7 Delicious Foods That Perfectly Pair With American IPA Beer

When you're looking to pair American IPA beer with food, you'll find that its characteristic hoppy flavor and bitter taste complement a variety of rich, spicy, and savory dishes. Try pairing it with grilled meats like burgers and steaks, spicy foods like wings and curries, or seafood options like shrimp and fish. American IPA also pairs well with fried foods, like fries and onion rings, and salads with strong flavors, such as blue cheese and walnuts. If you're looking for something more specific, you can't go wrong with spicy shrimp, grilled chicken and pineapple, or barbecue ribs, and exploring these combinations will uncover even more perfect pairings.

Key Takeaways

• American IPA pairs well with grilled meats, spicy foods, seafood, salads, and fried foods due to its hoppy flavor and bitter taste.
• The bitterness of American IPA cuts through rich and fatty foods, while its hoppy flavor complements spicy and savory dishes.
• Grilled chicken and pineapple, spicy shrimp, buffalo wings, BBQ ribs, and mac and cheese are popular pairing options for American IPA.
• American IPA's acidity helps balance sweet and sour flavors, and its citrus notes complement herbal flavors in various dishes.
• The beer's crisp, invigorating quality cleanses the palate, making it a great match for a variety of cuisines and dishes.

Spicy Shrimp and IPA

When you pair spicy shrimp with an American IPA, the bold, spicy flavors of the dish complement the hoppy bitterness of the beer, creating a harmonious and invigorating flavor experience.

This pairing is particularly effective with spicy shrimp dishes that have a Cajun or Caribbean twist. For those looking to elevate their shrimp cocktail game, consider pairing it with an IPA for a unique twist on a classic dish, such as elevating shrimp cocktail with citrus and floral notes.

The heat from the spicy shrimp can be balanced by the IPA's citrus and floral notes, creating a revitalizing flavor experience. For example, a citrus-forward IPA can complement the bright, zesty flavors found in spicy shrimp dishes, such as those with a lime or lemon marinade.

When choosing an IPA to pair with spicy shrimp, consider the ABV. IPAs with a higher ABV can stand up to the richness of spicy shrimp dishes, particularly those with a creamy or buttery sauce. The bitterness of the IPA can help cut through the richness of the shrimp, creating a balanced and revitalizing flavor experience that complements the spicy kick.

Grilled Meats and IPAs

When pairing IPAs with grilled meats, consider the type of meat and the cooking temperature. Bigger beers, such as double or triple IPAs, pair well with grilled meat, especially when the meat is cooked to a high temperature or has a rich, fatty flavor profile.

For instance, consider experimenting with a quesadilla, like those discussed in beer and quesadillas, as a unique grilled meat option. Additionally, combining a quesadilla with an IPA can create an interesting flavor combination.

Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage can also create a connection between the IPA and meat flavors. For example, adding Sichuan pepper to a burger can add a citrusy note that complements the smoky flavors of the grilled meat. By experimenting with different combinations, you can find the perfect pairing for your next backyard barbecue.

IPA and Fried Chicken

Pairing an American IPA with fried chicken can be a match made in heaven. The bitterness of the IPA cuts through the richness of the fried chicken, creating a beautiful balance of flavors.

This pairing is perfect for those who love freedom from boring meals. Similar to pairing IPA with chicken satay satay and beer, the key to a successful pairing lies in the balance of flavors.

With the right balance, the IPA can elevate the dish to a whole new level.

Some popular ways to enjoy IPA with fried chicken include:

• Adding a side of cheese curds to complement the IPA's citrus notes
• Using clarified butter in the breading process to add a nutty flavor that pairs well with IPA
• Serving the fried chicken in a basket with a side of spicy sauce, which the IPA can help cool down
• Pairing the fried chicken with a side of fish tacos, which can add an invigorating twist to the meal

When pairing IPA with fried chicken, one must take into account the type of IPA you're using. A hoppy IPA can complement the spicy flavors of the fried chicken, while a malty IPA can balance out the richness. Experiment with different types of IPA to find the perfect pairing for your taste buds.

