seconds
• For well-done steak: cook for 45-60 seconds

It is important to note that these cooking times are per piece of steak and may vary slightly depending on the size of the steak cubes.

Serving:

After cooking, your guests can dip the steak into the sauces and pile it onto bread or eat it plain. It is recommended not to eat directly from the fondue forks, as they can get very hot and are meant only for cooking the meat. Use regular forks to eat the cooked steak.

Fondue pot selection

Fondue pots are typically composed of a metal or ceramic base, a stand, and a heat source. The size of your fondue pot depends on your plans and what you're serving. If you're hosting a large gathering or preparing a lighter, broth-based fondue, a larger pot will feed a crowd and accommodate more volume as the fluid expands when it boils.

Best Overall: Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot

This fondue pot from a trusted brand has eight easy-to-adjust heat settings and a nonstick insert for easy cleanup. It includes eight colour-coded forks and a ring insert for the pot with notches to hold them in place. It's best for a group of six or fewer.

Best Splurge: All-Clad Cast Aluminium Fondue Pot

This handsome pot is undeniably pricey but is very versatile. It has a traditional flame-fuelled model that requires initial preheating, but its shiny steel outer pot and nonstick aluminium insert are both stove and oven-safe. The flames are safely contained in the base, and there's a cover to extinguish them. The set includes eight sharp-tined, colour-coded forks.

Best Traditional-Style: Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set

This enameled cast-iron pot in the classic Swiss style is attractive and has excellent heat retention. It's the traditional style used in Switzerland to make fondue, with a wrought-iron base that keeps the burning fuel and steaming pot secure. The set comes with a gel fuel canister, a larger Sterno can also fits, but the pot can get too hot. It includes six fondue forks.

Best Cast Iron: Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set

Despite its reasonable price, this sturdy little pot can be used for chocolate, cheese, and even an oil-and-meat fondue. It sits on a stovetop for preparation and is then transferred to its base, where it is kept warm by a standard-sized Sterno can. It includes six fondue forks.

Best for Parties: Dash Fondue Maker

This large pot is sleek and attractive, with simple and accurate temperature settings. It includes eight fondue forks and six cups for holding dipping ingredients. It's a great choice for a large group, but the cups are on the smaller side.

Best Small: Staub Mini Chocolate Fondue Set

This adorable, candle-powered set is perfect for a date night. It's made of solid cast iron and includes a separate cast-iron base that is heavy enough to keep everything stable. It comes with four fondue forks but is only suitable for two people.

Oil vs broth for cooking steak

The Basics

Fondue is a dish in which small pieces of food are dipped into a hot sauce or a hot cooking medium such as oil or broth. The cooking time depends on the type of food and the desired level of doneness. For example, steak cooked in oil will take about 5-7 minutes for a rare steak, 30-35 seconds for medium, and 45-60 seconds for well-done.

Oil Fondue

Oil fondue is a classic recipe for deep-frying meats and breaded foods. The downside of oil fondue is that it will leave your house smelling like a restaurant kitchen for a couple of days. When preparing an oil fondue, it is important to use a heat source such as an electric burner, a hot pot, or an Instant Pot. It is also crucial to be cautious when cooking with hot oil to avoid accidents.

Broth Fondue

Broth fondue is a delicious and lower-fat alternative to oil fondue. Since broth boils at a lower temperature than oil, the cooking time will be longer, which can enhance the party experience. It is important to have separate plates for raw and cooked meat to avoid cross-contamination.

Tips for a Successful Fondue Party

• Use extension cords to safely run the fondue pots to the outlets.
• Provide each guest with two fondue forks: one for cooking and the other for dipping.
• Explain how fondue works and how to use the forks properly to your guests at the beginning of the party.
• Be mindful of the number of pots plugged into a single breaker to avoid tripping breakers.
• Serve a variety of meats, sides, and sauces, but don't overdo it to avoid overwhelming your guests and having too many dishes.

