Forget the Wine, These Beers Pair Perfectly With All Sorts of Steaks

Filet, Skirt, Ribeye, T-Bone and More!

BY: John Krochune
PUBLISHED: September 26, 2024

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Outside of bourbon, the editors of Brostrick love all things beer related. So it only made sense to debut our newest franchise “Bros & Brews” where we cover some of our favorite beers, beer pairings and everything in between. Got a beer recommendation or question for our editors? Ask us at feedback@brostrick.com

The editors here at Brostrick were probably most excited to cover this pairing (after the beer/pizza pairing of course). This time around where storing away our wine glasses and brining out the beer mugs because we’re pairing some of our favorite steak cuts with the best beers ever.

There’s something truly magical about pairing a perfectly cooked steak with just the right beer. The rich, savory flavors of different cuts of steak can be perfectly enhanced by the right brew, taking your meal to the next level…a magical level. A level you want to live in forever. Too much?

Whether you’re grilling up a juicy ribeye, savoring a tender filet mignon, or enjoying the bold taste of a T-bone, there’s a beer that can make every bite even better. Join us as we explore the best beer pairings for your favorite steaks, along with side dishes that go with both your steak and the beer for that steak. It’s a true win-win-win.

1.

Ribeye Steak + American IPA

Ribeye steaks are renowned for their intense marbling, which infuses the meat with rich, juicy, and deeply beefy flavors. The high-fat content in a ribeye provides a luxurious mouthfeel and a burst of flavor with every bite. However, this richness can sometimes be overwhelming on the palate, necessitating a beverage that can both stand up to and cut through the steak’s fatty profile. This is where an American IPA comes into play.

American IPAs are known for their bold hop profiles, featuring pronounced bitterness and vibrant citrus and pine notes. The hops in an IPA serve several critical functions in this pairing:

Palate Cleansing: The bitterness from the hops cuts through the fat, cleansing the palate and preventing the richness from becoming too cloying. Each sip of the IPA refreshes your mouth, making every subsequent bite of ribeye just as enjoyable as the first.
Flavor Contrast and Enhancement: The citrus and pine flavors of the IPA provide a refreshing contrast to the steak’s deep umami and beefiness. These bright, zesty notes can enhance the natural flavors of the meat, adding layers of complexity to the overall dining experience.
Carbonation: The carbonation in the IPA also plays a vital role. The bubbles help to lift the fats off the palate, further aiding in the cleansing process and ensuring a refreshing finish after each bite.

The malt backbone in an American IPA, although secondary to the hops, is also crucial. It provides a subtle sweetness that balances the bitterness and complements the caramelized crust of the ribeye, creating a harmonious balance between the beer and the steak.

BEER PAIRING

STONE IPA

Stone IPA is celebrated for its bold, assertive hop character. The vibrant citrus and pine notes are balanced by a solid malt backbone, creating a beer that’s both refreshing and complex.

The hops provide a bitterness that cuts through the ribeye’s fat, while the maltiness complements the steak’s rich flavors. Stone IPA’s robust flavors ensure it stands up to the intensity of the ribeye without being overwhelmed, making it a perfect companion for this luxurious cut of meat.

Stone Brewing, located in Escondido, California, has crafted this iconic IPA with a combination of Magnum, Chinook, Centennial, and other hops, giving it a unique and powerful hop profile that has earned it a reputation among beer enthusiasts. The brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation shines through in every sip of Stone IPA, making it a standout choice for pairing with a richly marbled ribeye.

SIDE DISH PAIRING

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest

The citrus from the lemon zest in the asparagus pairs well with the citrus notes in the IPA, while the freshness of the asparagus complements the richness of the ribeye. The slight char on the asparagus from the grill adds a touch of smokiness that mirrors the Maillard reaction on the steak, creating a cohesive and balanced plate.

2.

Filet Mignon + Belgian Dubbel

Filet Mignon is prized for its exceptional tenderness and subtle, buttery flavor. Unlike other cuts of steak, filet mignon is not particularly known for its marbling or intense beefy flavor; instead, it offers a delicate and refined eating experience. This makes it a perfect candidate for a Belgian Dubbel, which complements rather than overwhelms its gentle profile.

