Posted on May 22, 2012 by Julia Gardial
With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, plenty of East Tennesseans are rolling the covers off their grills and sitting down to a nice hot steak and a cold brew.
Many consider Memorial Day to be the unofficial start of summer, and it’s coming up on May 28. Whether you’re cooking for friends or family to kick off the season this Memorial Day, nothing says summer like a hot, smoky grill – and a cold drink shared among loved ones.
If you’re looking for a way to add variety to your grill master’s cookbook, we recommend combining that steak and beer – during the cooking process. Marinating meat in beer adds a great flavor and leaves your filet or chicken breast amazingly moist. Whether you want something a little sweet or a dish with a kick, there are lots of great grilling options out there that can incorporate your favorite brew.
While there is some debate about what beer makes the best marinade, any type of brew can help to tenderize any type of meat, from steaks to scallops. Beer also helps to add a subtle flavor, so remember that when pairing it with your meat and seasonings.
Many cooks prefer a heavier dark beer for steak marinades, like Guinness, while lighter beers like Heineken are better for chicken and seafood.
If you’re looking for something a bit different and aren’t afraid of some hot oil, a simple beer batter is a great way to liven up a summer meal. Most of these batters contain only a few ingredients, and the carbonation in the beer makes the coating light and fluffy. For this reason, beer batters are a great way to prepare fish.
Of course as with any meal, don’t forget some grilled veggies. There are plenty of recipes out there to make sure your side dishes get a beer treatment as well.
We encourage you to explore using beer in grilling as a fun and unique way to add flavor and lock in moisture, and we hope these tips and suggested recipes help you get started with a memorable and tasty Memorial Day menu.
From the Cherokee Distributing Company family to yours, Happy Memorial Day and cheers to a beautiful East Tennessee summer!