Discover 14 Irresistible Lager Beer and Food Pairings You Must Taste – Chowhound Guide

If you love lager beer, you’re in good company. It’s the most popular beer worldwide, making up a large slice of beer sales globally. People appreciate its refreshing, crisp taste, thanks to its brewing process of cold bottom fermentation. There are many types of lager to explore, from light and bubbly pilsners to rich dunkels. What makes lager even better is its ability to pair well with different foods.

Light lagers are excellent with rich and salty dishes, while amber lagers enhance meaty flavors. Dark lagers can even match with sweet desserts. Finding the right food to enjoy with your favorite lager might seem tough, but don’t worry! Here are some top food pairings with lager, according to industry experts.

Tacos

Mexican lagers like Corona naturally go well with tacos. Chris Gonzales from Figueroa Mountain Brewing explains that a clean lager cuts through rich meats and balances spicy salsas. For a perfect match, try Baja-style fish tacos with a crisp lager. The beer-battered fish and lager complement each other beautifully.

Fried Foods

If you’re craving fried foods, a light pilsner lager is a great choice. Executive chef Matthew Gallagher often suggests pairing it with onion rings or fish and chips. The bubbles in the beer help cut through the greasiness, making every bite feel light. If your dish has some heat, a dark lager can help balance the spice.

Soft Pretzels

Pairing lager with soft pretzels is a match made in heaven. Chef Dennis Littley recommends German helles lagers for their maltiness, which complements the salted pretzel perfectly. The beer enhances the flavor without being overpowering.

Sushi

While sake is a go-to for sushi, lager can surprise you! The gentle bitterness of a lager can balance the richness of the fish, with the carbonation cleansing your palate between bites. Japanese lagers like Asahi or a bubbly pilsner work great here, enhancing the fresh flavors of sushi.

Risotto

Risotto’s creaminess pairs well with a full-bodied lager. Brewers suggest that a Bohemian pilsner can complement the rich flavors without overwhelming them. Dark lagers like dunkels add a smooth, rich mouthfeel that works nicely with creamy sauces.

American Barbecue

If you enjoy barbecue, lagers are a natural companion! They balance the smoky flavors perfectly. Chef Kristopher Ludwig recommends bold rauchbiers for barbecued meats because their smoky notes enhance the grilled flavors of pulled pork and ribs. You can even incorporate lager into your barbecue sauces for an extra kick!

Peking Duck

Peking duck, an iconic dish with a crispy skin, pairs wonderfully with lager. A Chinese lager like Tsingtao balances the meal’s richness, while its light taste complements the sweet hoisin sauce served alongside. An amber lager can also enhance the savory flavors.

Tiramisu

For dessert, lager might not be the first drink that comes to mind, but it works surprisingly well with tiramisu, especially a doppelbock lager. The rich, malty flavors can enhance the creamy layers of this classic dessert.

Steak

While red wine is classic with steak, a good lager can also shine here. Light lagers are great for lean cuts like filet mignon, while amber lagers complement the richness of fattier cuts like ribeye, balancing out the meat’s savory flavors.

Pupusas

Pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish, are fantastic with amber lagers. The slight sweetness and roasted malt flavors of the beer can beautifully match the richness of melted cheese. If you’re looking for a spicy punch, consider pairing it with a crisp pilsner.

Chocolate

Jennifer Glanville recommends pairing chocolate with amber or malt-forward lagers. The rich flavors in darker lagers can complement chocolate desserts beautifully, and a lager float with chocolate ice cream is worth trying!

Seafood

A light lager is the perfect partner for seafood. Whether it’s grilled fish or fried calamari, the refreshing nature of lagers enhances the light sweetness of seafood without overshadowing it. Dark lagers can also work well with richer seafood dishes like buttery lobster.

Mole Negro

If you’re exploring Mexican cuisine, try dark lagers with mole negro. The chocolate and spice notes in the sauce match beautifully with the rich flavors of the lager, creating a harmonious pairing.

Bratwurst

At Oktoberfest, a classic pairing is bratwurst with beer. The slightly sweet and malty flavors of German lagers complement the spices in the sausage perfectly, making it a delightful experience.