Whether you’re a fancy foodie or not, you may have tried to pair your favourite beer with one of the delicious dishes at least once. But sometimes, it can be a challenging task.
Pairing food with beer is an art, and mastering this art can turn any meal into a culinary delight. By matching each dish with the perfect beer, you can enhance its flavours and textures, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.
This article will provide essential suggestions for successful beer and food pairings. You'll learn which beers complement delicate starters, bold main courses, and rich desserts.
Beer and Food Pairing Suggestions
If you’re looking for the perfect brew to accompany your meal, the following pairings will help you narrow down your choices.
American Pale Ale
American Pale Ales are slightly bitter beers with moderate herbal hops. Depending on the style and brewery, they often have generous hints of citrus and pine. Over the years, American Pale Ales have evolved into many styles. They typically have a moderate alcohol content, ranging from 4.5% to 6.5% ABV (alcohol by volume), and their colour can vary from golden to amber.
Perfect Food Pairing:
These beers pair wonderfully with a variety of foods. Try them with grilled steak, burgers, fried chicken, Mexican food, or pizza for a delicious combination.
Some specific items that go well with American Pale Ale include:
- Grilled Ribeye,
- Fried Chicken Tenders, and
- Chile Colorado.
India Pale Ale
India Pale Ales, or IPAs, are known for their bold, bitter taste and hoppy flavours. These beers often feature fruity, citrusy, earthy, and piney notes, making them a favourite among beer lovers. Over the past decade, IPAs have become incredibly popular, with many styles to suit every taste.
Originally, IPAs were created in the 1700s when brewers added extra hops to their beer to preserve it during long sea voyages to India. This extra hop content ensured the beer stayed fresh and flavorful for the journey.
IPAs typically have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.5% to 7.5% and an International Bitterness Unit (IBU) rating between 50 and 70.
Perfect Food Pairings:
The bitterness of an IPA makes it a great match for a variety of foods, including:
- Spicy dishes
- Fried foods
- Fatty foods
- Curries
- Burgers
- Barbecued meats
- Strong cheeses
- Desserts
Here are some delicious dishes that pair perfectly with IPAs:
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- The Ultimate Pulled Pork Cheeseburger
- Baked BBQ Chicken
- Hummingbird Cake
Imperial IPA
Imperial India Pale Ales, or Imperial IPAs, are even bolder and hoppier than regular IPAs. They feature strong citrus and pine flavours, making them a robust and flavourful choice for beer lovers. With higher alcohol content, Imperial IPAs have an ABV ranging from 7.0% to 12.0% and an IBU rating between 65 and 100.
Perfect Food Pairings:
The strong bitterness and rich flavours of Imperial IPAs make them a great match for various dishes, such as:
- Spicy foods
- Curries
- Burgers
- Barbecued meats
- Creamy sauces
- Sweet desserts
Here are some tasty items that pair perfectly with Imperial IPAs:
- Grilled Chicken Alfredo
- Marinated Grilled Lamb Chops
- Individual Strawberry Shortcake
New England IPA
New England IPAs are less bitter, hazy beers known for their hoppy aroma and juicy citrus taste. These beers can range from simple to complex, often featuring ingredients like milk, lactose, and earthy flavours to create a variety of unique tastes. Typically, New England IPAs have an ABV range of 6.3% to 7.5% and an IBU between 50 and 70.
Perfect Food Pairings:
New England IPAs pair wonderfully with:
- Burgers
- Barbecued meats
- Cream sauces
- Fruits
- Cheese
Here are some delicious foods that go great with New England IPAs:
- Red Snapper with Lobster Cream Sauce
- Baked BBQ Short Ribs
- Classic New York Cheesecake
American Lager
American lagers offer a toasty or caramel-like malt character. Depending on the brewery and fermentation process, the hop bitterness can range from low to moderate. With a clean and crisp finish, pale lagers are very drinkable. They typically have an ABV between 4.1% and 5.1% and an IBU of 30-45.
Perfect Food Pairings:
American lagers pair wonderfully with:
- Spicy foods
- Barbecued meats
- Grilled vegetables
- French fries
- Cheese
- Fruit
- Dishes seasoned with green herbs and green sauces
Here are some tasty food choices that go great with American lagers:
- Korean BBQ Chicken
- Spicy Meatloaf with Collard Greens
- Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
Blonde Ale
Blonde ales are easy-drinking beers with low bitterness and notes of honey, spices, and fruit. They have a low malt aroma and medium sweetness, making them a delightful choice for many beer lovers. Blonde ales typically have an ABV between 6.3% and 7.9% and an IBU of 15-30.
