Fondue Steak: A Beginner's Guide To Melting Pot Perfection

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to serve dinner. It involves cooking small pieces of food in a hot sauce or a hot cooking medium such as oil or broth. When it comes to cooking steak fondue, there are a few key steps to follow. First, select a suitable fondue pot, preferably metal, enamelware, or cast iron, and ensure you have enough fondue forks for each diner. Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and marinate them if desired. Heat your chosen cooking liquid, whether oil or broth, to around 375°F (190°C) in a heavy-bottomed pan. Transfer the hot liquid to the fondue pot, being careful not to burn yourself, and place it on a trivet to protect your table. Turn on the fondue burner to maintain the temperature. Show your guests how to skewer and cook their steak pieces to their desired doneness, and provide dipping sauces and sides such as boiled potatoes, baked potatoes, or salad. Enjoy the interactive and tasty experience of steak fondue!

Choose your cooking liquid: oil or broth

When preparing a steak fondue, you can choose between oil and broth as your cooking liquid. Each option has its advantages and specificities to take into account.

Oil is a traditional choice for meat fondue. It allows you to deep-fry your favourite meats and breaded foods at the table. Suitable types of oil include vegetable, canola, grapeseed, and peanut. Make sure to thoroughly dry meat pieces before cooking to prevent oil from splashing out of the fondue pot. Peanut oil is a good option if you want a neutral taste, whereas olive oil, with its low smoke point, can burn quickly and is not recommended.

Broth, on the other hand, can add more flavour to the meat. You can infuse broth with herbs and spices, choosing a type that corresponds to the meat you are using. For example, the Swiss-style calls for raw cubed beef tenderloin, often accompanied by sauces such as mayonnaise mixed with mustard, tomato sauce, or salsa. The French style is generally cooked with olive oil and eaten with condiments such as garlic and pepper.

It is important to note that the temperature of the cooking liquid should be around 375°F (190°C). You can use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature or, if using oil, a cube of bread – when it turns golden brown after 30 seconds, the oil is ready.

Select the right pot and burner

Selecting the right pot and burner is crucial for a successful steak fondue. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you choose the best setup for your next fondue dinner:

Fondue Pot

Select a metal, enamelware, or cast-iron pot for cooking steak fondue. These materials can withstand high temperatures and are suitable for cooking with oil or broth. Avoid using ceramic fondue pots, as they are better suited for cheese and chocolate fondues. Look for a pot with edges that curve inward at the top. This design helps reduce splashing and prevents hot liquid from spilling out. Ensure the pot has a heavy bottom to prevent oil splattering.

Fondue Burner

Choose between an electric, alcohol, or butane-powered burner to maintain the ideal cooking temperature. Avoid using candles as a heat source, as they don't provide sufficient heat for cooking meat. An electric burner offers better temperature control, while alcohol and butane burners are good alternatives. Ensure your burner is stable and securely placed on a trivet to protect your table's surface.

Fondue Forks

Provide each diner with their own fondue fork. These are long, two-tined forks, usually colour-coded, to prevent confusion between guests. If you don't have fondue forks, you can use bamboo skewers, but be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before cooking to reduce the risk of burning. Do not use fondue forks as eating utensils, as they can get very hot and are meant to be placed back into the hot liquid. Always use regular forks to eat the cooked steak.

Cooking Oil or Broth

You can use vegetable, canola, grapeseed, or peanut oil for steak fondue. Peanut oil has a mild taste and a high smoke point, making it an excellent choice. If you prefer using broth, you can infuse it with herbs and spices to add extra flavour to your meat. Ensure your cooking liquid reaches a temperature of around 375°F (190°C) for effective cooking.

In summary, choosing the right pot, burner, and utensils is essential for a safe and enjoyable steak fondue experience. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, and ensure your setup is stable and safe to prevent any accidents. Now you're ready to host a fun and interactive dinner for your guests!

Prepare the meat

The first step to preparing your steak fondue is to select the right cut of meat. Fondue is best suited to tender cuts of meat, such as sirloin steak, buffalo, filet mignon, or flank steak. These cuts will ensure your meat is tender and flavourful after the quick cooking time in the fondue pot.

Next, you'll want to cut your chosen meat into bite-sized pieces or cubes. A good size to aim for is around 1-inch cubes. This will ensure the meat cooks evenly and quickly in the hot oil or broth.

At this point, you can choose to marinate your meat to add extra flavour. A simple marinade of yogurt, salt, pepper, and paprika powder can help tenderize the meat and add a unique taste.

Once your meat is prepared, you can store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. It's important to keep the raw meat chilled and separate from other foods to avoid any cross-contamination.

When you're ready to start cooking, divide the raw meat onto individual small plates for each diner. This will allow everyone to easily access their meat and cook it to their desired level of doneness.

Heat the cooking liquid

Heating the cooking liquid is a crucial step in preparing a steak fondue. Here is a detailed guide to help you get it right:

Choosing the Right Cooking Liquid

Firstly, decide whether to use oil or broth as your cooking liquid. Oil is a more traditional choice for meat fondue and gives a neutral flavour. Suitable oils include vegetable, canola, grapeseed, and peanut. If you opt for broth, you can add more flavour to the meat and infuse it with herbs and spices. Choose a broth that complements your meat.

Heating the Liquid

Use a heavy-bottomed pan to heat the cooking liquid on the stove. The ideal temperature for cooking steak fondue is around 375°F (190°C). Use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature. If you don't have a thermometer, a cube of bread can be used to test the oil – it should take about 30 seconds to turn golden brown.

Transferring to the Fondue Pot

Once the liquid has reached the right temperature, carefully transfer it to your fondue pot. Fill the pot to about one-third to one-half full. Place the fondue pot on a trivet to protect your table's surface.

Maintaining the Temperature

Turn on the fondue burner to maintain the cooking liquid's temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking meat is around 375°F (190°C). Re-test the temperature with a thermometer or the bread cube method if the liquid has cooled before transferring it to the fondue pot.

Cooking the Steak

Now you're ready to cook your steak! Skewer a piece of steak with a fondue fork or bamboo skewer and dip it into the hot cooking liquid. The cooking time will depend on your desired doneness. For rare steak, cook for 30 seconds, 45 seconds for medium-rare, and 1 minute for well-done.

Enjoy your steak fondue!

Show diners how to cook their meat

To show your diners how to cook their meat, first explain the process of fondue and how long to cook their meat for their desired level of doneness. For example, red meat should be cooked for 30 seconds for rare, 45 seconds for medium-rare, or 1 minute for well done. Poultry requires 2 minutes of cooking, and lamb and pork 1 minute.

Next, instruct your diners to skewer a piece of meat with their fondue fork or bamboo skewer. Show them how to carefully dip the meat into the hot cooking liquid. Demonstrate how to remove the cooked meat from the fondue pot and dislodge it from the skewer with a table fork.

Finally, explain that the meat can be eaten plain or with a dipping sauce. You can also suggest that they try their cooked meat with some of the sauces and dips provided.

Frequently asked questions