Looking to bring bold, mouthwatering flavors to your table this grilling season? Head to your local Growler Guys. Using beer while grilling goes so much further than brats. With its wide range of flavors, craft beer can tenderize meats, infuse unique aromas, and bring out complex flavor profiles. Whether you’re working with chicken, beef, pork, or even portobello mushrooms, using craft beer as a marinade can transform your meal from average to unforgettable.
Why Use Beer as a Marinade?
Craft beer is a great base for marinades because it hits on all the elements needed to enhance food: acidity, flavor, moisture, and aroma. The carbonation in beer helps break down tough muscle fibers, making tougher cuts of meat more tender. The malts, hops, and yeast add sweetness, bitterness, and depth, depending on the beer style. Beer also helps lock in moisture, keeping meats juicy while cooking.
Choosing the Right Craft Beer Style
Not all beers are created equal when it comes to marinades. The key is to match the beer’s flavor profile with your protein or vegetables.
IPAs (India Pale Ales): With citrusy, hoppy notes, these are great for chicken and seafood. They add brightness and a hint of bitterness that can balance out a rich marinade.
Stouts and Porters: Rich with roasted malt flavors, these beers are ideal for red meats. They impart coffee, chocolate, and caramel undertones to beef or lamb.
Wheat Beers: Light and often infused with citrus or spice, wheat beers work beautifully as a marinade with pork, poultry, seafood, and even grilled fruits.
Amber and Brown Ales: Milder than stouts but richer than pilsners, these beers offer a nutty, toasty base that enhances everything from chicken thighs to mushrooms.
Crafting the Perfect Beer Marinade
You don’t need a chef’s expertise to create a beer-based marinade. Just follow this basic formula and tweak it based on your taste and the type of beer you’re using.
Basic Beer Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
– 1 cup of craft beer (fresh, not flat)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons acid (lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or balsamic vinegar)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for balance)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh or dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
Directions
1. Whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl or add to a sealable plastic bag.
2. Add your protein or vegetables and coat evenly.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator 1-24 hours, depending on the meat
4. Cook as desired (grill, bake, or pan-sear).
Pro Tip: Always discard used marinade that has touched raw meat. If you want to baste while cooking, set aside a portion of the beer marinade before adding the meat.
Flavor Combos to Try for Your Beer Marinade
IPA + Citrus + Garlic: Ideal for grilled chicken or shrimp skewers.
Stout + Brown Sugar + Chili Powder: Perfect for flank steak or ribs.
Wheat Beer + Honey + Mustard: A natural match for pork chops or grilled vegetables.
Amber Ale + Rosemary + Balsamic Vinegar: Great for lamb or portobello mushrooms.
Create Your Signature Dish with The Growler Guys
Using craft beer as a marinade is one of the easiest ways to infuse deep flavor into your cooking while supporting your favorite breweries. From citrusy IPAs to rich stouts, our team at The Growler Guys can help you find the perfect beer for your dish. With our extensive rotating tap list, your new favorite flavor combo is just waiting to be discovered. Stop in to pick up a growler fill today and enjoy a pint or flight while you’re there.
Reader Interactions