Perfect Food Pairings:
Blonde ales pair wonderfully with:
- Spicy foods
- Poultry
- Seafood
- Salads
- Cream sauces
Some delicious dishes that go great with Blonde ales:
- Korean Pork BBQ
- Frutti di Mare
- Grilled Cajun Chicken Wings
- Vegetable Lasagna
Marzen
Marzen beer, the original Oktoberfest brew, has a malty roasted sweetness and a dry bitterness, with hints of bread or biscuit-like malt aroma. It's typically brewed in the spring and summer and enjoyed in the fall. Marzen beers usually have an ABV of 5.8% to 6.3% and an IBU of 18-24.
Perfect Food Pairings:
Marzen pairs wonderfully with:
- Barbecued meats
- Mexican food
- Spicy dishes
- Grilled white fish
- Grilled vegetables
Dishes that you can try with Marzen :
- Fish Tacos
- Chai Marinated Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
- Crab Stuffed Flounder
Brown Ale
Brown ales are full-bodied beers with sweet, malty flavours and hints of caramel, chocolate, and nuttiness. They typically have a moderate hoppy flavour and moderate to high bitterness. Brown ales usually have an ABV of 4.2% to 8.8% and an IBU of 25-45.
Perfect Food Pairings:
Brown ales pair wonderfully with:
- Barbecued meats
- Pork
- Sausage
- Nuts
- Dishes containing nuts
Here are some items that you can order with Brown ales:
- Tuscan Chicken and Sausage
- Pistachio Encrusted Salmon
- Pulled Pork
Hefeweizen
Hefeweizen is a beer with bright, fruity notes of banana and hints of clove and vanilla. This unfiltered, cloudy beer has a medium amber colour and a yeast-forward profile. Hefeweizen typically has an ABV between 4.0% and 7.0% and an IBU of 10-15.
Perfect Food Pairings:
Hefeweizen pairs wonderfully with:
- Charcuterie
- White sausage
- Spicy foods
- Cream sauces
- Pickles
Here are some delicious foods that go great with Hefeweizen:
- Chicken Salad
- Fettuccine Alfredo
- Tomato Braised Pork Chops
Porter
Porters are medium-bodied, rich beers with dark colours and flavours of caramel, toffee, and cocoa, complemented by malty sweetness. A popular variation is the smoked porter, which features wood-smoked malt. Porters typically have an ABV ranging from 5.1% to 8.9% and an IBU of 20-40.
Perfect Food Pairings:
Porters pair wonderfully with:
- Barbecued meats
- Bacon
- Cheese
- Grilled fish
- Desserts
These are some items you can eat with Porters:
- Grilled Salmon
- Chocolate Cake
- Beef Brisket
Fruited/Sour Beer
Fruited or sour beers get their tangy flavour from souring agents like fruits or through barrel ageing. These beers can have an ABV of 2.5% to 13.3% and an IBU between 5 and 45.
Perfect Food Pairings:
Fruited and sour beers pair wonderfully with:
- Poultry
- Salads
- Cheese
- Shellfish
- Ceviche
- Dishes seasoned with green herbs
Here are some mouthwatering items that go great with fruited or sour beers:
- Blackened Chicken Salad
- Leg of Lamb with Chimichurri
- Spanish Seafood Stew
Cider
Cider, often found on beer or drink menus, is made by fermenting apple juice. The flavour of cider can vary widely depending on the production process. Some ciders are carbonated, providing a fizzy and refreshing drink that pairs well with many meals. Ciders typically have an ABV between 4.5% and 10% and an IBU of 0-20.
Perfect Food Pairings:
Ciders pair wonderfully with:
- Poultry
- Spicy flavours
- Tacos
- Red meat
- Cheese
- Roast pork
- Desserts
You can try the following dishes that go great with cider:
- Buffalo Wings
- Country-Style Braised Pork Shank
- Beef and Broccoli
Wrapping Up
Pairing food with beer is an art that elevates any meal into a delightful experience. By understanding each beer type's unique flavours and characteristics, you can create perfect combinations that enhance both the food and the drink.
Whether you're enjoying a crisp lager, a rich porter, or a refreshing cider, there's a perfect dish to complement your choice. Experiment with these pairings and discover new favourites, turning your dining moments into memorable culinary adventures. Cheers to finding the ideal match and enjoying every bite and sip along the way
