What comes to mind when you hear “craft beer”?
If you’re a fan of this adult beverage, perhaps images of small, local microbrews pop up. You might think of unique beers with clever and catchy names like Solid Gold or Lager of the Lakes. You may be loyal to a particular variety or you’re adventurous in trying new flavors, brews and blends.
But the wonder and excitement of flavor-packed craft beer is more than just a beverage to enjoy out on the deck or after work at happy hour. It also can be a versatile and intriguing ingredient in main courses, desserts and more.
That’s right. You can cook with craft beer.
Why Cook With Craft Beer?
Whether you enjoy drinking the beverage or not, cooking with craft beer can really transform your dishes and help you discover something new and delicious. Here are some of the great reasons to add craft beer into your dishes, with the help of extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from Fustini's.
Amp up the Flavor
Similar to ingredients like balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, craft beer can do wonders to amplify the flavor in whatever kind of dish you’re making. With a light citrus lager, you’ll incorporate a more fruity, bright taste. However, with a heavier stout, you’ll invite a rich, coffee-like flavor that’s especially delicious in desserts.
Use it in a Variety of Dishes
With such versatile flavors, craft beer can be used in many different dishes and treats. From hearty marinades to sweet desserts, you can find a way to bring in that rich, hoppy flavor or bright citrus from the beer into your recipes.
Boozy Beer Recipes
Ready to get cooking? Grab a six pack of your favorite craft and try out some of these “hoppy” recipes.
DRUNKEN CROCKPOT CARNITAS
Bring some extra zing to your classic carnitas by searing the pork in some Jalapeño Lime balsamic and a splash of a Mexican-style lager. This dish is also topped with a gazpacho salsa and garnished with queso fresco, cilantro, tortillas and lime.
CHIPOTLE PULLED PORK WITH PICKLED PEACHES
Add a sweet and spicy take to your pulled pork with a Chipotle olive oil and some of your favorite beer. The sweet pickled peaches made with Apple Cider vinegar and a crunchy slaw on top bring all the flavors together, making your pulled pork sandwich a true delight.
MILK STOUT CHOCOLATE CAKE
Beer in dessert? You bet! This decadent chocolate cake recipe features a dark stout that deepens the flavor of the chocolate. The espresso bean balsamic vinegar also amplifies the coffee element in the cake to make this a true treat.
NEW HOLLAND PORK MARINADE
This recipe features a local Michigan favorite craft beer, Dragon’s Milk. This pork marinade has a delightful sweet note, thanks to the Michigan Apple balsamic and Great Lakes Honey.
Pour a New Take On Your Dish
Sure, craft beer can be a delicious beverage to enjoy. But you can do much more than savor each sip. Check out these easy and innovative ways to incorporate your favorite craft beers into your recipes, whether for a marinade, sauce or even desert.
Have you cooked with craft beer? Let us know what you made in the comments!