The Ultimate Fondue Experience: Meats For Dipping

Fondue is a fun and social way to enjoy a meal, and a classic dish for sharing with friends and family. While cheese and chocolate fondue are popular, meat fondue is a great option for a savoury feast. Meat fondue typically involves cooking meat in hot oil, and there are a variety of meats and sauces to choose from. The most popular meat for fondue is beef, but chicken and lamb are also used. A selection of sauces is key to a successful fondue, and there are many options to choose from, including horseradish, mustard, curry, and tomato and ginger.

Beef fondue dipping sauces

Beef fondue is a fun dipping dish to enjoy with your family. There are many sauces to choose from, and you can either make them at home or buy premade sauces. Here are some ideas for beef fondue dipping sauces:

Aïoli Dip

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 large minced garlic clove, and salt. Blend well, then beat in 3 tablespoons of olive oil until the mixture is well blended.

Curry Dip

In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of curry powder, 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt. Blend well.

Horseradish Sauce

In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup sour cream, 3 tablespoons of prepared horseradish, 1/2 teaspoon of mustard, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix all ingredients and refrigerate.

Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of melted butter, 2 cloves of chopped garlic, 1 teaspoon of chopped chives, and 1/2 teaspoon of white wine vinegar. Refrigerate until serving.

Béarnaise Sauce

Combine 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, water, and pepper in a double boiler. Add egg yolks and stir constantly. Slowly add 1 cup of butter, stirring as it thickens. Then, add 1 teaspoon each of lemon juice, tarragon, salt, and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a drop of water.

Cracked Pepper Sauce

Beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of softened butter together until smooth. Add 1 clove of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of cracked peppercorn, 1 teaspoon of finely chopped shallots or green onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well. Chill for a few hours or overnight before serving at room temperature.

Teriyaki Sauce

Sauté 1 clove of minced garlic and 2 teaspoons of finely chopped gingerroot in 2 teaspoons of sesame oil for 30 seconds. Add 1/4 cup of sherry wine or sake, 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Heat and stir until thickened. Serve at room temperature or warm.

Oil temperature

When preparing an oil-based fondue, it's important to heat the oil to the right temperature to ensure that the food is cooked properly. Oil-based fondues are typically heated to a temperature of 350°F to 375°F, which cooks the food fairly quickly. However, the amount of oil in the fondue pot may not be sufficient to maintain the temperature when cold food is added, so the food will need to sit and poach rather than fry. To test if the oil is hot enough, you can place a cube of bread into the oil; if it browns in less than a minute, the oil is ready.

When cooking with hot oil, it's important to prioritise safety to avoid accidents. Hot oil can be dangerous if not handled properly, so it's crucial to exercise caution and be mindful of your surroundings. If there are children present, always keep them supervised and safe from the fondue pot to prevent accidental burns or spills.

When heating the oil, do not fill the fondue pot more than halfway. The oil will expand and bubble when heated, and overfilling the pot can lead to a dangerous mess. Allow the oil to heat up for about ten to fifteen minutes to give it time to reach the right temperature.

As you cook, remember that you are not deep-frying your food. To maintain the correct oil temperature, balance the amount of food you add to the pot with the time it has to recover after the food is removed. Try not to cover more than 60-70% of the pot's surface with food. If using a mix of room-temperature and fridge-temperature ingredients, put them in the pot together. If all the ingredients are fridge-temperature, the oil temperature will drop significantly and take longer to recover.

Oil-based fondue essentially deep-fries the food, so it's important to choose an oil with a high smoke point. Canola oil, peanut oil, grapeseed oil, and sunflower seed oil are good options.

Meat preparation

Meat fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with family and friends. The key to a successful meat fondue is in the preparation of the meat and the sauces. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your meat fondue like a pro:

Step 1: Choose the Right Meat

For a meat fondue, you will want to select a tender cut of meat such as beef tenderloin, sirloin, or top round. You can also use boneless beef top sirloin steak or ribeye. Ensure that you have enough meat for your guests, allowing for approximately 8 ounces (225 grams) per person.

Step 2: Cut the Meat into Cubes

Cut the meat into uniform cubes, aiming for a size of around 1-inch (2.5 cm) for beef. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly and quickly in the hot oil.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Before cooking, season the meat with salt and pepper, or other desired spices and herbs. You can also marinate the meat ahead of time to add extra flavour. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, and herbs can be a great way to enhance the taste of the meat.

