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The Secret to Crispy, Delicious Deep-Fried Foods: It’s All About the Beer

When it comes to deep-frying, the right batter can make all the difference. And, surprisingly, beer plays a crucial role in creating that perfect crunch. But not just any beer will do. The type of beer you use can greatly impact the flavor and texture of your fried delights.

The Science Behind Beer Batter

The CO2 in beer helps to create a light and airy batter, allowing your food to cook quickly and evenly. This means that your cod, zucchini, or calamari can emerge from the fryer moist and perfectly cooked. But, aggressively hoppy beers can leave a bitter aftertaste, while bland macrobrews might not add enough depth to your dish.

The Best Beers for Beer Batter Recipes

So, what beers should you reach for when making your favorite fried foods? Here are ten options to consider:

• PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon): A classic macro lager that adds CO2 without overpowering flavors.
• Coors Banquet: Another macro lager that provides a big, fizzy lift without dominating the taste.
• Old Milwaukee: A Wisconsin macrobrew perfect for a traditional fish fry.
• Deschutes Brewery’s Bachelor ESB: A rich, malty beer that adds a nice golden-brown color to your batter.
• Widmer Brothers’ Drop Top Amber Ale: A sweet, amber ale that pairs perfectly with fennel or zucchini slices.
• Samuel Smith’s Pure Brewed Organic Lager: A pale, malty lager that adds a touch of subtlety to your fish and chips.
• Brooklyn Brewery’s Brooklyn Lager: A clean, crisp craft brew that’s perfect for a special occasion.
• Portland Brewing’s MacTarnahan’s Amber Ale: A floral, caramel-edged beer that’s ideal for a vegetable fritto misto.
• Newcastle Brown Ale: A roasty, lightly malted beer that’s perfect for a variety of fried delights.
• Asahi Super Dry: A crisp, elegant beer that’s perfect for calamari or other seafood dishes.

Beer Batter Recipes to Try

Now that you know which beers to use, it’s time to get cooking! Here are seven delicious recipes to try:

• Fried Calamari: Crisp-outside, tender-inside squid rings perfect for dipping into aioli or Sriracha mayo.
• Beer-Battered Fish Tacos: Classic crispy fish tacos that are perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
• Fish and Chips: No need to travel to England for top-notch fish and chips – just use an English ale in the batter!
• Thomas Keller’s Cod Brandade Fritters: Refined, crunchy fritters perfect for dipping into various sauces.
• Shrimp and Okra Hushpuppies: Light, spicy fritters that are perfect for a summer evening.
• Tatsutage Fried Chicken: Japanese-style fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
• Mini Beer and Sausage Corn Dogs: State fair food, elevated – swap out frankfurters for pieces of bratwurst or kielbasa.