Pairing IPAS With Pizza

Most IPA enthusiasts can attest that this hoppy beer pairs incredibly well with pizza, particularly those featuring spicy or rich toppings. The bitterness in IPAs cuts through the grease and richness of the cheese, making them a good match for meat-lovers pizzas.

Try pairing an IPA with a pizza featuring pepperoni, spianata salami, or nduja – the spicy and rich flavors of the toppings will be balanced by the beer's hoppiness. For a more specific pairing, consider trying IPA with pepperoni pizza bites, as seen in some beer pairing guides Beer Pairing with Pizza, or exploring different variations with unique toppings.

The citrus and herbal notes in IPAs also complement the tomato sauce and herbs used in pizza, adding depth and complexity to the pairing. Additionally, the carbonation in IPAs helps to cleanse the palate between bites of pizza, making them an invigorating choice for pizza nights.

You can also experiment with pairing IPAs with white pizzas, particularly those featuring chicken or seafood – the bitterness and acidity will cut through the richness of the ingredients. With its bold flavors and rejuvenating qualities, IPA is an excellent craft beer choice for those who love India Pale ales and pizza.

IPAs and Spicy Burgers

Bold Flavors for the Fearless

Bold flavors call for bold beers, and spicy burgers are no exception.

If you're looking for a pairing that will complement the heat and richness of your burger, an American IPA is a great choice.

The hoppy flavor of the IPA will cut through the spiciness of the burger, while the bitterness will balance out the richness of the meat.

Here's how an IPA pairs well with spicy burgers:

• Cuts the heat: The bitterness of the IPA helps to neutralize the spiciness of the burger, creating a more balanced flavor experience.
• Complements rich flavors: The hoppy flavor of the IPA complements the rich flavors of the burger, such as cheese, bacon, and caramelized onions.
• Enhances the flavor of the meat: The citrus and pine notes in the IPA enhance the flavor of the meat, making it taste more vibrant and complex.
• Refreshes the palate: The crisp, invigorating quality of the IPA helps to cleanse the palate between bites, making it easier to enjoy the bold flavors of the burger.

IPA and Seafood Options

When you combine the citrus and pine notes of an American IPA with the delicate flavors of seafood, you'll find that the beer complements and enhances the dish without overpowering it.

This is because American IPAs are crafted to be more balanced than their English IPA counterparts, with a hoppy bitterness that cuts through the richness of seafood.

Consider pairing an American IPA with grilled shrimp or scallops. The citrus notes in the beer will enhance the bright, oceanic flavors of the seafood, while the bitterness will cut through any richness from the grilling.

You can also pair IPAs with seafood salads, such as a tuna salad with mixed greens and citrus vinaigrette. The beer's bitterness will balance the acidity of the vinaigrette, while its citrus notes will enhance the flavors of the tuna.

If you're looking for a more adventurous pairing, try combining an IPA with steamed mussels or clams. The beer's bitterness will cut through the brininess of the seafood, while its citrus notes will enhance the delicate flavors of the mussels or clams.

IPA and Fried Fish Tacos

A perfectly balanced pairing for a summer evening is an American IPA with fried fish tacos.

When you combine the two, the bitterness of the IPA cuts through the richness of the battered and fried fish, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

The citrus notes in the IPA complement the bright, zesty flavors of lime and cilantro commonly found in fish tacos.

Here's what you need to know about pairing IPA with fried fish tacos:

• Choose a lighter-bodied IPA with citrus or tropical fruit notes to avoid overpowering the delicate flavor of the fish.
• The hoppy flavor of IPA enhances the delicate flavor of the fish, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
• IPA's bitterness cuts through the richness of battered and fried fish in fish tacos, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
• A crisp, revitalizing IPA can help to cut through the richness of a fried fish taco, making it an ideal pairing for a summer evening.