A classic interactive dinner with bold, irresistible flavors
Meat fondue is the ultimate hands-on dining experience—tender pieces of meat cooked tableside and paired with a variety of flavorful dipping sauces. This Meat Fondue With Four Sauces recipe is perfect for entertaining, romantic dinners, or festive gatherings, offering something for everyone, from creamy and tangy to fresh and herbaceous.
What Is Meat Fondue?
Meat fondue traditionally involves cooking bite-sized pieces of meat in hot oil, broth, or on a hot stone, then dipping them into savory sauces. It originated in Switzerland but has become a worldwide favorite thanks to its versatility and social appeal.
Best Meats for Fondue
Choose tender, quick-cooking cuts:
Beef
-
Tenderloin (filet mignon)
-
Sirloin
-
Ribeye (trim excess fat)
Optional Alternatives
-
Pork tenderloin
-
Lamb leg or loin
-
Chicken breast (cut evenly)
Preparation Tip:
Cut meat into 1-inch cubes, pat dry, and keep chilled until ready to cook.
Fondue Cooking Options
Oil Fondue (Classic)
-
Neutral oil: canola, peanut, or grapeseed
-
Cooking time: 30–60 seconds
Broth Fondue (Lighter)
-
Beef, chicken, or vegetable broth
-
Cooking time: 1–2 minutes
Hot Stone Fondue
-
No liquid required
-
Cooking time: 15–30 seconds per side
Ingredients (Serves 4)
-
1½–2 lbs (700–900 g) assorted meats
-
4 cups neutral oil or broth
-
Fondue pot or tabletop burner
-
Color-coded fondue forks
The Four Classic Fondue Sauces
Offer these four sauces for a well-balanced fondue experience.
1. Garlic Aioli (Creamy & Rich)
Ingredients
-
½ cup mayonnaise
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tbsp lemon juice
-
Salt to taste
Instructions
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Chill 30 minutes for best flavor.
2. Creamy Horseradish Sauce (Bold & Zesty)
Ingredients
-
½ cup sour cream
-
2 tbsp prepared horseradish
-
1 tsp Dijon mustard
-
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Stir ingredients together and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Chimichurri Sauce (Fresh & Herbaceous)
Ingredients
-
½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
¼ cup olive oil
-
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
-
Salt and chili flakes to taste
Instructions
Combine all ingredients and let rest 15 minutes before serving.
4. Teriyaki Soy Dipping Sauce (Sweet & Savory)
Ingredients
-
¼ cup soy sauce
-
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
-
1 tsp rice vinegar
-
1 clove garlic, grated
Instructions
Whisk until sugar dissolves. Serve at room temperature.
How to Cook Meat Fondue
-
Heat oil or broth in a fondue pot to 350–375°F (175–190°C).
-
Spear one piece of meat per fork.
-
Cook meat in hot liquid until desired doneness.
-
Allow excess oil or broth to drip off.
-
Dip into one of the four sauces and enjoy.
What to Serve with Meat Fondue
-
Crusty bread or baguette
-
Roasted baby potatoes or fries
-
Steamed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, asparagus)
-
Pickles, olives, or cornichons
-
Simple green salad
Make-Ahead & Hosting Tips
-
Prepare sauces 1–2 days ahead
-
Keep raw and cooked meat separate
-
Label sauces for easy identification
-
Do not overcrowd the fondue pot
-
Provide plenty of napkins and small plates
Sauce Pairing Guide
| Meat | Best Sauces |
|---|---|
| Beef | Aioli, Chimichurri |
| Pork | Teriyaki, Horseradish |
| Lamb | Chimichurri, Horseradish |
| Chicken | Teriyaki, Aioli |
Final Thoughts
This Meat Fondue With Four Sauces recipe delivers everything a great fondue night should be—tender meat, bold flavors, and interactive fun. With a balanced selection of sauces, guests can customize every bite, making this meal perfect for entertaining and special occasions.
- 1 pound pounds boneless beef sirloin steak* OR
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves OR
- 8 ounces peeled & deveined large shrimp
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoon whole black pepper
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup dry sherry or white wine
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
- 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup bottled chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 3 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro
- 4 teaspoons lime juice
- 1 jalapeno chili pepper, seeded & chopped
- 4 dashes bottled hot pepper sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
- 1 teaspoon wasabi paste
- 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 package dry onion soup mix
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- white pepper, to taste
- salt, to taste





