7 beer-based meat dishes guaranteed to go down a storm

If you’re looking for ways to add something new and exciting to the meat dishes on your menu, throwing beer into the mix could be the ideal way to do it.

Beer is an ingredient with huge versatility, working in everything from stews to soups to baked desserts. Here are seven examples of beer-based meat dishes that could grab the attention of your diners and get them coming back for more.

Boozy beef stew

If you’re thinking about warming dishes that could go down well in the winter season, something like this boozy beef stew from This Week for Dinner could be ideal.

Adding beer into the broth adds to the flavor created by other ingredients like paprika, garlic, onion and Worcestershire sauce. Beef, potatoes, carrots and whatever else you would like to throw in all come together to create a simple but delicious winter favorite.

Linguini with bacon, beer and mussels

Pasta dishes can always be relied on to go down well with diners pretty much anywhere in the world. This recommendation from the Food Network adds something extra special by using beer to lend crispness to the sauce.

Extras like parsley, celery and tarragon can be added to achieve maximum flavor, but the basic ingredients in this dish are enough to give diners a great culinary experience.

Beer-battered fried chicken

Beer can be used to add a beautiful crispness to the batter for a range of dishes. While it’s ideal for seafood, it can also work well with things like onion rings and fried chicken.

One suggestion from Diethood is to marinate chicken drumsticks in a mixture made from yogurt and pepper, before coating them in a batter that combines beer with garlic, onion salt, cayenne pepper and other flavorings before frying.

Salt-baked lamb shanks with beer-braised lentils

This recipe from British Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge uses beer to add an extra dimension to an otherwise forgettable element of a wonderful main course.

It would be easy to overlook the lentils alongside the beautiful slow-roasted lamb shanks in a salt-dough crust, but the combination of the ultra-absorbent lentils with beer, shallots, lamb stock and thyme gives them something special.

Boozy burger and fry pies

If you’re looking to add something quirky and fun to your menu, these boozy burger and fry pies from In Katrina’s Kitchen could be perfect.

Beer can be thrown in with ground beef or turkey, onion, garlic, cheese, hash brown potatoes and other ingredients for a rich, sumptuous pie filling. Alternatively, the mixture could be used as a cheddar and ale dip. Whatever way you choose to go, the end result is sure to be packed with flavor.

Beer-braised beef brisket

Beef brisket is always sure to go down well with lovers of meat dishes, and this recipe from BBC Good Food shows a great way to cook it with beer.

Brown ale or stout can add a real richness to the overall flavor, and accompanying vegetables like parsnips and mushrooms will also absorb the taste of the alcohol. Mashed potato and gravy bring the whole thing together.

Slow-cooked corned beef with cabbage

This is another perfect dish for the autumn and winter months, when the temperatures start to drop and people look for hearty, comforting foods that will warm them to the core.

According to the Food Network, it’s best to source the leaner flat cut of beef for this recipe, although the fattier point cut will work as well. Potatoes, carrots, onions, celery and thyme are combined with the brisket, beer and pickling spice, and it’s all cooked for about eight hours to achieve a wonderful tenderness.

Sour cream, horseradish and mustard create a great accompaniment to ensure this dish has fantastic flavors to accompany the texture of the meat.