While millions of Americans may knock back a few cold ones to nobly celebrate National Beer Day, many will unintentionally fail to honor the holiday’s unsung hero: food. Though plenty love ice-cold suds, the vast majority won’t be thinking about how their drinking experience could be elevated by a thick, grilled steak. If choosing a hoppy ale, the caramelization of the seared meat will highlight the beer’s caramel malt, and the bitty hops will cut through the fat of the beef. Similarly, few consider how well the orange and coriander notes of a Belgian White such as Shock Top might complement a fresh fruit salad. Or how well a sour beer, such as one of Goose Island’s wild ales (also known as the “Sour Sisters” for their unique names:Lolita, Halia, Juliet, and Gillian), can balance out the sweetness of a rich, chocolate dessert.
Similarly, imbibers might not realize just how versatile the Great American Lager is in accompanying all types of tasty meals. As a lager, Budweiser is fermented longer and at colder temperatures than any counterparts categorized as ales. The lagering process produces a drier, cleaner beer, with a light touch of fresh-fruit esters — and Budweiser is no exception: it’s a balanced, light-bodied brew with exceptional clarity. Barley malt brings a biscuity touch of sweetness to the beer, while rice provides a crispness to its profile. All of these refreshing characteristics come prominently into play when pairing Budweiser with food.
You, too, can leave the wine behind tonight and pair your dinner with a Budweiser by simply following the suggested guidelines below:
Enhance”
Budweiser can complement smooth, nutty aged cheeses such as cheddar, or enhance the briny, citrusy qualities of fresh oysters squirted with lemon juice. And Budweiser’s light body won’t overwhelm delicate seafood such as broiled tilapia or halibut like some beverages would – rather, it allows the fish to stand on its own and uplifts its natural flavors. Similarly, Bud has enough bite to contribute to a Greek or Caesar salad, but is balanced enough to still let the vegetables and dressing shine.
Balance
Not only is Budweiser itself a balanced beverage, but it will also help balance an especially feisty dish. For example, the beer is great for quelling the spice of salsa-topped fajitas. Or it can harmonize beautifully with a fiery Gai Pad King (a Thai garlic chicken stir-fry). Its lightly sweet malt backbone is perfect for extinguishing excessive heat from spicy foods without stepping on the dish’s bold flavor. Meanwhile, moderate carbonation and low hop bitterness can accentuate the spice up front and then cleanse the palate.
Cut
Carbonation does more than just resonate with spice – it delivers beer aromas to the nose, and opens up fatty or creamy dishes. Budweiser’s prominent effervescence and crisp finish helps cut through fat, making it the perfect complement to a juicy burger or a plate of fried chicken. The subtle hop flavors also cut through sweetness, as in the barbecue sauce slathered on a luscious stack of ribs.
Contrast
Budweiser washes down sweet, light desserts such as strawberry rhubarb pie or pound cake astonishingly well. Carbonation comes into play once again by cutting through the sweetness, and the sugar is further balanced by the opposing dry flavor qualities of the beer. Bud also pairs well with creamy desserts such as crème brûlée or cheesecake, contrasting the rich sweetness to ready the mouth for each newly tantalizing bite.
Cook
There’s no need to substitute the milk in your cereal with beer (though we’d never stop you), but in certain recipes, beer can objectively elevate a dish to a new level. For example, Budweiser’s crisp, clean profile combines with soy sauce, fresh garlic, brown sugar, and herbs to make a killer steak marinade. Steaming mussels with Chardonnay is a thing of the past when you can add tomatoes, onions, celery, garlic and a touch of olive oil to a Budweiser base for the most succulent seafood broth you’ve ever tasted. Or if we’re getting too saucy, bake with Bud to make a cheesy onion bread that packs bite. The options are only limited by your imagination.
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