The Best Beer and Shrimp Pairings

People love to pair their favorite foods with the best wines to enhance their flavor. But what about beer? Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or simply love a cold beer at mealtime, it’s easy to pair beer with your favorite dishes – especially shrimp – to achieve the best flavor. Today, let’s break down the best beers to pair with our delicious Gulf shrimp for your next special meal.

PALE ALES

Pale ales date back to 18^th century England and represent several flavors from malty to American-style beers which showcase hops and crisp citrus undertones. Their unifying characteristic, which combines a well-balanced flavor profile and light taste, won’t overpower shrimp in almost any recipe. So pale ales are great for shrimp in simple preparations, like grilled with a light marinade, sautéed with fresh summer herbs and olive oil, or a shrimp cocktail.

WHEAT BEERS

A unique combination of wheat and yeast gives wheat beers a distinctive creamy texture and hazy look. Their bright, citrus-like flavor pairs well with all sorts of seafood – especially shrimp – and spicy foods. If you love curries, spicy seafood stews, or spicy marinades and rubs, wheat beers balance the spice levels for a truly refreshing combination.

AMERICAN IPAS

Maybe the most appealing quality of fresh, wild-caught Gulf shrimp is their sweet, succulent flavor. So, to pair them with a naturally bitter beer, like a strong, hoppy IPA, helps emphasize this sweetness. But that bitter flavor isn’t for everyone, so the gentler flavor of American IPAs provides another great choice for with sweet ingredients like coconut, pineapple, mango and more.

SMOKED BEERS

Smoked beers owe their unique flavor to malted barley dried over an open flame. This gives the finished brew a one-of-a-kind smoky undertone that pairs well with dishes rich in spices. So, shrimp mixed into spicier recipes will be delicious when served alongside a smoked beer. Try one from a local brewery alongside jambalayas, étouffée, and other Cajun and Creole recipes to deepen your dish’s flavor.

PILSNERS

Pilsners are a lager known for their light color and perfectly balanced flavor. These German-style beers are easy to drink with a touch of sweetness and a crisp, clean finish. This makes them a great beer to enjoy with a heaping plate of deep-fried shrimp, creating an irresistible contrast to their richness and crunch.

PORTERS OR STOUTS

These dark, rich beers, sometimes called winter warmers, have a depth of flavor and thick, heavy mouthfeel. They’re similar in many ways, with the primary difference being the malt used for brewing. Their richness works well with creamy, hearty shrimp meals, such as chowders and robust stews. They also pair well with dishes like savory shrimp tacos or a decadent scampi.

SERVE UP GULF SHRIMP WITH YOUR FAVORITE BEERS

In the end, there is no wrong way to enjoy beer and shrimp. Simply choose the brews you love most and don’t be afraid to experiment with new styles and local beers. Most importantly, use the best shrimp available to make every meal one to remember. Order restaurant-quality, wild-caught Gulf shrimp from Biloxi Shrimp Co. today!

Click here to order mouthwatering wild-caught shrimp straight from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.