Steak Fondue: The Perfect Pairing Ideas For A Hearty Meal

Steak fondue is a fun and tasty meal, but it can be messy and requires careful handling due to the hot oil involved. It is recommended to serve steak fondue with sides like baked potatoes, salad, bread, or baguette to make it a more substantial and enjoyable meal. For sauces, you can prepare your own or buy some from the store. Some sauce options include mustard-mayonnaise, horseradish with sour cream, or a blend of herbs and spices with olive oil and vinegar.

Salads, such as a crisp green salad

Salads are a great side dish to serve with steak fondue. A crisp green salad is a refreshing and healthy option to balance out the hearty and meaty main course. The crispness of the salad provides a nice textural contrast to the tender steak, and the freshness of the vegetables can help to cleanse the palate between bites.

When preparing a green salad to accompany steak fondue, aim for a variety of textures and flavours that will complement the steak without overwhelming it. Start with a base of mixed greens such as lettuce, spinach, or rocket. Add in some crisp vegetables like cucumber, radishes, or peppers for a refreshing crunch. You can also include some sliced onions or shallots for a sharp flavour and a bit of bite.

To take your salad to the next level, consider adding some extra ingredients to make it more substantial and flavourful. For example, you could add some crumbled feta or goat cheese, toasted nuts or seeds, or even some dried cranberries or chopped fresh herbs. A simple vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a hint of honey can bring all the flavours together.

The beauty of serving a salad with steak fondue is that it can be customised to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you like, and it's a great way to ensure you're getting your daily dose of vegetables. Whether you prefer a classic green salad or something with a bit more flair, the crisp and refreshing nature of a salad is sure to enhance your steak fondue dining experience.

Bread, like a baguette or some fresh bread

Steak fondue is a fun and tasty meal, but it can be messy and dangerous with hot oil spatter, so it's not recommended for families with young children. It's a great way to get everyone sitting around the table, cooking and eating together. The prep work is easy, but it's important to plan ahead as there is a lot of actual cooking during the meal.

To make a steak fondue into a full meal, it's a good idea to serve it with a light grain and a fresh, crisp salad. Bread is a must, and a baguette or some fresh bread is perfect for piling on the cooked steak and dipping it into the various sauces.

The bread can also be used to test the temperature of the oil. If you don't have a thermometer, throw a cube of bread into the oil; when it takes about 30 seconds to brown, the oil is ready.

When the meat is cooked to your liking, pile it onto the bread and dip it into the sauces. You can also serve the sauces in little bowls around the fondue burner, along with the bread and salad.

A German meat fondue, or fleischfondue, is cooked in hot broth instead of oil, which is delicious and lower in fat. This will take longer to cook, but it adds to the party experience. Again, be sure to serve it with fresh bread or a baguette.

Sides, e.g. baked potatoes

Steak fondue is a fun and tasty meal, but it can be messy and dangerous with hot oil spattering, so it is not recommended for families with young children. It is a great way to keep everyone around the table, as the meal takes longer to cook than a typical family dinner.

To make a steak fondue into a full meal, it is a good idea to serve some sides. Baked potatoes are a great option, as they are filling and can be cooked in advance. You can also serve them with a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, chives, and bacon bits, to add extra flavour.

Salads are also a popular choice to serve with steak fondue. A crisp green salad will complement the hearty flavour of the steak well. You can also serve a baguette or some fresh bread on the side. This will help to fill up your guests while they wait for their steak to cook and can also be used to dip into the fondue sauces or to pile the cooked meat onto.

Some other side dish ideas include couscous, egg noodles, and grilled vegetables.

Dipping sauces, such as mustard-mayonnaise sauce

Steak fondue is a fun and tasty meal, but it can be messy and requires careful handling due to the hot oil involved. It is a good idea to serve steak fondue with a variety of dipping sauces, such as mustard-mayonnaise sauce. Here are some tips and recipes for creating delicious dipping sauces to enhance your steak fondue experience:

Mustard-Mayonnaise Sauce:

This sauce is a classic combination that goes well with steak. To make it, simply mix together 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 grated garlic clove. Chill the sauce until you are ready to serve it. This sauce provides a tangy and creamy contrast to the juicy steak.

Horseradish Sauce:

For those who enjoy a bit of spice and kick, a horseradish sauce is a great option. Mix 1 tablespoon of grated horseradish with 3 tablespoons of sour cream, the juice of 1 lemon, and a pinch of salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Chill this sauce until serving. It will add a nice zesty flavour to your steak fondue.

Herb Sauce:

For a fresh and flavourful sauce, blend a handful of parsley, basil, mint, coriander, and tarragon with 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 anchovies, and 1 grated garlic clove. This herb sauce will add a burst of flavour to your steak fondue.

Barbecue Sauce:

If you want a heartier and more robust sauce, try making a barbecue sauce. Combine 1 can (8 ounces) of tomato sauce with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of steak sauce. You can adjust the quantities to your taste preferences. This sauce will add a sweet and savoury dimension to your steak fondue.

Curry Sauce:

For something a little different, a curry sauce can be a tasty option. While there is no specific recipe mentioned, you can experiment with different curry powders or pastes, yoghurt, and spices to create a sauce that complements the steak.

Remember to prepare these sauces in advance and place them in small bowls around the fondue burner, along with the meat, bread, and any side dishes you choose to serve. These dipping sauces will elevate your steak fondue experience and provide a variety of flavours for your guests to enjoy.

Drinks, for example, a fine beverage

Steak fondue is a hearty dish, and a fine beverage to accompany it could be a glass of wine. While a red wine is the classic pairing for steak, white wine can also be a good choice. A fruity Pinot Grigio, Riesling, or Sauvignon Blanc can help cut through the richness of the steak.

If you are looking for something stronger, whiskey is a great option. The smokiness of the whiskey pairs well with the steak, and a Tennessee Whiskey, Canadian Rye Whiskey, or Single Malt Scotch are good choices.

For those who want something lighter, a craft cocktail can add a burst of flavour. Drinks like an Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Whiskey Sour are perfect for those who don't enjoy wine or whiskey.

For a meal like steak fondue, a refreshing, crisp drink is ideal. Wines from the Savoy and Loire regions, such as Apremont, Abymes, Roussette, and Cheverny, are good choices. These wines are acidic, refreshing, and powerful enough to stand up to the rich, salty, and strong flavours of the fondue.

So, when choosing a drink to pair with your steak fondue, consider a fine beverage like wine, whiskey, or a craft cocktail. Cheers!

Frequently asked questions