Beer does some amazing things in batter for deep-fried foods. The CO2 gas in a can of Bud keeps things light and airy, and helps the batter cook fast, meaning the cod underneath can emerge moist and properly à point. But what kind of beer?
Aggressively hoppy beers (West Coast IPA, for example) can leave those zucchini fritters trailing a bitter aftertaste, but that doesn’t mean your best option is a bland factory macrobrew. A deeper, richer flavor can be important in some battered fry foods—think of the malty, bready flavors in a porter, for instance, in that batter for sweet apple fritters. Here, in random order, is a brace of beers you should consider adding to your fry-batter mix.
1. PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon)
Cheap, accessible, and classic, this pop-top macro lager adds CO2 without aggressive flavor, and a hipster credibility that might be the perfect accessory for your semi-ironic Midwestern Friday fish fry.
2. Coors Banquet
Another macro lager (see PBR, above), this Golden, Colorado classic gives you unobtrusive flavor and a big, fizzy lift.
3. Old Milwaukee
A Wisconsin fish fry calls for a Wisconsin macrobrew. Also, for the cost of a craft-brew 6-pack, you can lug home a 24-pack. Plenty for the batter, plenty for you.
4. Deschutes Brewery’s Bachelor ESB
British bitters aren’t actually bitter, they’re rich and malty, with a bready taste that works really well in batter. This Deschutes Bachelor gives a nice golden-brown color to the finished coating, too.
5. Widmer Brothers’ Drop Top Amber Ale
Amber ales are relatively sweet, but in a batter surrounding the right food (fennel or zucchini slices, for instance) it tastes exactly right.
6. Samuel Smith’s Pure Brewed Organic Lager
Fish and chips taste extra-English when you pop a bit of this in the batter. This pale, malty lager adds fizz and a bit of subtle richness without asserting itself too much.
7. Brooklyn Brewery’s Brooklyn Lager
Clean and crisp, with a nutty bit of caramel at the end. This is a pedigreed craft brew to devote to your fry-up, so wait till your guests arrive to tip it into the bowl.
8. Portland Brewing’s MacTarnahan’s Amber Ale
The hops give this one a floral quality—they’ll be lost in the cooked batter, but the caramel-edged malty sweetness should survive nicely.
9. Newcastle Brown Ale
Roasty, with a lightly malted flavor, scant caramel and zero bitterness. Perfect choice for a vegetable fritto misto.
10. Asahi Super Dry
Crisp and elegant, but with a richness you feel mid-palate. Tip some into calamari batter and sip the rest.
Source: 10 Best Beers to Use in Beer Batter Recipes
Photo Credit: Pixabay
FAQs
Most are fair game for beer batter (Pilsner Urquell, Stella Artois, Modelo, and Firestone Pivo Pils are particularly nice), with the exception of Bohemian pilsner, which comes with a heavy dose of spices that can change the overall flavor of your dish. In a beer batter, pilsner is one of the more low-key options.
What beer makes the best beer batter? ›
Most are fair game for beer batter (Pilsner Urquell, Stella Artois, Modelo, and Firestone Pivo Pils are particularly nice), with the exception of Bohemian pilsner, which comes with a heavy dose of spices that can change the overall flavor of your dish. In a beer batter, pilsner is one of the more low-key options.
What alcohol is best for batter? ›
Vodka's volatility, plus the way its high alcohol content inhibits gluten development, makes it ideal for using in fry batters.
What beer is good for beer batter chicken? ›
Opt for pilsners, lagers or pale ales with fairly neutral flavors–especially if you're frying delicate fish or vegetables that can be overwhelmed by heavier beers.
What makes beer batter good? ›
First, the bubbles provide lift as they escape from the batter during frying. Second, the carbonation makes the batter slightly more acidic, which limits how much gluten can form when the beer and flour mix, preventing the batter from turning tough.
Is Bud Light good for beer batter? ›
Different beers will yield varied flavors. I like a robust beer, like an IPA or stout, but any American light lager (Coors Light, Bud Light, Miller Lite, etc.) works great, too. Fish with white fillets are ideal for beer batter.
Is Modelo good for beer batter? ›
What Type of Beer Should You Use For Crispy Beer Battered Fish? Go for a Mexican lager or light lager. I typically go for a can of Modelo or Tecate. Whichever you choose, just make sure it's cold.
Why add vodka to beer batter? ›
Why Vodka in the batter, you ask? There's a chemical reaction that occurs allowing the batter to dehydrate quicker when cooking, giving it a lighter and crispier texture. Almost like a tempura batter.
Does the type of beer matter in batter? ›
The choice of beer can lend subtle undertones or robust flavors to your batter, playing an essential role in the final taste of your fried masterpiece. And, remember, once you've whipped up your beer batter of choice, you can use it immediately or store it in a sealed container for a few days.
Should I put an egg in my beer batter? ›
Beat in one egg.
Some people leave this step out and just stick to a basic beer-and-flour batter, which is perfectly effective. But, beating in an egg helps to add a little body and golden richness to the batter, helping it to crisp up a little more nicely.
The use of beer is recommended as the fizz in the beer is what lends the batter its light, airy texture. If you really must substitute for a non-alcoholic version, use soda water or carbonated drinks such as Sprite instead. Combination of 75% plain flour + 25% rice flour to keep batter crispy!
Should beer be flat for beer batter? ›
Using beer in the batter for onion rings or fritters helps break down the gluten in the flour, resulting in a light, crisp, fried coating with good color. If you need flat beer for a recipe, open a fresh bottle or can and let it stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
Is Heineken good for beer batter? ›
As for the beer, use whatever beer you'd like to drink. But I prefer a lager type of beer (like Heineken for instance) for the fish batter. Cold beer somewhat results in a lighter and crispier batter though, but feel free to use those at room temperature, too.
Is Corona beer good for beer batter? ›
And while typical beer batters include dark heavy ales, I knew that the lightness of the Corona Extra beer would provide just the right amount of flavor without taking over the dish. And like all fish taco recipes, there needed to be a crunchy slaw on top to cut through the deep fried aspect of the dish.
Is Michelob good for beer batter? ›
I actually used the lime infused Michelob ULtra. It's a great batter and will work on any fish, onion rings, mushrooms, the sky's the limit!
What is the best brand of beer to use for beer bread? ›
Fruity beers, like Saison and Hefewizens will add a hint of fruit and spice to your bread. They are excellent choices for sweeter breads for breakfasts and brunches. Irish beers like Guinness and red ales are perfect when you're serving up Irish Stew or celebrating St.
What is the best beer for beer battered onion rings? ›
Pale-colored beer works best for making beer battered foods. You can use any beer you like or have on hand other than a dark beer, such as a porter or stout. I used Coors Light.
What beer is best for beer battered halibut? ›
Beer Battered Halibut Fish and Chips. My gold standard for beer battered fish and chips is halibut or leopard shark, with a batter using an English amber or brown ale. An English mild beer is perfect, but they can be hard to find.
