Beef Fondue: The Perfect Pairing For A Hearty Meal

Fondue is a delightful way to bring people together over a delicious meal. A beef fondue, also known as fondue Bourguignonne, is a pot of hot oil placed in the centre of the table, with cubes of raw beef tenderloin or sirloin steak that are cooked to your liking. Beef fondue is typically served with French fries, but if you're serving cheese fondue too, then it's best to skip the fries. Instead, serve with a variety of dips and sauces, and plenty of fresh vegetables to balance out the rich food.

Salads and vegetables

Salads

A crisp green salad is a perfect side dish to accompany beef fondue. You can keep it simple with a garden salad or a wedge salad, or add some extra ingredients like:

• Grilled corn
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Onions
• Olives
• Garlic
• Asparagus spears
• Spinach
• Kale

Vegetables

When it comes to vegetables, you can offer a variety of options that your guests can cook in the hot oil or broth. Here are some suggestions:

• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Onions
• Potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Corn on the cob

Remember to cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so they can be easily cooked and served. You can also blanch or par-cook some of the tougher vegetables, like carrots and cauliflower, to reduce their cooking time.

So, whether your guests are dipping their beef into a pot of hot oil or a broth, they'll have a variety of salads and vegetables to enjoy alongside their meal.

Sauces and condiments

It is customary to serve beef fondue with at least three sauces, though you can serve more if you wish. Three common choices are a creamy horseradish sauce, mustard-based sauces, and bearnaise. These can be supplemented by any other sauce or condiment you choose, whether homemade or purchased. If you are serving vegetables as part of your fondue, remember to include at least one sauce that is appropriate for them.

• Chimichurri: Mix 1 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 small chilli, 1 lemon (juiced), and 1 cup olive oil.
• Garlic Aioli: Mix 1 cup of mayonnaise with 3 cloves of minced garlic, a squeeze of lemon, freshly cracked pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
• Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: Mix 1 cup of sour cream with 1/2 cup of chopped roasted red pepper, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or other hot sauce), and 1 teaspoon chopped chives. Blend until smooth.
• Basil Pesto: Blend together 1 cup fresh basil, 2 tablespoons pine nuts, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 lemon (juiced), 2 garlic cloves, and 1/3 cup olive oil.
• Béarnaise: Essentially hollandaise sauce with tarragon and tarragon vinegar added.
• Creamy horseradish sauce
• Mustard-based sauces
• Tartar sauce
• Lemon butter sauce

Breads

Bread is a classic side dish to serve with fondue, and for good reason. It is the perfect vehicle for mopping up any remaining delicious sauce and can be used to scoop up any leftover meat or vegetable pieces.

French bread is the most commonly recommended type of bread to serve with fondue. A freshly baked baguette, in particular, is a great option as it is sturdy, soft, and won't disintegrate into a crumbly mess. Other types of bread that would work well include sourdough, walnut bread, and crusty French bread cut into small cubes or slices.

If you are serving a beef fondue as a main course, it is advisable to skip the fries to avoid overloading your guests with too much rich food. However, if you are serving cheese fondue as the main event, then French fries can be a great side dish to accompany the beef fondue.

In addition to bread, it is customary to serve fondue with three sauces, such as a creamy horseradish sauce, a mustard-based sauce, and bearnaise. You can also offer a selection of condiments, such as pickled cucumbers, pickled onions, and olives.

Meat options

Beef fondue, also known as "fondue Bourguignonne", is a delightful way to bring people together over a delicious meal. The options for the types of meat to serve are endless, but here are some of the most popular choices:

Beef

Beef cuts like filet mignon, sirloin, and tenderloin are ideal for fondue as they are tender and juicy. When selecting beef, opt for cuts that are fairly tender and avoid tougher cuts like shoulder or leg with a lot of connective tissue. Before cooking, trim away all visible fat and connective tissue, then cut the beef into small cubes or strips. Strips will cook faster, while cubes will retain more juice. Fondue forks or skewers can be used to cook the beef in hot oil until it is cooked to your liking.

Chicken

Chicken is a versatile option that can be cooked in either oil or broth. Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a popular choice as it is easy to prepare and contains very little fat or sinew. Chicken should be cut into small pieces, about 1/2-inch cubes or 1/4-inch slices, before being cooked in oil at 350°F for one minute. It is important to ensure that chicken is cooked all the way through, with no pink spots remaining in the centre.

Pork

Pork is another option for fondue, but it is important to choose a tender cut with a little fat for flavour. Pork loin is a good choice, but it is different from pork tenderloin. Ask your butcher to remove the bones from the pork loin to make it easier to cook. As with chicken, pork should be cooked all the way through. Thinner strips of pork can be cooked in broth, but oil is generally a better option for this meat.

Seafood

Seafood is a great choice for fondue, especially when cooked in broth or oil. Lobster, shrimp, crab, fish fillets, and scallops are all delicious options. Just be sure to clean and prepare the seafood properly before cooking. Delicate seafood like lobster is best cooked in broth, while fish can be prepared in either broth or oil.

Prepared Meats

In addition to fresh meats, prepared meats such as mini meatballs and sausage slices can also be served as part of a beef fondue. These meats should be small enough to cook quickly and can be served in addition to, or as an alternative to, fresh meat options.

Potato dishes

Potatoes are a great side dish to serve with beef fondue. Here are some ideas for potato dishes that would complement the beef fondue:

• Mashed potatoes: This classic dish is a great option for beef fondue. The creamy and savoury taste of mashed potatoes can be a perfect complement to the beef. You can also add some spices to give it a little kick.
• Baked potatoes: This is another easy and delicious option. You can serve baked potatoes with a variety of toppings such as butter, sour cream, ketchup, or salt to suit individual tastes.
• Baby potatoes: These tiny and delicate potatoes can add a nice contrast to the richness of the fondue. They are easy to prepare and cook, but be careful not to overcook them.
• Potato fries: Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, potato fries are a classic side dish that goes well with most meat dishes. You can use regular potatoes or sweet potatoes for this.
• Scalloped potatoes: This comforting and filling potato dish can be a great addition to your beef fondue meal. You can use leftovers from a previous meal or roast the potatoes at home.
• Boiled or steamed potatoes: Simple yet popular, boiled or steamed potatoes are a great choice to serve with beef fondue. They provide a neutral base to balance the rich flavours of the fondue.

These potato dishes offer a variety of textures and flavours that can enhance your beef fondue dining experience.

Frequently asked questions