Beef Broth Fondue: Best Dipping Foods To Try

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a variety of flavours and textures, and you can get creative with what you choose to dip in your beef broth. While it's not mandatory, it's recommended to match your broth to your meat or veggies. For a beef broth fondue, you can dip thin slices of beef, pork, lamb, or chicken. You can also dip small pieces of seafood or vegetables. It's important to keep different types of meat separated to prevent contamination. To elevate your fondue experience, serve it with a selection of at least three dipping sauces, such as horseradish sauce, garlic butter, bernaise sauce, or curry dip.

Beef, steak, shrimp, potatoes, and sauces

Beef Broth Fondue

A fun and interactive meal, fondue is a great way to enjoy a variety of flavours and textures. Here are some ideas for what to dip in your beef broth fondue, with a focus on beef, steak, shrimp, potatoes, and sauces.

Beef

When choosing beef for your fondue, look for cuts such as sirloin or top round beef. Cut the beef into cubes, and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. You can also layer the beef with onions and drizzle with oil, refrigerating overnight before cooking.

Steak

Steak is a great option for fondue, as it can be cooked to your desired doneness. Look for cuts such as beef tenderloin or boneless beef top sirloin, and cut into cubes. You can also try rib eye or scotch fillet.

Shrimp

Peel and devein shrimp before cooking in the fondue broth. Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a great side dish for fondue. You can boil or bake them, and they can also be cut into cubes and cooked in the broth. Try new potatoes or red potatoes.

Sauces

A variety of sauces can complement your beef broth fondue. Here are some options:

• Horseradish sauce: Combine prepared horseradish, sour cream, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and chives.
• Garlic butter: Mix butter, lemon juice, garlic, and chives.
• Bernaise sauce: Combine vinegar, water, pepper, egg yolks, butter, lemon juice, tarragon, salt, and pepper.
• Mustard-Mayonnaise Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, garlic, curry powder, milk, hot pepper sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
• Green goddess: Combine cream cheese, Greek yogurt, onion, parsley, and chives.
• Curry: Blend Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lime juice, curry powder, garlic, agave nectar, and cayenne.
• Gorgonzola Port: Whisk together gorgonzola cheese, garlic, and other ingredients.
• Cracked Pepper Sauce: Beat cream cheese and butter, then add garlic, peppercorn, shallots, and salt.

Chicken, potatoes, mushrooms, and veggies

Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, such as cubes or medallions. You can season the chicken with salt, freshly grated orange zest, and grated ginger. Keep the chicken chilled until serving time. When cooking the chicken in the hot broth, follow food safety guidelines to ensure it is cooked thoroughly. The recommended cooking time for chicken in broth fondue is around 3 minutes.

Potatoes

Use small or new potatoes, either cooked or raw. Cut the potatoes into halves or cubes. Potatoes can be cooked directly in the broth, simmering for about 5-10 minutes until tender. You can also serve baked potatoes as a side dish or dip them in the beef broth.

Mushrooms

Use brown or white mushrooms, sliced or halved. If using raw mushrooms, make sure to clean them properly before serving. Mushrooms can be cooked in the broth along with other vegetables. You can also serve sautéed mushrooms as a side or topping for the fondue.

Veggies

A variety of vegetables go well with beef broth fondue. Some options include bell peppers, carrots, broccoli florets, zucchini, cauliflower, and green onions. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and place them in separate serving bowls. Vegetables can be cooked in the hot broth for a few minutes until tender-crisp. You can also serve the veggies raw with dipping sauces on the side.

Dipping Sauces

Offer a variety of dipping sauces to complement the chicken, potatoes, mushrooms, and veggies. Some sauce options include creamy cucumber sauce, green goddess dip, curry dip, gorgonzola port sauce, horseradish sauce, and garlic butter. Prepare the dipping sauces in advance and chill them until serving time.

Pre-made Asian, Cajun, and béarnaise sauces

If you're short on time and want to skip making homemade sauces, you can find pre-made Asian, Cajun, and béarnaise sauces at your local supermarket.

Asian sauces

Asian sauces typically feature bold flavours and can include ingredients such as soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame. A pre-made option you may be able to find is teriyaki sauce, which is a perfect pairing for chicken, beef, or fish. It is made with garlic, ginger, sesame oil, sake or sherry, brown sugar, and cornstarch.

