Pairing Beer and Food: A Beginner's Guide
The rapid expansion of the craft beer industry has lead to a seemingly infinite number of food and beer combinations for chefs and foodies alike. Whereas beer menus were once rather stark, the surge in micro-brews allows diners across the nation to take more consideration in which beer they choose to quaff alongside a delicious meal. However, with so many options ranging from hop-forward India Pale Ales and chocolaty bourbon barrel-aged stouts to crisp pilsners and smoky porters, it can be a challenge to deftly pair beer and food.
Main Principles of Pairing Food and Beer
Pairing food and beer does not have to be complicated. In the end it is about what tastes good. Some beer styles pair better with the flavors of certain foods than others. Below are the main principles of pairing food and beer:
- Match Intensity: Match the intensity of flavor; lighter beers with more delicate flavored food and bolder beers with richer foods.
- Complimentary Flavors: Pick out flavors in the beer that match the flavors in the food. For example, pairing a fruity beer with a dish featuring fruity flavors.
- Contrasting Flavors: Try pairing flavors that are unlike but play well together. For example, citrusy beer with spicy food.
Mixed Philosophies and Texture
For many beer connoisseurs, there are ideal flavor combinations when pairing beer and food, although it’s worth noting that aficionados have different takes on this art. For some experts, using complementary flavors such as a smoky porter with smoked barbecue would be a match made in heaven. Others believe contrasting flavors offer a bit more balance. For example, Craft Beer recommends pairing a juicy, grilled cheeseburger with a citrusy American pale ale. Neither philosophy is particularly right or wrong, so learning to pair beer with food to your personal taste is somewhat a matter of trial and error.
However, besides considering the flavor, it’s also important to make a note of the beer’s texture and temperature. The carbonation present in beers such as IPAs and lagers make these styles perfect pairings for food that is particularly fatty. Hence, a stout might not be the best match for pub food such as french fries or chicken wings.
General Pairings for Experimentation
While there’s much room for experimentation, especially once you get to know your beer preferences, there are some general pairings that work almost universally. The following table highlights how different styles complement various dishes:
| Beer Style | Recommended Food Pairing |
|---|---|
| Crisp Pilsner | Seafood such as shellfish and sushi |
| IPAs and Double IPAs | Bold, spicy dishes and rich, sweet desserts such as cheesecake |
| Sour and Fruity Beers | White meat, pickled dishes, and fresh green salads garnished with fruit |
| Rich Stouts | Salty foods and hearty cuts of red meat such as steak and lamb |
Incorporating Beer into Recipes
Once you have mastered pairing beer and food, consider trying to incorporate beer into recipes to take the flavor profile to the next level. For example, when braising chicken you can substitute beer for broth or use a spicy saison to steam a batch of fresh mussels.
