Beer Pairings for Meat-Free Burger Alternatives

Nothing beats a cold beer and a juicy burger, but what if you're a vegetarian or just looking to cut down on your meat consumption? Fortunately, the rise of plant-based burger alternatives means that you don't have to sacrifice taste or texture. Here are some beer pairings to try with your next meat-free burger:

1. Wheat Beer with Chickpea Burgers

The nutty and slightly sweet flavor of chickpeas pairs perfectly with the light and refreshing taste of wheat beer. Try a Belgian-style witbier or a German hefeweizen to complement the flavors of your chickpea burger. The citrus notes in the beer will also help to cut through any spiciness in your burger.

2. Amber Ale with Mushroom Burgers

Mushroom burgers are a vegetarian classic and for good reason. The earthy flavor of mushrooms pairs well with a malty amber ale. Look for an American amber ale or an English bitter to get the perfect balance between hops and malt that will enhance the subtle flavors of your mushroom burger.

3. IPA with Black Bean Burgers

Black bean burgers are a tasty and filling alternative to traditional meat burgers. But they can also be spicy, which is where the hoppy bitterness of an IPA comes in. The bitterness in the beer will help to cut through the heat in your burger, while the citrus and pine notes will complement the earthy flavor of black beans.

4. Stout with Lentil Burgers

Lentil burgers are another popular plant-based alternative to meat burgers. They have a slightly smoky and nutty flavor that pairs well with a rich, dark stout. Look for an oatmeal stout or an Irish dry stout to get the right balance of bitterness and sweetness that will complement the flavors of your lentil burger.

Next time you're grilling up some meat-free burgers, consider trying one of these beer pairings. Not only will they enhance the flavors of your burger, but they'll also make for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.