How to Cook with Beer

Cooking with beer is something every beer-lover wants to try, but few actually do well. Here are some general tips, tricks, and pointers for perfecting those recipes calling for beer.

Cooking with Beer Tip #1: Use a bigger container.

The beer you cook with is exactly the same kind of beer that you pull out of your fridge and drink on your patio on a hot summer night. So don't act surprised to discover that when you cook with beer, it's still foamy.

Because the carbonation in beer will cause it to bubble and fizz and foam before settling down into a responsible cooking liquid, use a bigger mixing bowl or pan than you normally would. If you need to get an accurate measurement before pouring beer into your concoction, pour the beer into a separate mixing bowl and stir or whisk until the foaming dies down.

Cooking with Beer Tip #2: Reduce bitterness.

Unless you're using the blandest of bland beers, the beer you cook with is going to give your recipe a bitter taste. This can be complimented or reduced in several ways.

You can cook your beer dish with sweeter vegetables like carrots or onions to neutralize the bitterness. You can also add sweeteners like sugar or honey.

Some people choose to cook with beer because the bitterness brings out an interesting flavor in cheeses and stews. Use this to your advantage and toss some cheddar on top of that beer bread.

Also, this is one time when you won't be complimented on your generous pour. There's no need to dump a whole bottle of beer in everything you make. Use beer as a flavor and not as a main ingredient, and enjoy the leftovers.

Cooking with Beer Tip #3: Don't be a tightwad.

If you're going to cook with beer, don't use that can of beer that's been in the back of your refrigerator since 1998. That skunky aroma won't go away just because you poured the beer in some soup. Also, if you can't stand the taste of Bud Light, don't use it to bake bread or to batter fish. You'll end up with bread or fish that you don't want to eat.

Beer will have a strong taste and smell in anything you cook with it, so use a beer that you actually like. Spend a little money on your next six-pack and make yourself a nice dinner. A good general rule is to stay away from anything very bitter or watery. But don't be afraid to get creative. Try pumpkin beer for beer bread in the fall, or try a holiday lager to make stew in the winter time.

Sources:

http://www.beercook.com/

http://www.globalgourmet.com/food/egg/egg0397/beertips.html