Beef Fondue: A Beginner's Guide To Delicious Dipping

Fondue is a fun and leisurely meal that is great for a romantic dinner or a slow family meal. It is a simple meal that lets each diner cook their own main course. Beef fondue is best served with a salad, bread, and plenty of tasty dips.

To eat beef fondue, you will need a fondue pot, fondue forks, bite-sized pieces of beef, and a cooking liquid (either oil or broth). Heat the cooking liquid in the fondue pot to around 375°F (190°C). Each diner should skewer a piece of beef with a fondue fork and dip it into the cooking liquid. The cooking time will depend on how well-done you want your meat, but it usually takes between 30 seconds to 1 minute for beef. Once the meat is cooked to your liking, remove it from the fondue pot and eat it plain or with a dipping sauce.

Choose your equipment: fondue pot, burner, and forks

The fondue pot is the most important piece of equipment for your beef fondue. Choose a metal, enamelware, or cast-iron pot—ceramic fondue pots are better suited to cheese and chocolate fondues. You'll also need a burner to keep the contents of the fondue pot hot. Avoid burners that use candles as a heat source, as these don't stay hot enough to cook meat. Instead, opt for an electric, alcohol, or butane-powered burner. If you're using an electric burner, make sure you have extension cords to safely reach your power outlets.

Look for a fondue pot with edges that curve inward at the top, as this will help to reduce splashing. You'll also need fondue forks—long 2-tined forks that are usually colour-coded to prevent mix-ups between diners. Provide at least two fondue forks per person. If you don't have fondue forks, you can use bamboo skewers, but make sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before cooking to reduce the chance of burning.

Prepare the meat: cut into bite-sized pieces and marinate

Preparing the meat for your beef fondue is a simple process, but it does require some forward planning. First, you'll want to select your meat. Beef tenderloin or rump steaks are good options, and you'll need 800g of meat for six people. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces—cubes of around 1 inch will do. If you're serving other foods alongside the beef, you can get away with 4 ounces of meat per person.

Next, you'll want to marinate your meat. This step is optional, but it will add extra flavour to your fondue. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own. A simple marinade might include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Divide your meat into large resealable plastic bags, add the marinade, and turn the bags to coat the meat. Refrigerate for four hours, turning the bags occasionally.

If you're serving chicken as well as beef, you can use the same marinade, but be sure to use a food thermometer to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Heat the cooking liquid: oil or broth

Heating the cooking liquid is a crucial step in preparing a beef fondue. The cooking liquid can be either oil or broth, and it needs to be heated to the right temperature for the fondue to be a success.

If you are using oil for your beef fondue, you will need to heat it to around 375°F (190°C). This is important, as the oil needs to be hot enough to cook the meat properly. If the oil is not hot enough, the meat will not cook evenly or may become soggy. To heat the oil, use a heavy-bottomed pan on the stovetop. You can use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature of the oil. Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully transfer it to your fondue pot.

If you prefer to use broth for your beef fondue, you will also need to heat it to a high temperature. Bring the broth to a boil in a pan on the stovetop, then transfer it to your fondue pot. Using broth infused with herbs and spices can add extra flavour to your fondue.

It is important to note that the cooking liquid needs to be heated just before serving. This is because the fondue pot will not keep the liquid hot enough to cook the meat properly. Therefore, it is best to heat the liquid just before your guests are ready to eat.

Additionally, always exercise caution when working with hot oil or broth. Use oven mitts or pot holders to protect your hands when handling the hot pans and pots. Ensure your fondue pot is on a stable surface, and consider using a trivet to protect your table.

Cooking times: 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the meat

When it comes to cooking your beef fondue, timing is everything. The beauty of this dish is that each guest can cook their meat to their preferred level of doneness. For rare meat, cook the beef cubes for 25 to 30 seconds. For a medium-rare finish, allow 30 to 45 seconds, and for well-done meat, cook for 45 seconds to 1 minute. These timings are, of course, dependent on the size of your beef cubes and the temperature of your cooking oil.

If you are using a fondue pot, it is important to maintain a consistent temperature of around 375°F (190°C). You can test the temperature of the oil before cooking by using a deep-frying thermometer or, if you don't have one, a simple bread test will do the trick. Throw a cube of bread into the hot oil; if it takes about 30 seconds to turn golden brown, your oil is ready for cooking.

If you are cooking for a larger group, it is recommended to have one fondue pot for every 4 to 6 people. This ensures that the oil temperature remains stable and your guests don't have to wait too long for their turn. Each person should have their own fondue fork, or you can use bamboo skewers that have been soaked in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Now, onto the cooking process. Each guest should skewer a piece of meat and dip it into the hot oil. They can monitor their meat as it cooks, adjusting the cooking time according to their preference. Once the meat is done to their liking, they can remove it from the pot and place it on their dinner plate. It is important to note that the fondue fork should not be used as an eating utensil, as it will be very hot and unhygienic. Always use a regular fork to eat the cooked meat.

So, there you have it! With these timings and tips in mind, your beef fondue is sure to be a fun and delicious success.

Eat with a dipping sauce

Eating with a dipping sauce is a fun way to enjoy your beef fondue. Here are some tips and suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Prepare a Variety of Dipping Sauces

Fondue is all about variety and customization, so it's essential to offer a range of dipping sauces to your guests. Prepare several sauces with different flavours and levels of spiciness to cater to various taste preferences. Some popular options include:

• Horseradish sauce: Mix sour cream with prepared horseradish, white vinegar, chopped onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Green Goddess sauce: While there is no specific recipe mentioned, this sauce is a must-have for any fondue party, as it pairs well with both vegetables and meat.
• Mustard sauce: Try a honey beer mustard or a spicy garlic ginger sauce.
• Classic sauces: Offer familiar sauces like ranch, Thousand Island, and steak sauce.

Arrange the Dipping Sauces

Present the sauces in small bowls or dishes around the fondue burner. This allows your guests easy access to the sauces and creates a visually appealing display. You can also provide spoons or small ladles with each sauce to make it easier for your guests to drizzle the sauces over their cooked meat.

Encourage Creativity

Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience, so encourage your guests to experiment with different combinations of meat and sauces. They can try dipping their cooked beef in various sauces to find their favourite pairings. Additionally, if you are serving other foods like vegetables or bread, suggest dipping those in the sauces as well for even more variety.

Provide Instructions and Guidance

If your guests are new to fondue, it can be helpful to give them a quick tutorial at the beginning of the meal. Explain how fondue works, demonstrate the proper use of the fondue forks, and offer suggestions for cooking times to achieve their desired level of doneness. This will ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable dining experience.

Frequently asked questions