Beer and seafood may not be the most obvious pairing, but when done correctly, it can be a match made in heaven. The right beer can complement the flavors of seafood dishes and enhance the overall dining experience. In this post, we'll explore the best beer styles to pair with different types of seafood and provide some delicious combinations to try.
Pilsners: Crisp and refreshing, pilsners are a great choice for lighter seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp or seafood salads. They have a light and clean flavor that won't overpower the delicate flavors of seafood.
Witbiers: Belgian-style witbiers are made with wheat and spices such as coriander and orange peel, making them a great choice for pairing with seafood dishes that have a bit of spice. Try pairing a witbier with a spicy seafood pasta dish for a delicious combination.
Saisons: Saisons are farmhouse-style ales that are light and effervescent, making them a great choice for pairing with seafood dishes that have a rich and buttery flavor. They pair well with dishes like lobster rolls or seafood chowders.
India Pale Ales (IPAs): IPAs have a hoppy bitterness that can complement the richness of seafood dishes. They are a great choice for pairing with grilled or blackened fish dishes or seafood dishes with a bold flavor.
Grilled Shrimp and Pilsner: Pair grilled shrimp skewers with a light and refreshing pilsner for a perfect summertime pairing.
Fish Tacos and Witbier: A crisp and refreshing witbier pairs well with spicy fish tacos, bringing out the flavors of the spices and complementing the citrusy flavors of the dish.
Lobster Roll and Saison: A saison pairs well with the rich and buttery flavor of a lobster roll, while its effervescence helps to cleanse the palate between bites.
Blackened Salmon and IPA: An IPA pairs well with the bold flavors of blackened salmon, cutting through the richness and providing a complementary bitterness.
Pairing seafood with the perfect beer can enhance the dining experience and bring out the flavors of the dish. When it comes to seafood and beer pairing, the key is to choose a beer that complements, rather than overpowers, the flavors of the seafood. Pilsners, witbiers, saisons, and IPAs are all great beer styles to pair with different types of seafood dishes. Try some of these delicious seafood and beer pairings for a perfect combination of flavors.