Best oil for fondue usage
What is the correct (or best) oil to use for fondue?
Best Answer
Assuming this is a meat fondue (AKA fondue bourguignonne), using oil instead of cheese:
There is no best or correct oil to use - each type of oil has its own characteristic flavour. However, a meat fondue generally involves heating the oil to 350-400° F (175-200° C), so you'll want to treat this more or less like deep-frying and use an oil with a relatively high smoke point.
That means, no unrefined olive oil, sesame oil or walnut oil, and be extra careful if you want to use butter (clarify it first). Canola, sunflower, peanut, grapeseed, etc. are all good choices, or any of the refined versions of olive/sesame/walnut with higher smoke points.
Personally I'd either use refined olive oil or a flavour-neutral oil like peanut or sunflower. Most of the time you don't want to be imparting any "foreign" flavours to meat, although I suppose you could go with refined sesame oil for a moderate Asian twist.
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What kind of oil should I use for fondue?
The best oil for fondue is a neutral oil with a high smoke point. You don't want to use olive oil in this thing because it has too strong a flavour and too low a smoke point. Typically speaking, your best bet is Canola oil. It has little flavour, is cheap, and has a very high smoke point.Can I use olive oil for fondue?
If you are going to fondue, using a monounsaturated oil would be a better choice. Canola oil has very little flavor and a high enough smoke point. Extra virgin olive oil is acceptable, but virgin olive oil will have fewer impurities and thus an even higher smoke point.Is broth or oil better for fondue?
Choose whether to cook your meat in oil or broth.Consider broth if you want to add more flavor to the meat. You can infuse broth with herbs and spices. Choose a broth that corresponds to the type of meat you are using. Use oil for a more traditional meat fondue.Can you use coconut oil for fondue?
Interested in Fondue as a main course? Click here for that recipe. Using a double boiled melt chocolate and coconut oil. While chocolate is melting, set up the fondue pot, if using one.Fondue Recipe - Fondue Oil and Meat Preparation
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Answer 2
I personally use peanut oil or canola oil. Like Aaronut mentions, some oils will add a mild flavor to your meat, so keep it in mind when choosing. I find canola to be the "tasteless" oil in the sense that it doesn't add any flavor. Peanut does to a certain extent, and so does olive oil... I would choose the oil in combination with your fondue dips (you should have at least 3 of them, to dunk the cooked meat into).
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