Belgian Dubbels are rich, malty beers with a complex flavor profile that includes notes of caramel, dark fruits like plums and raisins, and a subtle spiciness from the yeast. These flavors can enhance the filet mignon in several ways:

Complementing the Natural Sweetness: The malty sweetness of the Dubbel mirrors the subtle, natural sweetness of the filet mignon, creating a harmonious balance that enhances the overall dining experience.
Adding Depth: The dark fruit notes in a Dubbel add an extra layer of complexity to the pairing, bringing out the nuanced flavors in the filet mignon without overshadowing its delicate taste.
Spice and Contrast: The subtle spiciness from the Belgian yeast adds a touch of intrigue and a mild contrast to the steak’s buttery softness, making each bite and sip a luxurious experience.
Mouthfeel and Body: The medium body and moderate carbonation of a Belgian Dubbel are sufficient to cleanse the palate without being too heavy, ensuring that the delicate texture of the filet mignon remains the star of the show.

BEER PAIRING

Westmalle Dubbel

Westmalle Dubbel is a classic example of the Belgian Dubbel style, brewed by the Trappist monks at the Westmalle Abbey.

This beer is known for its rich, complex flavors of caramel, dark fruit, and a hint of spice, all balanced by a smooth, malty sweetness. Westmalle Dubbel has a deep, ruby-brown color and a creamy, long-lasting head, indicative of its quality and craftsmanship.

The dark fruit notes, such as plum and raisin, along with the caramel sweetness, complement the subtle flavors of the filet mignon, while the spiciness from the yeast adds an extra layer of complexity. Brewed with a blend of pale and dark malts, this beer undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle, resulting in a smooth, full-bodied ale that pairs beautifully with the tender and refined profile of filet mignon.

The Westmalle Abbey has been producing beer since 1836, and their expertise is evident in every bottle of Westmalle Dubbel, making it a perfect choice for a sophisticated steak dinner.

SIDE DISH PAIRING

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

The creamy texture and rich garlic flavor of the mashed potatoes complement the tenderness of the filet mignon and the malt sweetness of the Dubbel. The roasted garlic adds a savory depth that enhances the overall flavor experience, making this side dish a perfect match for both the steak and the beer.

3.

New York Strip Steak + American Amber Ale

The New York Strip, known for its bold, beefy flavor and firm texture, requires a beer that can stand up to its robust profile while enhancing its savory characteristics.

An American Amber Ale is an excellent choice for this pairing due to its balanced malt and hop profile. The caramel and toasty malt flavors in an Amber Ale complement the rich, savory taste of the strip steak, while the moderate hop bitterness adds a refreshing contrast.

Amber Ales are known for their:

Balanced Flavor Profile: The malt sweetness in an Amber Ale enhances the caramelized crust of the steak, while the hop bitterness provides a counterbalance that prevents the pairing from becoming too heavy.
Caramel and Toffee Notes: These flavors echo the Maillard reaction on the steak, adding depth and complexity to each bite and sip.
Moderate Body and Carbonation: The medium body and moderate carbonation of an Amber Ale cleanse the palate without overpowering the steak, making it a versatile and refreshing companion.

BEER PAIRING

Bell’s Amber Ale

Bell’s Amber Ale is a well-balanced beer with a rich malt profile and a touch of hop bitterness. Brewed with a blend of carefully selected malts, this beer offers notes of caramel, toffee, and toasted bread, which complement the savory, caramelized flavors of a New York Strip steak.

Bell’s Amber Ale has a deep amber color and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel, indicative of its quality and craftsmanship. The subtle hop bitterness provides a refreshing counterpoint to the malt sweetness, ensuring that the pairing remains balanced and enjoyable throughout the meal.

Brewed by Bell’s Brewery in Michigan, this Amber Ale has been a staple in their lineup for decades, known for its consistent quality and flavorful profile. The brewery’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing techniques shines through in every sip, making Bell’s Amber Ale a perfect match for the bold flavors of a New York Strip steak.

