Although wine can add depth and flavor to recipes, have you ever thought about using beer to enhance your cooking? The next time you’re at the beer store, grab some extra bottles or cans to experiment with in the kitchen. Here are a few ideas for incorporating beer into your food menu.

Creative Recipes Infused With Beer

1. Enhance Your Marinades

Beer contains enzymes that help break down tough meat fibers, so it’s a natural choice for marinating ribs, chicken, and tough steaks cuts such as flank and sirloin. Choose a beer that is neither light nor dark, such as an amber ale, so that the taste of the beer comes through without overwhelming the flavor of the meat.

2. Keep Chicken Moist

Before your next cookout, stop by the beer store and grab some canned Belgian pale ales to make beer can chicken. Cut open the top of the beer and leave only half of its contents in the can. By cooking the whole chicken with an open can of beer in its cavity, you can create a dish that is sure to be a hit with your guests. As the beer evaporates, it keeps the chicken moist during cooking and infuses the meat with delicious flavor.

3. Lighten Up Batter

One of the most popular ways to cook with beer is to use it in batter for fried foods such as chicken, fish, and onion rings. The carbonation adds air to the batter mixture, resulting in a coating that is light and crisp. Pick up a variety of full-bodied ales and light lagers from your local beer store, and see how different types of beer enhance the flavor of your batter in different ways.

4. Make Your Own Condiments

Maybe you’ve never considered making your own condiments before, but with just a few ounces of your favorite micro-brews, you can whip up some unique flavor enhancements to complement the rest of your meal. A dark beer lends richness to a spicy mustard, while a pale ale can be the basis for a refreshing salad dressing.

5. Get Creative With Desserts

It might sound strange, but beer can be used to make some delicious sweet treats. The carbonation helps to leaven baked goods such as cupcakes, creating an airy, delicate texture. Malt-heavy beers such as stouts and porters are particularly ideal for desserts, as their flavor pairs perfectly with chocolate, and their creamy body can take ice cream to a whole new level.

Universal Discount Package Store in Norwich, CT, is a leading liquor, wine, and beer store in Southeast Connecticut. With over 8,000 square feet of inventory, they have great selections for every budget, and if you’re not sure what you want, their knowledgeable team will help you find something you’ll love. Call 860-889-6555 for help with wedding and event planning, or visit their website to learn more about the beer, wine, and spirits they carry.