Cajun sauces

Cajun sauces are known for their spicy kick and can be paired with a variety of meats and vegetables. A simple pre-made Cajun sauce can be made by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, and a blend of herbs and spices, including parsley, estragon, and, of course, Cajun spices.

Béarnaise sauces

Béarnaise is a classic French sauce that is perfect for dipping and pairs well with beef. While it is not as commonly found pre-made as other sauces, you may be able to find it in specialty stores or the international section of your supermarket. Béarnaise sauce is made with a base of butter and egg yolks, flavoured with tarragon, shallots, and peppercorns, and finished with vinegar or lemon juice.

These pre-made sauces are a convenient way to add variety and flavour to your beef broth fondue, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

Thin slices of meat and small pieces of seafood

For meat, you can use thin slices of beef, pork, lamb, or chicken. It's recommended to have 225g of sliced meat per guest, and to keep the meat refrigerated until you're ready to eat. If you're serving different types of meat, keep them separated to prevent contamination.

For seafood, small pieces of shrimp, crab legs, or scallops would be ideal. You can also get creative and try other types of seafood like salmon, squid, or mussels.

• For beef, look for a tender cut like sirloin or top round, and cut it into thin slices or cubes. You can also use beef tenderloin, which is a more expensive option but tends to be very tender and flavourful.
• If you're using lamb, look for a lean cut like leg or shoulder and slice it thinly against the grain.
• Pork tenderloin is a good option for pork, as it's tender and lean. Slice it thinly or cut it into cubes.
• Chicken breast is a versatile option that can be cut into thin strips or cubes.
• When preparing seafood, make sure to remove any shells or bones and cut the seafood into bite-sized pieces. You can also skewer the seafood to make it easier to cook in the broth.

Now, let's talk about some dipping sauce options to elevate your fondue experience:

• Horseradish sauce: Combine prepared horseradish, sour cream, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and garlic to taste.
• Garlic butter: Mix softened butter with chopped garlic and chives.
• Bernaise sauce: Combine vinegar, water, pepper, egg yolks, butter, lemon juice, tarragon, salt, and pepper. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a drop of water.
• Green goddess dip: Blend cream cheese, Greek yogurt, chopped onion, parsley, and chives.
• Curry dip: Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lime juice, curry powder, garlic, agave nectar, and cayenne pepper to taste.
• Gorgonzola port sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, and gorgonzola cheese.

Remember to prepare your dipping sauces in advance and keep them refrigerated until serving. Offer a variety of sauces to cater to different taste preferences, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of meats, seafood, and sauces to create a unique and enjoyable beef broth fondue experience.

Healthy sides and dips

When it comes to healthy sides and dips for beef broth fondue, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sides

• Salad: A side salad is a great way to add some extra vegetables to your meal. You can keep it simple with a basic green salad or get creative with different types of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and other veggies.
• Brown rice: Brown rice is a healthy and filling option to serve alongside your fondue. It's a good source of complex carbohydrates and fibre.
• Vegetables: In addition to dipping vegetables, you can also serve them as a side dish. Try roasting or steaming some of your favourite veggies, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes.
• Baked potatoes: Potatoes are a hearty and satisfying side dish that pairs well with fondue. You can bake them whole or cut them into wedges or cubes.

Dips

• Tomato and ginger sauce: This dip is a great choice for beef fondue, as the tangy tomatoes and spicy ginger complement the flavour of the meat.
• Creamy poppy seed dip: For something a little different, try this creamy and slightly sweet dip. It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Green goddess dip: This dip is made with cream cheese, Greek yoghurt, onion, parsley, and chives. It's perfect for dipping both meats and veggies.
• Curry dipping sauce: If you're looking for something with a little kick, try this curry dipping sauce made with Greek yoghurt, lemon and lime juice, curry powder, garlic, agave nectar, and cayenne.
• Healthy alternatives: If you want to keep things on the healthier side, offer a selection of dips like hummus, tzatziki, or guacamole, which are made with healthy fats and packed with flavour.

Remember, when it comes to fondue, it's all about being creative and mixing and matching different flavours. So feel free to experiment and find the combinations that you and your guests enjoy the most!

Frequently asked questions