Pairing Craft Beer with Japanese Izakaya Dishes
In the spirit of our upcoming series ‘Gather’, we want to start exploring beer and food pairings, recipes and more that will go along with each episode we release. ‘Gather’ is a series that’s all about bringing people together to share the experience of craft beer, food, and culture. We hope that some of this content will help you bring that experience home with you after watching the show.
When it comes to pairing food and drinks, wine and cheese may be the first thing that comes to mind. But what about beer and food? Specifically, craft beer and Japanese izakaya dishes?
Izakayas are traditional Japanese pubs that serve a variety of small plates, perfect for sharing and pairing with a cold beer. In this article, we’ll explore the art of pairing craft beer with Japanese izakaya dishes and how to elevate your dining experience.
Why Pair Beer with Food?
Enhances Flavors
Just like wine, beer has a wide range of flavors and aromas that can enhance the flavors of food. The carbonation in beer can help cleanse the palate between bites, allowing you to fully taste the flavors of each dish.
Versatility
Beer is a versatile drink that can pair well with a variety of foods. From light and refreshing lagers to rich and complex stouts, there is a beer for every dish.
Cultural Experience
Pairing beer with food is not only a delicious experience, but it also allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of the cuisine. In Japan, izakayas are a popular spot for socializing and enjoying good food and drinks with friends and colleagues.
Pairing Tips
When it comes to pairing beer with food, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Consider the Flavor Profile
When pairing beer with food, it’s important to consider the flavor profile of both the beer and the dish. For example, a light and crisp pilsner may pair well with a delicate seafood dish, while a rich and malty porter may complement a hearty meat dish.
Balance is Key
The goal of pairing beer with food is to create a balance between the flavors of the beer and the dish. You don’t want one to overpower the other, but rather enhance each other.
Experiment
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so what may work for one person may not work for another. Have fun and try different combinations to find what works best for you.
Pairing Craft Beer with Japanese Izakaya Dishes
Now that we’ve covered the basics of pairing beer with food, let’s dive into the specific pairing of craft beer with Japanese izakaya dishes.
Edamame and Pilsner
Edamame, or boiled soybeans, is a popular appetizer in Japanese cuisine. The light and refreshing flavors of a pilsner pair well with the subtle saltiness of edamame. The carbonation in the beer also helps cleanse the palate between bites.
Grilling yakitori and more at TORI TORI in Orlando, FL
Yakitori and IPA
Yakitori, or grilled skewered chicken, is a staple in izakaya cuisine. The bold and hoppy flavors of an IPA can stand up to the smoky and savory flavors of yakitori. The bitterness of the IPA also helps cut through the richness of the chicken.
Gyoza and Hefeweizen
Gyoza, or pan-fried dumplings, are a popular izakaya dish that pairs well with a light and refreshing hefeweizen. The crisp and citrusy flavors of the beer complement the savory and slightly spicy flavors of the gyoza.
Karaage and Pale Ale
Karaage, or Japanese fried chicken, is a popular izakaya dish that pairs well with a pale ale. The light and crisp flavors of the beer help cut through the richness of the fried chicken, while the hoppy flavors complement the savory and slightly spicy flavors of the dish.
Okonomiyaki and Brown Ale
Okonomiyaki, or Japanese savory pancakes, are a popular izakaya dish that pairs well with a malty and nutty brown ale. The rich and complex flavors of the beer complement the savory and umami flavors of the pancake.
Sushi and Saison
Sushi is a staple in Japanese cuisine and can be paired with a variety of beers. However, a saison, with its fruity and spicy flavors, can complement the delicate flavors of sushi without overpowering them.
Grilling yakitori and more at TORI TORI in Orlando, FL
Other Tips for Pairing Beer with Japanese Izakaya Dishes
Consider the Season
Just like food, beer can also be seasonal. Consider pairing lighter beers with lighter dishes in the summer, and richer beers with heartier dishes in the winter.
Don’t Forget About Dessert
While beer may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about dessert, it can actually pair well with certain dishes. For example, a rich and chocolatey stout can complement a sweet and creamy matcha tiramisu.
Tori Tori’s Chef Sonny Nguyen and Bowigens Beer Company Owner & Brewer Bobby Bowen at TORI TORI in Orlando, FL
Pairing craft beer with Japanese izakaya dishes is a delicious and fun way to elevate your dining experience. By considering the flavor profiles of both the beer and the dish, experimenting with different pairings, and keeping in mind the season, you can create a well-balanced and enjoyable meal. So next time you’re at an izakaya, don’t be afraid to try a new beer and food pairing and immerse yourself in the culture of Japanese cuisine.
Yakitori Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tbsp sake (Japanese rice wine)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water
Instructions:
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Brush the sauce onto the chicken skewers.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers, turning occasionally and basting with the sauce until cooked through and slightly charred, about 10-12 minutes.
- Serve hot with extra sauce for dipping.
We use ground Sansho peppercorns in the izakaya episode of ‘Gather’ both on the yakitori and in the beer we created for the episode. The Sansho peppercorns produce a slight numbing and tingling sensation that adds a delicious almost sour kick to the chicken and the IPA. Enjoy!
Yakitori and a lemon squeeze at TORI TORI in Orlando, FL
Great Craft Breweries in Japan
Kiuchi Brewery (Hitachino Nest)
Location: Ibaraki Prefecture
Founded in 1823
Kiuchi Brewery is known for its Hitachino Nest Beer brand. They combine traditional sake brewing methods with modern beer production techniques to create unique and flavorful craft beers. Some popular brews include the White Ale and Red Rice Ale.
Location: Shizuoka Prefecture
Founded in 2000 by Bryan and Sayuri Baird
Baird Brewing Company focuses on brewing flavorful and distinctive beers using locally sourced ingredients. Their diverse beer lineup includes IPAs, stouts, and seasonal releases like the Suruga Bay Imperial IPA.
Location: Osaka Prefecture
Established in 1997
Minoh Beer is a family-owned brewery that emphasizes quality and tradition. They offer a range of beers, including the W-IPA (White IPA) and the Yuzu White Ale, incorporating Japanese ingredients for a unique flavor profile.
Location: Nagano Prefecture
Yoho Brewing is known for its innovative approach to craft beer, experimenting with different styles and flavors. Their flagship beer, Yona Yona Ale, is a well-balanced and flavorful pale ale that has gained popularity both in Japan and internationally.
These top craft breweries in Japan offer a diverse selection of high-quality and innovative beers, reflecting the rich brewing culture and creativity present in the Japanese craft beer scene.
