Lucy Palmer
Seafood and beer might not be the most obvious combination, but it's a classic for a reason. While wine is often the go-to drink to pair with fish, the right brew can elevate and accentuate the flavours of seafood. The key to a good pairing is to match the intensity of the beer to the strength of the seafood. For example, a light beer pairs well with light, flaky fish, while a more robust brew is needed for a rich, fatty fish. The preparation of the fish is also important – a fried fish dish calls for a different beer than grilled or steamed fish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Beer to drink with fried fish | Pilsner, Lager, Kölsch, Hefeweizen, Amber Ale, Pale Ale, IPA |
| Beer to drink with fish tacos | Amber Ale, Mexican Light Lager |
| Beer to drink with smoked fish | Belgian Saison, Hefeweizen, Scotch Ale, Bock |
| Beer to drink with grilled fish | Pale Ale, Session IPA, Irish Red, Altbier |
| Beer to drink with raw oysters or clams | Gose, Berliner Weisse, Sour Beer |
| Beer to drink with blackened fish | Black Lager |
| Beer to drink with fatty fish | IPA |
| Beer to drink with fish in general | Wheat Beer, Amber Beer, Low-Hops Medium-Strength Beer |
What You'll Learn
Wheat beer with tuna steaks
Wheat beer is a refreshing choice for a summer's day, and its crisp, citrusy notes complement tuna steaks perfectly. The spice of the wheat beer is a great match for the strong flavour of the tuna, and the beer's citrus notes can be enhanced with a citrus marinade.
Tuna steaks are a versatile choice, pairing well with a variety of beers. While wheat beer is a great choice, a lager or pilsner can also complement the dish. The crisp, delicate flavour of a lager is a good match for seared ahi tuna with soy sauce and wasabi. A pilsner is also a good choice for those who prefer a more brisk, hoppy flavour.
If you're looking for a more adventurous pairing, a dark stout or porter can surprisingly complement tuna steaks, especially if the dish has a citrus marinade. The unusual combination of a black lager is also a winner with blackened fish.
When it comes to food and drink pairings, personal preference is key. So, if you have a favourite beer, don't be afraid to experiment and see how it pairs with your tuna steaks!
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Amber ales with fish tacos
Amber ales are a great choice for fish tacos, especially when paired with a sturdy, dense, or semi-dense white fish, like Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, cod, tilapia, or haddock. The maltiness of amber ales also works well with the typical fried fish taco batter.
When it comes to fish tacos, the type of fish and its preparation are important considerations. For example, grilled or sautéed fish tacos might call for a different beer pairing than deep-fried fish tacos. Fish tacos are often served with toppings like shredded cabbage, creamy sauces, avocado, and lime, which can also influence the ideal beer pairing.
Amber ales, with their malt-forward flavour profiles, can complement the flavours of fish tacos while standing up to the richness of fried fish and the spiciness of certain toppings. The maltiness of amber ales also pairs well with the sweetness of certain fish varieties, like Amberjack.
In addition to amber ales, there are several other beer styles that can pair well with fish tacos. These include IPAs, pilsners, saisons, and wheat beers. The carbonation and citrusy flavours of these beers can cut through the richness of fried fish and complement the typical toppings found in fish tacos.
When pairing beer with fish tacos, it's important to consider the specific ingredients and preparation methods used, as these can greatly influence the ideal beer pairing. However, as a general rule, amber ales are a fantastic choice for fish tacos, especially when paired with a sturdy white fish.
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IPAs with salmon
Salmon is a versatile fish with a rich, buttery flavour that can be prepared in many different ways. This makes it a little tricky to find the right beer pairing. However, IPAs are a great choice for salmon, especially grilled salmon, as the hoppy notes of the beer complement the rich, oily texture of the fish.
A light and crisp IPA will provide a pleasant contrast to the salmon's richness, while a lower-alcohol session IPA will add a nice bite without overwhelming the fish's flavours. For a citrusy twist, opt for a lemon herb pan-seared salmon with an IPA, which will accentuate the herbal and citrus notes of the dish.
If you're feeling adventurous, try marinating your salmon in an IPA. Combine the beer with shallots, garlic, olive oil, ginger, honey, lemon, lime, and cayenne, and brush the mixture onto the salmon while it's grilling. This will add a unique depth of flavour to your dish.
For a successful beer and salmon pairing, consider complementing flavours and intensities, taking into account the cooking methods and seasonings used. Embrace experimentation to find the perfect combination that enhances your dining experience.
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Pilsners with crab legs
Crab legs are rich and buttery, and when it comes to drinks, a crisp pilsner is the perfect match. The light, crisp, and bubbly nature of a pilsner is a great complement to crab legs, as the carbonation cuts through the richness of the dish. The bubbles also help to refresh the palate between bites, ensuring you can fully savour the flavour of the crab.
Pilsners are known for their bright, crisp, and refreshing qualities, with a light bitterness and a clean finish. They are often light-bodied and golden in colour, with a subtle malt and hop character. This style of beer is perfect for crab legs, as it won't overpower the delicate flavour of the crab, but will instead enhance it.
When pairing crab legs with a pilsner, consider the other flavours on your plate. If you are enjoying your crab legs with a citrus marinade, for example, a pilsner's affinity for citrus flavours will create an excellent flavour combination. The carbonation in the pilsner will also help to balance out the richness of the crab legs, ensuring a pleasant and refreshing dining experience.
In addition to pilsners, other beer styles that go well with crab legs include pale ales and IPAs. These beers offer a slightly different flavour profile that can also complement the dish. Pale ales, for example, are known for their crisp, refreshing taste, while IPAs can bring a pleasant bitterness to the table.
Ultimately, the best beer to pair with crab legs is one that you enjoy. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and brands of beer to find the perfect match for your taste preferences. So, go ahead and crack open a cold one, and take your crab feast to the next level!
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Stouts with oysters
Stouts and oysters are a match made in heaven. While the pairing may seem odd at first, the combination of a stout's roasty, malty notes with the briny oysters is a revelation.
Oyster stouts are traditionally rich and heavy beers brewed with oyster shells. The shells are used to clarify the beer, with particles gathering around them and sinking to the bottom. Modern oyster stouts, however, use oysters primarily for flavour.
The balance of any mouthful is a play on the five tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. The sharp bite of brine in an oyster and the toasty chocolate of a stout complement each other, with the sweetness of the oyster lessening the bitter finish of the beer.
When pairing stouts and oysters, it is best to opt for a lighter stout, as the flavour of a heavier stout can overpower the oyster. Some recommended lighter stouts include Allagash North Sky, Left Hand Milk Stout, and Mast Landing Gunner’s Daughter. OysterHouse Moonstone Oyster Stout and Porterhouse Oyster Stout are also good choices, as they are both low in ABV, resulting in a lighter, more refreshing stout.
So, the next time you're at an oyster bar, be sure to order a stout and see how the combination tastes!
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Frequently asked questions
A simple malty lager, like Miller High Life, Grain Belt, or Rainier, works well with fish and chips. However, if you're looking for something a little different, a nice West Coast IPA or its milder cousin, the pale ale, are also good choices.
While it may seem like an odd combination, a dark, rich stout works wonderfully with the brine of fresh oysters. If you're not a fan of dark beers, you might want to try a sour beer, like a gose or a Berliner Weisse, with raw oysters or clams.
Grilled fish and seafood pair well with mildly hoppy beers like a pale ale or a session IPA. An altbier, like Alaskan Amber, or an Irish red are also good choices.