SIDE DISH PAIRING

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

The caramelization of the Brussels sprouts and the sweetness of the balsamic glaze complement the malt notes in the Amber Ale, while the slight bitterness of the sprouts pairs well with the hop bitterness in the beer.

This side dish adds a layer of complexity and enhances the overall dining experience, making it a perfect accompaniment to the steak and beer pairing.

4.

Sirloin Steak + Brown Ale

Sirloin steaks are known for their lean, beefy flavor and firm texture. A Brown Ale is a great match for this cut because its nutty, caramel, and toasty malt flavors complement the steak’s savory profile without overpowering it.

The moderate bitterness and carbonation in a Brown Ale help to balance the steak’s richness and cleanse the palate.

Brown Ales are characterized by:

Nutty and Caramel Flavors: These flavors enhance the savory, umami notes in the sirloin, adding depth and complexity to the pairing.
Moderate Bitterness: The bitterness from the hops balances the malt sweetness and prevents the pairing from becoming too heavy.
Medium Body and Carbonation: The moderate body and carbonation of a Brown Ale provide a refreshing contrast to the steak’s firm texture, making each bite and sip enjoyable.

BEER PAIRING

Newcastle Brown Ale

Newcastle Brown Ale is a classic example of the English Brown Ale style, known for its smooth, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor profile.

Brewed with a blend of pale and dark malts, this beer offers notes of caramel, toffee, and toasted nuts, which complement the savory, umami flavors of a sirloin steak.

Newcastle Brown Ale has a deep amber color and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel, indicative of its quality and craftsmanship. The moderate bitterness from the hops provides a refreshing counterpoint to the malt sweetness, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable pairing.

Brewed in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, this Brown Ale has been a favorite among beer lovers for decades, known for its consistent quality and flavorful profile. The brewery’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing techniques shines through in every sip!

SIDE DISH PAIRING

Sautéed Mushrooms

The earthy, savory flavors of the mushrooms complement the nutty and caramel notes in the Brown Ale, while their umami richness enhances the sirloin steak. The mushrooms’ tender texture adds a fun contrast to the firm steak too!

5.

T-Bone Steak + Robust Porter

T-Bone steaks offer the best of both worlds with their combination of tenderloin and strip steak, providing a mix of tenderness and beefy flavor.

A Robust Porter is an ideal match for this steak due to its rich, roasted malt flavors and moderate bitterness. The dark, chocolatey, and coffee notes in a Porter complement the savory, umami flavors of the T-Bone, while the beer’s body and carbonation help to cleanse the palate.

Porters are characterized by:

Rich, Roasted Flavors: The dark malt profile adds depth and complexity, enhancing the steak’s natural flavors and creating a harmonious pairing.
Moderate Bitterness: The bitterness from the roasted malts and hops cuts through the steak’s fat, preventing the pairing from becoming too heavy and ensuring a refreshing finish.
Full Body and Smooth Mouthfeel: The creamy texture of a Porter provides a luxurious contrast to the steak’s tenderness, making each bite and sip a decadent experience.

BEER PAIRING

Founders Porter

Founders Porter is a classic example of the Robust Porter style, known for its rich, velvety texture and complex flavors. Brewed with a blend of dark malts, this beer offers notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel, which complement the savory, umami flavors of a T-Bone steak.

Founders Porter has a deep, dark color and a creamy, long-lasting head, indicative of its quality and craftsmanship. The moderate bitterness from the roasted malts and hops provides a refreshing counterpoint to the beer’s sweetness, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable pairing.

SIDE DISH PAIRING

Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Potatoes

The roasted garlic and parmesan add savory depth to the potatoes, which pairs well with the roasted malt flavors in the Porter. The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the smooth mouthfeel of the beer, creating a cohesive and satisfying side dish that totally enhances your overall experience.

6.

Skirt Steak + Pale Ale

Skirt steak is known for its intense, beefy flavor and slightly chewy texture. A Pale Ale is a great match for this cut because its balanced malt and hop profile complements the steak’s savory profile without overpowering it. The moderate bitterness and carbonation in a Pale Ale help to balance the steak’s richness and cleanse the palate.

