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Pairing the Right Beer With All Different Salmon Dishes Isn’t as Hard as It Sounds

Grilled, Smoked, and Poached!

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

We’re not huge salmon fans here, but from time to time when it’s grilled or hidden in our sushi we’re ok with it. We’re more of pizza lovers and the occasional snacker but, alas, here we are; pairing some of the most popular salmon dishes with the the right beer(s) that’ll really work well without taking away from the taste of the salmon itself.

From light and crisp lagers to bold and hoppy IPAs, and from malty ales to rich stouts – offers endless possibilities for pairing. Beers can complement the flavors of salmon, contrast with its richness, and even cleanse the palate between bites. The carbonation in beer can cut through the fatty texture of salmon, while the hops, malts, and yeast can add layers of complexity to your overall eating experience. Sure, lots of people prefer wine, but we prefer beer. So let’s get to it!

Grilled Salmon + APA or Hefeweizen

Grilled salmon, with its smoky and slightly charred flavors, needs a beer that can balance and complement its richness. An American Pale Ale, with its moderate hop bitterness and citrusy notes, works wonderfully by cutting through the fatty flavors and refreshing the palate. Alternatively, a Hefeweizen, with its fruity and spicy yeast characteristics, can add a delightful contrast to the smoky undertones.

Specific Beer Recommendations:

APA: Toppling Goliath’s Pseudo Sue (USA) – Showcasing Citra hops and its potent citrus aromas, it enhances the smoky flavors of grilled salmon.
APA: Grunion Pale Ale by Ballast Point Brewing Company (USA) – Its one-two punch of Calypso and Mosaic hops harmonizes well with the rich, grilled fish.
Hefeweizen: Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier (Germany) – Offers a smooth, creamy mouthfeel with fruity and spicy notes, adding a refreshing contrast.
Hefeweizen: Paulaner Hefe-Weißbier (Germany) – Known for its well-balanced banana and clove flavors, complementing the smoky salmon.

Smoked Salmon + Belgian Witbier or Smoked Beer

Smoked salmon has a delicate, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with a Belgian Witbier. The light, citrusy, and slightly spicy notes of the Witbier complement the salmon’s smokiness without overpowering it. For a more adventurous pairing, a Smoked Beer (Rauchbier) can enhance the smoky flavors of the salmon, creating a deep and harmonious experience.

Specific Beer Recommendations:

Belgian Witbier: Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV Wit (Belgium) – Offers a light, citrusy profile with hints of coriander, adding a refreshing contrast to smoked salmon.
Belgian Witbier: Allagash White (USA) – Known for its hints of coriander and orange peel, enhancing the smoky and delicate flavors.
Rauchbier: Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen (Germany) – A classic smoked beer with deep smoky flavors that complement the salmon.
Rauchbier: Lost In the Dream by Notch Brewing (USA) – Offers light and approachable flavors that enhance the smoked salmon.

Baked Salmon + Pilsner or Kölsch

Baked salmon, often prepared with herbs and lemon, pairs well with a Pilsner. The light, crisp, and slightly bitter profile of a Pilsner complements the subtle flavors of the baked fish and the herbs, while the beer’s high carbonation helps cleanse the palate. Alternatively, a Kölsch, with its light, crisp, and slightly fruity profile, can enhance the delicate flavors without overpowering them.

Specific Beer Recommendations:

Pilsner: Pilsner Urquell (Czech Republic) – The original Pilsner with a balanced bitterness and crisp finish, enhancing the herbaceous and citrusy notes of baked salmon.
Pilsner: Victory Prima Pils (USA) – Known for its floral and herbal hop character, pairing well with the delicate flavors.
Kölsch: Reissdorf Kölsch (Germany) – Offers a clean, crisp taste with a slight fruity note, complementing the baked salmon.
Kölsch: Handline Kölsch by Devil’s Purse Brewing Co. (USA) – Known for its light, refreshing flavor, it pairs perfectly with the herb and lemon flavors of the salmon.

Salmon Sushi + Japanese Rice Lager or Sake-Infused Beer

Salmon sushi, with its fresh, raw flavors and slightly sweet rice, pairs excellently with a Japanese Rice Lager. The light, crisp, and clean profile of a Rice Lager complements the delicate flavors of the sushi without overpowering them. For a unique twist, a Sake-Infused Beer can add a complementary umami and slightly sweet note, enhancing the sushi experience.

Specific Beer Recommendations:

Japanese Rice Lager: Asahi Super Dry (Japan) – Offers a clean, crisp taste that enhances the freshness of salmon sushi.
Japanese Rice Lager: Sapporo Premium (Japan) – Known for its light, refreshing flavor, it pairs perfectly with the delicate nature of sushi.
Sake-Infused Beer: Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale (Japan) – A unique beer with sake-like qualities that add depth to the sushi flavors.
Sake-Infused Beer: Yo-Ho Brewing’s Suiyoubi no Neko (Japan) – Combines Belgian-style beer with sake elements, enhancing the sushi experience.

Blackened Salmon + IPA or Saison

Blackened salmon, with its bold, spicy crust, pairs well with an IPA. The bold hop bitterness and often citrusy or piney flavors of an IPA provide a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the fish. The higher carbonation helps to cut through the richness and spice. Alternatively, a Saison, with its fruity and spicy yeast character, can add a refreshing and complex contrast.

Specific Beer Recommendations:

IPA: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA (USA) – Offers a balanced hop profile with a slight malty sweetness, pairing well with the spiciness.
IPA: Lagunitas IPA (USA) – Known for its bold hop bitterness and citrusy flavors, enhancing the bold flavors of the fish.
Saison: Saison Dupont (Belgium) – Known for its peppery and citrusy notes, providing a refreshing contrast.
Saison: Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale (USA) – Offers a complex, fruity, and slightly spicy character, enhancing the dish.

Poached Salmon + Saison

Poached salmon, often served with a light broth or sauce, pairs well with a Saison. The fruity and spicy yeast character of a Saison complements the delicate flavors of the poached salmon. The beer’s effervescence and slight tartness add a refreshing balance. Alternatively, a Wheat Beer, with its light, citrusy, and slightly herbal notes, can enhance the delicate flavors.

Specific Beer Recommendations:

Saison: Clover by Hill Farmstead Brewery (USA) – Known for its touches of oak and hints of peppercorn, pairing beautifully with the delicate flavors.
Saison: Oude Fermier by Side Project Brewing (USA) – Offers lemony, tangy notes that complement the dish.

Let's Call It a Day

How’d we do? Whether you’re savoring the smoky flavors of grilled salmon, enjoying the delicate taste of baked salmon, or diving into the fresh appeal of salmon sushi, the right beer can elevate your meal to new heights. Got a recommendation for us that we may have missed? 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).

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