Lager & Beef!

The idea of beer and beef may seem elemental but choosing the right beer, cut of meat, and preparation can take this flavor combination to the next level. No matter how it’s prepared, beef has some big rich flavors that call for an equally flavorful and balanced beer to compliment them.

Although there are several beer styles that make great pairings with beef, there’s nothing better than the flavor combination created by the balanced full flavor of a Samuel Adams Boston Lager. With steak, the upfront malt flavor of Boston Lager deepens the caramelized flavors of a great seared steak while the spiciness of the hops and the carbonation lift some of the heaviness. For burgers, the rich and varied toppings like blue cheese or bacon can be complimented by the beer’s balanced and flavorful taste.

With so many options for beef here are a few things to consider in making your choice

The tenderness of the meat:
Tender cuts of meat have a softer texture and more subtle flavor and tend to be cooked to showcase the meat’s flavor rather than using additional marinades or braising. Choose a balanced and medium bodied beer that won’t overshadow the taste of the meat but work with its flavors for a rounded taste.

The leanness of the meat:
With tender cuts of meat there is also a variation in the leanness. Cuts like rib eyes are tender but have marbling that adds great flavor when cooked. This bolder beef taste needs a beer that will stand up to its powerful flavors. The hops in Boston Lager will cut through the rich taste while the malt will create a satisfying mouth feel.

Slow cooking:
Braised and slow cooked meats have a richness of flavor and spice that work particularly well with deep roasted malt flavors. While Boston Lager offers a great compliment to these flavors the richer malts of a Black Lager or Honey Porter also add a depth of character and roundedness to the dish.

Marinades:
Another way to add flavor to meat is to use a marinade. Marinades work particularly well on tougher cuts that benefit from being tenderized and flavored in the marinating process. Beer is the perfect ingredient for marinades. The acidity helps breakdown and tenderize the meat while the ingredients work to infuse the meat with added flavor. Although many recipes call for just any beer, a full flavored beer like Samuel Adams will add layers of character from the hops and the roasted taste of the malts to the meat for a delicious combination.

Sauces and accompaniments:
While a great piece of steak can stand on its own, many preparations of beef are accompanied by sauces and toppings from a tangy barbecue sauce to a strong blue cheese on burgers. These bold flavors can be contrasted or complimented depending on your tastes. The roasted malts of an Irish Red or Scotch Ale will deepen the smoky flavors of a rub or barbecue sauce while the hops in a Boston Lager will cut through the creaminess of a cheese or the sweetness of caramelized onions.