A great piece of steak can taste even better when accompanied by a glass of syrah or a fine agiorgitiko. It is not only wine that can accompany steak however. A fine beer can also bring out the best in any beef dish- that is, if you know which kind of beer to choose from.
Whether you are organising a special dinner party for your guests or simply enjoying a steak with the family, correctly pairing your beef to the right type of beer can enhance the flavour experience.
When matching your steak with beer, the intensity of the drink should correspond with that of the dish. If the recipe is heavy and complex, balance it with a dark beer. Accordingly, lighter meals are best matched with pale ales. Many recipes of course, suggest marinating your beef with beer to further boost the pairing. From amber ales to hearty stouts, here is a handy guide to arrange the perfect match.
Burgers= Pilsner
Pilsner is a hoppy, light bodied beer with a refreshing finish. They vary in bitterness and this characteristic can set off the freshness and the sweetness of the cheeses, tomatoes and other vegetables in your burger.
Barbecue=Pale or Amber Ale
Pale ales are mild, tangy, retaining their hoppy flavour and caramel top notes . They go well with the smoky flavours of your barbecue.
Steaks=Red or Brown Ale
Red ales are heavy with a roasted aroma. Brown ales have a long history and a wide variety of flavorings. They do have one thing in common however, and that is their strong malty centre. These brews have secret caramel and toffee essences that are just waiting to be discovered. Both red and brown ales go well with the taste of a grilled juicy steak.
Beef Stew=Porter
Well aged, full flavoured porter beer has a stronger alcohol content and that enhances the meaty, herby stew flavours with an earthly yeast aroma.
Rare Steak or Steak Tartare= Stout
The smoothness of the stout compares well with the texture of raw meat and is strong enough to enhance the flavours.
There it is then! B squared! Dare to pair your top quality beef with a good beer! And remember that ultimately, there is only one real rule and that is to drink a beer that you enjoy.