Cube Steak Fondue: Preparing Tender Meat For The Perfect Dip

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to serve dinner. It involves cooking cubes of meat in a communal pot of hot oil or broth, with various dipping sauces to complement the dish. When preparing steak for fondue, it is important to cut the meat into small pieces, typically cubes of around 1-inch or smaller. This ensures the steak cooks quickly and evenly in the fondue pot. Before cooking, the steak cubes can be seasoned or marinated to enhance their flavour. When cooking, use a suitable oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil, and heat it to around 375°F or 190°C. Fondue is a great way to bring people together around the table and create a fun and memorable dining experience.

Cube steak to 1-inch pieces

Cube steak, also known as cubed steak or minute steak, is a thin, economical cut of beef that has been mechanically tenderised. The process of cubing or tenderising breaks apart the tough meat fibres, leaving a cube pattern. This process makes the meat easier to chew and means it can be cooked quickly.

To cut a cube steak into 1-inch pieces, you will need to start with a whole piece of the meat. Using a sharp knife, trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the steak. Then, cut the steak into strips that are roughly 1-inch wide. Finally, cut these strips into 1-inch cubes. It is important that the pieces are roughly the same size so that they cook evenly.

Once you have cut your cube steak into 1-inch pieces, you can season and cook them as desired. One popular method is to cook the steak fondue-style by frying the pieces in hot oil. This can be done in a fondue pot or a heavy-bottomed pan, such as a cast-iron skillet. Heat the oil to around 375°F (or 190°C) before carefully adding the steak pieces. Cook for 25-30 seconds for rare, 30-35 seconds for medium, and 45-60 seconds for well-done.

Marinate the steak

Marinating the steak is an important step in preparing it for fondue. The process involves soaking the meat in a mixture of ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and other seasonings. This adds flavour to the steak and can help to tenderize it. Here is a detailed guide on how to marinate the steak for fondue:

Firstly, prepare the marinade by combining the desired ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup. A typical marinade for beef fondue consists of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic, but you can also add other ingredients like hot sauce, balsamic vinegar, or red wine to enhance the flavour. Experimenting with different combinations of ingredients will allow you to create unique and exciting flavour profiles for your fondue steak.

Once you have prepared the marinade, it's time to prepare the steak. Cube the steak into bite-sized pieces, typically about 1-inch in size. This ensures that the steak cooks quickly and evenly during the fondue process. Place the cubed steak into a large resealable plastic bag. You can also use a glass or ceramic container, but make sure it is non-reactive to avoid affecting the flavour of the meat.

Now, pour the marinade over the steak in the bag or container, ensuring that all the pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or container tightly, removing as much air as possible. Massage the bag gently to distribute the marinade evenly and ensure that all surfaces of the steak are in contact with the liquid.

Place the sealed bag or container in the refrigerator and allow the steak to marinate for several hours, ideally for about four hours. During this time, try to turn the bag or container occasionally to redistribute the marinade and ensure that all pieces of steak are evenly coated.

Once the steak has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and drain the excess marinade. It is important to discard the used marinade as it has been in contact with raw meat and is not safe to reuse. Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before proceeding to the next step.

Your marinated steak is now ready to be cooked in your fondue pot! Remember to heat your chosen oil to the appropriate temperature and follow the cooking instructions for your specific fondue setup. Enjoy your delicious steak fondue!

Heat oil in a fondue pot

Heating oil in a fondue pot is a straightforward process, but it requires caution due to the high temperatures and potential hazards involved. Here is a detailed guide on how to heat oil in a fondue pot for steak fondue:

• Choose the Right Oil: Select an oil with a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, such as canola oil, peanut oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower seed oil. Olive oil is not recommended due to its strong flavour and low smoke point.
• Prepare the Fondue Pot: Ensure your fondue pot is specifically designed for oil fondue and can withstand high temperatures. Do not fill the pot more than halfway with oil, as it will expand and bubble when heated. Overfilling can lead to dangerous spills.
• Heat the Oil: Place the fondue pot on a burner and turn it on to a high setting. Allow the oil to heat up for at least 10 to 15 minutes. The ideal temperature range for steak fondue is between 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (177 to 190 degrees Celsius). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
• Test the Oil: To check if the oil is hot enough, carefully place a small piece of bread into the oil. If the bread browns in less than a minute, the oil is ready for cooking.
• Adjust the Temperature: During the cooking process, adjust the burner flame to maintain the desired temperature. Adding food to the oil will lower the temperature, so you may need to increase the heat to compensate.
• Safety Precautions: Hot oil can be dangerous, so ensure the fondue pot is stable and kept out of the reach of children. Supervise children at all times to prevent accidental burns or spills. Use separate utensils for cooking and eating to avoid cross-contamination.

By following these steps, you can safely heat oil in your fondue pot and enjoy a delicious steak fondue with family and friends.

Cook steak in oil for 25-60 seconds

To cook steak in oil for 25-60 seconds, you'll need to have your steak cut into cubes, and your oil heated to the right temperature.

Preparing the Steak

The first step is to cut your steak into cubes. For fondue, steak should be cut into cubes of around 1 inch. The best cuts of beef for fondue include top sirloin, ribeye, and tenderloin.

Heating the Oil

You'll need to heat your oil to 350°F (177°C) if using a stovetop pot, or 200°F (93°C) if using an electric fondue pot. Canola oil and peanut oil are the best choices for fondue, as they have high smoke points and won't burn as quickly as other oils.

Cooking the Steak

Once your oil is at the right temperature, you can start cooking your steak cubes. Use fondue forks or skewers to carefully lower the steak into the oil, and cook for 25-60 seconds, depending on your desired level of doneness. For rare steak, cook for closer to 25 seconds, and for well-done steak, cook for up to 60 seconds.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak cubes. Thin cuts of beef will cook faster than thick cuts. So, if you're aiming for a specific level of doneness, adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Once your steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oil and dip it into your chosen sauce. Enjoy!

Serve with sauces and sides

Cube steak is a thin, economical cut of beef that has been tenderised through a mechanical process. It is a great option for fondue because it cooks quickly and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for sauces and sides to serve with your cube steak fondue:

Sauces

• Horseradish sauce: Mix together sour cream, horseradish, white vinegar, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• Spicy dip: Combine chilli garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, and ginger.
• Mustard dip: Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and grated garlic.
• Herb sauce: Blend parsley, basil, mint, coriander, tarragon, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, anchovies, and garlic.
• Barbecue sauce: Combine tomato sauce, steak sauce, and brown sugar.

Sides

• Baked potatoes: Serve with butter, sour cream, and chives.
• Salad: A crisp green salad or a salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and croutons. Offer a variety of dressing options, such as French dressing.
• Bread: Dip bread into the melted cheese and sauces.
• Steamed vegetables: Try broccoli, carrots, summer squash, green beans, cauliflower, or cabbage.
• Noodles: Light grains like couscous or egg noodles complement the steak fondue well.

Frequently asked questions