This Father’s Day, why not get some beer and pour your dad an icy cold drink like these Spicy Beer Cocktails opens in a new tab? Then, take more of that beautiful beer and cook up a feast of Beer-Marinated Citrus Grilled Chicken opens in a new tab for him.
In recipes for soups, stews, marinades and batters, you can replace some or all of the water, broth, wine or other cooking liquid with beer. You can even add beer to a cake or bread batter. Beer adds character, an earthy, rich flavor and depth, and that certain something that you just can’t put your finger on.
Have fun experimenting with a variety of beers, but remember to choose a beer that you will enjoy drinking once you’ve used it for cooking. (If you don’t like the beer you’re drinking, you’re not likely to enjoy it in your food.) And don’t worry — you won’t get drunk from cooking with beer! A good deal of the alcohol will naturally cook off. Here are some ideas and recipes to get you started:
Braise vegetables in beer or a combination of beer and broth with spices. Try Ale-Braised Baby Bok Choy with English Cheddar opens in a new tab.
Beer Braised Mussels opens in a new tab uses lager beer to create a really flavorful broth.
Braise meat, tofu or tempeh on the grill with beer like in these Mustard Molasses Smoked Ribs. opens in a new tab
Beer for breakfast? Why not! These Banana Bread Beer Pancakes served with Beermosas opens in a new tab makes it okay, right?
Stout Beer Glaze opens in a new tab is a match for Cornish hens, ham and tempeh strips.
Turkey Nachos with Pickled Jalapeños and Pinto Beans opens in a new tab makes a fun and delicious snack for a party or a game. (The turkey is cooked in beer with taco seasonings.)
Poach sausages, chicken, eggs and tofu in beer. Beer-Poached Grilled Sausages opens in a new tab is a winner.
Grilled Spiced Beer Chicken opens in a new tab calls for marinating chicken in a plastic bag filled with beer.
Do you cook with beer? Share your ideas or a recipe in the comments section below.