Step 4: Prepare the Fondue Pot

Fill your fondue pot with vegetable oil or canola oil, following the manufacturer's instructions. Heat the oil to a temperature of around 375°F (190°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a cube of bread into the oil; if it takes about 30 seconds to brown, the oil is ready.

Step 5: Cook the Meat

Provide each guest with a fondue fork for dunking the meat into the hot oil. The cooking time will depend on the desired doneness of the meat. For rare meat, cook for 25-30 seconds, for medium, cook for 30-35 seconds, and for well-done, cook for 45-60 seconds.

Step 6: Serve with Sauces

Prepare a variety of dipping sauces to serve with the cooked meat. Classic options include mustard-mayonnaise sauce, onion-horseradish sauce, curry sauce, and garlic butter. You can also offer store-bought sauces like béarnaise, salsa, mango chutney, and more.

Remember to exercise caution when cooking with hot oil and always follow food safety guidelines. Enjoy your meat fondue and the delightful dipping experience it offers!

Dipping sauces for chicken fondue

Chicken fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with family and friends, and offering a variety of dipping sauces can enhance the experience. Here are some ideas for delicious and complementary sauces to serve with your chicken fondue:

Curry Dip

A creamy and flavourful option, the curry dip is a blend of mayonnaise, garlic, olive oil, salt, and curry powder. This dip is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl, blending well, and refrigerate until serving.

Tomato and Ginger Sauce

This sauce offers a tangy and refreshing twist to your chicken fondue. While the recipe for this sauce is not readily available, it is likely a combination of pureed tomatoes and ginger, with additional spices and herbs to taste.

Guacamole Dip

A classic favourite, guacamole dip is a perfect choice for those who enjoy a creamy and savoury option. Avocados, lime juice, salt, and pepper form the base of this dip, but feel free to add your favourite spices and herbs, such as garlic, onion, or chilli peppers.

Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a popular choice for fondue as it pairs well with various proteins, including chicken. To make this sauce, you'll need garlic, ginger, sesame oil, sake or sherry wine, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Simply sauté the garlic and ginger in oil, add the remaining ingredients, and cook until thickened.

Horseradish Sauce

For those who enjoy a bit of a kick, horseradish sauce is an excellent option. This sauce typically includes prepared horseradish, sour cream, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and additional seasonings. You can adjust the amount of horseradish to suit your taste preferences.

Additional Ideas

When it comes to fondue dipping sauces, the possibilities are endless. Here are some more suggestions to inspire your creativity:

• Pesto
• Raspberry-Jalapeno Jam
• Chilli Sauce
• Cocktail Sauce
• Asian, Cajun, and Béarnaise sauces

Dipping sauces for lamb fondue

Lamb fondue is a great way to enjoy a delicious and interactive meal with friends and family. Here are some mouth-watering dipping sauce suggestions specifically for lamb fondue that will elevate your dining experience:

Garlic Cucumber Sauce

A refreshing and tangy option, this sauce is a perfect complement to the richness of lamb. The cool cucumber balances out the warmth of the garlic, creating a flavourful combination that will enhance your lamb fondue.

Mint Yogurt Dipping Sauce

This sauce offers a delightful blend of cool, creamy yogurt and refreshing mint. The addition of a hint of cayenne and cumin provides a subtle kick, making this sauce an ideal pairing for lamb. The yogurt base also serves as a blank canvas for customisation, allowing you to adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Béarnaise Sauce

A derivative of Hollandaise sauce, Béarnaise adds sophistication to your lamb fondue. It features shallots simmered in white wine vinegar, freshly cracked black pepper, and tarragon. This sauce is a classic choice for lamb and will impress your guests with its elegant flavour profile.

Creamy Whipped Feta Dip

For those who enjoy a tangy and savoury experience, this creamy feta dip is a perfect match for lamb. It can be used as a spread for lamb burgers or as a dipping sauce for pita chips, offering a versatile and flavourful option.

Greek Yogurt Sauce

This sauce provides a cool and creamy contrast to the lamb's richness. The combination of fresh dill, mint, garlic, and cucumber creates a refreshing and vibrant flavour profile. It pairs exceptionally well with lamb burgers, gyros, or roasted lamb slices.

Garlic Scape Pesto

If you're seeking a versatile and punchy sauce, garlic scape pesto is an excellent choice. It can be paired with everything from pasta to roasted vegetables and grilled lamb. The garlic adds a sharp kick, making it a memorable addition to your lamb fondue.

Remember, when preparing for a fondue party, it's essential to offer a variety of dipping sauces to cater to different taste preferences. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your signature sauce!

Frequently asked questions