Ten tips for a perfect fondue chinoise

Fondue Chinoise, or Chinese-style fondue, is not only popular in the country it’s named after. Throughout East Asia, it has become an integral part of local cuisines and comes in many variations. Even in the Swiss stronghold of fondue, the Chinese version has long made its mark.

Huoguo, Nabemono, Sinseollo, or “fire pot” – Chinese fondue goes by almost as many names as it has variations. Besides China, it is especially popular in Japan and Korea. Despite the name “Chinese fondue,” the exact origins of this culinary delight remain unclear.

Opinions differ widely on this topic. It was probably the Mongols who first prepared the dish. Today, however, it is hardly found in their cuisine. Regardless of its origins, Fondue Chinoise has become a popular alternative to the classic cheese fondue here as well.

The classic fondue in a new guise

New Year’s Eve, Christmas Eve, or social gatherings with family and friends: the good old fondue is simply a must. For many Swiss, enjoying it is a cherished tradition. But that doesn’t mean you can’t introduce some variations. To prevent boredom at the table, Fondue Chinoise is the perfect solution.

And it doesn’t even require much effort. As a passionate fondue fan, you likely already have everything you need at home: a caquelon and a rechaud. We have compiled ten tips to help you prepare the perfect Fondue Chinoise.

1. What is the perfect broth for Fondue Chinoise?

The basis for any fondue is the broth. For the Chinese version, a strong beef broth is perfect. Poultry stock also works very well. A splash of sherry or white wine adds a refined touch. Are you vegan, vegetarian, or simply not a fan of animal-based broth? Then opt for vegetable broth. Particularly suitable ingredients include:

• Carrots
• Celery
• Leek
• Cayenne pepper
• Chili
• Bay leaves

If you want to get particularly close to traditional Chinese cuisine, you can choose a spicy soup instead of a broth. Soy sauce, lemongrass, and ginger are also popular additions to the Fondue Chinoise broth.

2. The right meat in the proper amount

It’s the ultimate question when it comes to fondue: how much meat should you get per person? Of course, this depends on the appetite of your guests and how lavishly the table is set. As a rule of thumb, you can plan for 200 to 300 grams of meat per person.

The type of meat you choose is entirely up to your personal taste. Poultry, pork, beef, and veal are all suitable for Fondue Chinoise. Ideally, get your meat from a butcher, where you’ll find the best quality and can treat your guests to high-quality cuts.

3. It doesn’t always have to be meat

Don’t want everything at Fondue Chinoise to revolve around meat? How about an alternative like tofu? “But tofu doesn’t taste like anything,” you might say. Think again! Thanks to the flavorful broth you dip it in, it absorbs a unique taste.

This way, even the strongest believers that only meat is the real deal will be convinced by the plant-based alternative. Additionally, tofu is an essential part of Chinese cuisine. It has become a staple in the Asian region and should therefore not be missing from a Fondue Chinoise.

4. Which sauces are suitable for Fondue Chinoise?

Without the right sauces, Fondue Chinoise only tastes half as good. Many Chinoise sauces are mayonnaise-based. For example, cocktail sauce is a popular choice at the Chinese fondue table. Its preparation couldn’t be easier: mix mayonnaise with a bit of tomato paste and season with sugar, salt, and pepper.

Or how about a spicy tartar sauce? Finely chopped pickles, parsley, and leek are added to the mayonnaise. A bit of folded-in quark adds a pleasant freshness.

5. The right dips

It gets especially exotic with an Asian peanut-coriander dip. To make it, mix peanut butter and coconut milk with a little natural yogurt. Add chopped coriander, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.

Prefer something simple yet refined? Let some herb or spiced butter melt over the hot meat you just pulled from the caquelon. Grated horseradish or a fennel-green pesto complete the array of sauces and dips for Fondue Chinoise.

6. A variation of warm side dishes

The classic side dish for fondue remains potatoes. But if you’re venturing into the more adventurous side of Asian cuisine, you can get creative with your sides. Think of typical regional dishes, and rice dishes probably come to mind immediately.

So why not serve rice with your Fondue Chinoise? Variety can also come from herb- and garlic bread or baked potatoes, enriched with toasted sesame seeds and a splash of lime juice.

7. Cold sides add variety

Who says side dishes always have to be warm? Cold variations also go perfectly with Fondue Chinoise. You’re probably thinking of salad first. But a simple leafy salad with seasonal vegetables won’t impress your guests.

Stay true to the Asian theme and try, for example, edamame salads with refreshing grapefruit or pomelo. A cabbage salad with celery, onions, and mango or rice noodle salads also pair wonderfully with Fondue Chinoise.

8. A Korean classic as a side

Not only salads make excellent cold sides. Fans of Asian cuisine have surely heard of kimchi. This is a Korean version of sauerkraut – more precisely, fermented Napa cabbage.

9. The soup as the crowning finale

For many fondue lovers, the final soup is the highlight at the end of a successful social evening. Simply pouring out the remaining broth would be a waste.

The flavorful broth, full of different aromas, forms the perfect base for a tasty soup as a little treat afterwards. You can enrich it with some fine soup noodles, which cook very quickly, or stir in eggs.

10. Enjoy twice and freeze

Your guests are full, and turning the remaining broth into a soup would be too much? Even then, the broth doesn’t have to go down the drain. It can be frozen and enjoyed later.

The best way is to pour the broth into ice cube trays. That way, you can thaw it in portions as needed and use it as a base for flavorful soups and sauces.

Everything for your perfect fondue evening

To ensure your social evening with Fondue Chinoise goes perfectly, we provide you with all the necessary utensils. At Stöckli AG, we offer not only products for preparing various dishes, but also unforgettable cooking experiences that you and your guests will fondly remember again and again.

We are happy to advise you comprehensively about our range. Get in touch with us via contact or visit us on-site in Netstal.