Pale Ales are characterized by:

Balanced Malt and Hop Flavors: These flavors enhance the savory, umami notes in the skirt steak, adding depth and complexity to the pairing.
Moderate Bitterness: The bitterness from the hops balances the malt sweetness and prevents the pairing from becoming too heavy.
Medium Body and Carbonation: The moderate body and carbonation of a Pale Ale provide a refreshing contrast to the steak’s firm texture, making each bite and sip enjoyable.

BEER PAIRING

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a classic example of the American Pale Ale style, known for its balanced malt and hop profile. Brewed with a blend of pale malts and Cascade hops, this beer offers notes of citrus, pine, and caramel, which complement the savory, umami flavors of a skirt steak.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale has a deep amber color and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel, indicative of its quality and craftsmanship. The moderate bitterness from the hops provides a refreshing counterpoint to the malt sweetness, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable pairing.

SIDE DISH PAIRING

Chimichurri Sauce

The bright, herbaceous flavors of the chimichurri complement the balanced malt and hop notes in the Pale Ale, while the acidity of the sauce balances the steak’s savory richness.

7.

Flank Steak + Vienna Lager

Flank steak is known for its bold, beefy flavor and lean, fibrous texture. A Vienna Lager is a great match for this cut because its toasty, bready malt flavors complement the steak’s savory profile without overpowering it.

The moderate bitterness and carbonation in a Vienna Lager help to balance the steak’s richness and cleanse the palate.

Vienna Lagers are characterized by:

Toasty and Bready Flavors: These flavors enhance the savory, umami notes in the flank steak, adding depth and complexity to the pairing.
Moderate Bitterness: The bitterness from the hops balances the malt sweetness and prevents the pairing from becoming too heavy.
Medium Body and Carbonation: The moderate body and carbonation of a Vienna Lager provide a refreshing contrast to the steak’s firm texture, making each bite and sip enjoyable.

BEER PAIRING

Negra Modelo

Negra Modelo is a classic example of the Vienna Lager style, known for its smooth, toasty, and slightly sweet flavor profile. Brewed with a blend of pale and dark malts, this beer offers notes of caramel, toffee, and toasted bread, which complement the savory flavors of the flank steak.

Negra Modelo has a deep amber color and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel and the moderate bitterness from the hops provides a refreshing counterpoint to the malt sweetness, ensuring a balanced pairing overall.

SIDE DISH PAIRING

Roasted Red Peppers and Onions

Roasted red peppers and onions make an excellent side dish for flank steak due to their natural sweetness and slightly smoky flavor, which complement the beefy, robust flavor of the steak. The caramelization of the vegetables during roasting enhances their sweetness, creating a delightful contrast to the savory meat. This side dish also pairs well with the toasty, bready notes of your Negra Modelo. A match made in heaven!

Let's Call It a Day

From the rich marbling of ribeye with the bold bitterness of an American IPA to the tender filet mignon enhanced by the complex notes of a Belgian Dubbel, each combination brings out the best in both the steak and the beer.

Whether you’re savoring the robust flavors of a T-bone with a robust porter or enjoying the lean, beefy taste of a sirloin with a nutty brown ale, there’s a perfect beer to complement every cut of steak.

Pair these with thoughtfully chosen side dishes, like grilled asparagus or roasted red peppers, to create a truly unforgettable meal.

We’re going to keep adding to this list as we review new beers and cuts, but if you have a question or suggestion on a steak and beer pairing let us know at feedback@brostrick.com

JOHN KROCHUNE

John is our resident beer expert and has been home-brewing his own beer and blogging about it for more than 14 years and counting. He’s the co-owner of Brew-Dudes, you can follow his Brew Dudes YouTube channel and Insta too.

Outside of being a husband, dad, and beer lover he’s an all-around great guy, funny dude, and will be contributing some of his favorite beer content to Brostrick from time to time and reviewing some of our beer content to make sure what we’re saying is accurate, up-to-date, and can be trusted. It’s basically like when our dad checked our homework. We’re nervous.

Feel free to send him and his buddies endless beers (and questions).

Tagged: Bros & Brews

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