Steak fondue serving suggestions

Steak fondue is a fun and interactive way to serve dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your steak fondue experience:

Choose the Right Cut of Steak

Select a cut of steak that is suitable for fondue. Sirloin steak, buffalo, filet mignon, and flank steak are excellent choices. These cuts have different cooking temperatures for doneness, so choose one that aligns with your desired level of doneness.

Prepare the Steak

Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes or strips. This ensures that the steak cooks evenly and quickly in the fondue pot.

Select a Cooking Medium

You can use either oil or broth as the cooking medium for your steak fondue. Oil-based fondues are classic for deep frying, while broth adds more flavour to the meat. If using oil, consider options with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil, to prevent burning.

Prepare Dipping Sauces and Condiments

A variety of dipping sauces and condiments will enhance the flavour of your steak fondue. Prepare sauces like horseradish and sour cream, white wine vinegar with chilli, or mayonnaise with mustard. You can also offer condiments such as garlic and pepper.

Side Dishes

Steak fondue can be served with a variety of side dishes. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, summer squash, and green beans are healthy options. Baked potatoes with toppings such as butter, sour cream, and chives are also a good choice. A green salad with a variety of dressings is another refreshing side.

Fondue Pot and Equipment

Use a heavy fondue pot to prevent oil splattering. Ensure you have a stable heat source, such as an electric burner or a chafing dish. Fondue forks or skewers are essential for cooking and dipping the steak.

Cooking Instructions

Heat the oil or broth in the fondue pot to the desired temperature. Cook the steak in the fondue pot for the appropriate time based on your desired level of doneness. Use a fork or skewer to lower the steak into the pot, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.

Steak fondue safety tips

Steak fondue is a fun and unique way to enjoy a meal, but it's important to keep some safety tips in mind when using a fondue pot. Here are some detailed instructions and precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable steak fondue experience:

Before You Start:

• Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with your fondue pot. Make sure to read all the directions and warnings on fuel containers.
• Never heat hot oil in an earthenware, ceramic, or stoneware fondue pot. These materials are not suitable for high temperatures and can be dangerous.
• If using a ceramic, stoneware, or earthenware fondue pot, avoid heating it when empty to prevent cracking.
• Warm foods over low to medium-low heat for a brief period. Using a heat diffuser can provide extra protection.
• Ensure that the handles of the fondue pot are securely attached before picking it up, especially when it's filled.
• Place the fondue pot on a heatproof surface, such as a thick wooden cutting board or colorful ceramic tiles, to protect your table from heat damage.
• If using an electric fondue pot, tape down the extension cord to the floor or tie it to a table leg to prevent tripping hazards.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, snuffer lid, or box of baking soda nearby in case of flare-ups, especially when using an oil fondue.

During Cooking:

• Fill the fondue pot with oil to the recommended level, usually halfway full. Heat the oil on the stovetop until it's hot but not smoking, aiming for around 190°C.
• Carefully place the fondue burner on a stable surface, such as a dining table. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to light the flame and place the pot on top.
• Provide each guest with a fondue fork for dunking the steak into the hot oil. The cooking time will vary depending on the desired doneness: 25-30 seconds for rare, 30-35 seconds for medium, and 45-60 seconds for well-done.
• After cooking the steak to your desired doneness, remove the fondue fork from the pot and place it on your plate. Use your regular dining fork to slide the steak off the fondue fork and dip it into the sauces provided.
• Avoid double-dipping to prevent the spread of germs. It is improper to put the entire fondue fork into your mouth. Instead, use the fondue fork for dipping only and then use your table fork to transfer the steak to your plate for eating.
• Never dip your food into the pot with your fingers. Aside from the risk of germs, you will also risk burning yourself.
• If children are participating, ensure they are closely supervised by an adult to ensure their safety.

After Cooking:

• To extinguish the flame, close the vents and put on the snuffer lid. Ensure the flame is completely extinguished before refilling the fuel cup.
• Unplug the electric fondue pot immediately after use.
• Do not pour cold water into a hot fondue pot, regardless of the material it is made from. Avoid rapid temperature changes as it can be dangerous.

Frequently asked questions