Pulled pork is a quintessential barbecue dish, with its tender, smoky shredded meat just begging to be piled high on a bun or stuffed into tacos. But what beverage should you serve alongside this delicious comfort food? The right beer pairing can truly bring pulled pork sandwiches or other dishes to the next level.
In this guide, we’ll recommend the best beer styles and specific brews to complement different types of pulled pork. Whether you prefer classic Carolina-style with a vinegar sauce or a sweeter Kansas City-style, there’s a beer match made in heaven waiting for you.
Why Beer and Pulled Pork Are an Iconic Pairing
Beer and pulled pork just seem made for each other. The malty, roasty flavors in many beers mirror the sweet, smoky notes in slowly smoked pork shoulder. The carbonation and bitterness of beer also help cut through the rich fattiness of this cut.
Plus, beer’s effervescence cleanses the palate between bites of saucy, tender meat The flavors meld in your mouth for an unbeatable taste combination. No backyard barbecue or game day tailgate is complete without this dynamic duo.
Choosing the Right Beer Style for Your Pulled Pork
With so many beer styles to choose from it can be tricky to select the perfect one to complement your pulled pork recipe. Here are some guidelines
- Sweet and smoky pork – Choose amber lagers, brown ales, or porters
- Spicy or tangy pork – Opt for IPAs, sour beers, or wheat beers
- Rich and fatty pork – Try a crisp pilsner or refreshing lager
- Pulled pork tacos or nachos – Pick a Mexican lager like Modelo or Pacifico
- Pulled pork banh mi sandwich – Go for something like a Vietnamese lager
The preparation method also makes a difference. Beer-braised or smoked pulled pork can handle heartier brews. Simple slow-cooked pork benefits from lighter lagers. Play around to find your perfect pairings!
10 Winning Beer Styles to Try with Pulled Pork
Based on the guidelines above, here are 10 beer styles that pair especially well with different types of pulled pork:
1. Brown Ale
The malty, slightly sweet caramel flavors of brown ales like Newcastle complement the smokiness of traditional pulled pork. The medium body stands up to the meat’s richness.
2. Porter
Robust porters have roasty undertones reminiscent of barbecue smoke, They cut through ketchup-based sauces with their slight bitterness,
3. Amber Lager
An amber lager like Alaskan Amber has biscuity maltiness that echoes the sweetness in sweeter Kansas City-style pulled pork.
4. Pilsner
The crisp, clean palate refreshment of pilsners balances out the fattiness of pulled pork. Light Czech pilsners work nicely.
5. Session IPA
Citrus and pine hoppiness help session IPAs cut through spicy chile-rubbed pulled pork without overpowering it.
6. Sour
A tart, fruity sour beer contrasts beautifully with intensely sweet barbecue sauces slathered on pulled pork sandwiches.
7. Witbier
Spiced orange and coriander witbiers like Blue Moon pair well with pulled pork tacos or carnitas with citrusy salsas.
8. Dunkel
The subtle roastiness and chocolate flavors of dark German lagers like dunkels match wonderfully with pork’s richness.
9. Vienna Lager
A touch of caramelly sweetness in a Vienna lager balances tangy mustard-based pulled pork from the Carolinas.
10. Schwarzbier
Hints of coffee and roast in this dark German lager style accentuate the smoke in indirectly grilled pulled pork.
Specific BeerRecommendations to Try with Pulled Pork
Beyond just the style, certain beloved brews seem like they were just made to accompany pulled pork. Here are some excellent beer and pork pairings:
- Founders All Day IPA with chipotle pulled pork tacos
- Abita Purple Haze with sweet and spicy Memphis-style pulled pork
- Sam Adams Boston Lager with pulled pork topped coleslaw sandwiches
- Ayinger Urweisse with Kalua-style Hawaiian pulled pork
- Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA with bourbon-infused pulled pork
- Sierra Nevada Kellerweis with tangy Carolinastyle pulled pork
- Victory Prima Pils with lager-braised carnitas
- Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier with blackened pulled pork po’ boys
- Oskar Blues Old Chub with smoky pulled pork baked beans
- Firestone Walker DBA with beer-braised green chile pulled pork burritos
Don’t limit yourself to these suggestions. Part of the fun is experimenting with different brews to discover new perfect pairings.
How to Pick the Best Beer for Your Pulled Pork Recipe
Follow these tips when selecting a beer to serve with your particular pulled pork preparation:
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Match intensities – Boldly flavored or spicy pork needs an equally assertive beer, while milder pork goes with lighter lagers.
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Consider sweetness – Sweeter pulled pork calls for maltier brews that echo those flavors.
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Contrast flavors – Pick a beer that complements or contrasts the pork seasoning for balance.
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Account for sides – If serving with something acidic like coleslaw, go for a sweeter brown ale. Starchy beans pair well with Oktoberfest-style lagers.
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Find regional pairs – Look for local beer styles that traditionally accompany barbecue in that area.
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Sample options – Have a few beer choices on hand to taste side-by-side with your pulled pork.
5 Foolproof Beer and Pulled Pork Pairings
For easy wins, stick with these classic barbecue beer pairings:
Pilsner + Plain or lightly seasoned pulled pork – The crisp refreshment balances the meat’s richness.
Amber lager + Ketchup-sauced pulled pork – The subtle sweetness matches the tangy tomato sauce.
IPA + Spicy pulled pork nachos – Cut through the heat with bitter hops.
Hefeweizen + Pulled pork tacos – The wheat beer’s low bitterness suits citrusy salsas.
Brown ale + Smoky pulled pork sandwiches – Roasted malts echo the barbecue smoke.
Expert Tips for Cooking Pulled Pork with Beer
For extra flavor, cook your pork with beer. Follow these pro tips:
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Choose a beer style that complements your spice rub or sauce flavors.
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Pour in just enough beer to moisten and season without overpowering. Too much will make the pork mushy.
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Skip ultra-hoppy styles – the bitterness will intensify with extended cooking.
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Splash in a little vinegar too for more moisture and tang.
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Simmer uncovered to reduce surface liquid into a tasty glaze.
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Reserve some brew to deglaze the pan for an extra flavorful sauce.
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Let rest before pulling so the meat reabsorbs all the delicious juices.
Common Questions About Beer and Pulled Pork Pairings
What types of beer pair best with pulled pork?
Brown ales, amber lagers, porters, and IPAs tend to complement pulled pork best. Their roasted maltiness or hoppy bitterness balances the meat’s richness.
Should you choose light or dark beer with pulled pork?
It depends on the specific recipe. Sweeter, ketchup-based pulled pork goes well with lighter amber lagers, while smoky pork pairs better with darker beers like porters and brown ales.
Which beer goes with spicy pulled pork?
An IPA is a good match, as the bitter hops help temper the heat. Witbiers and pilsners work well too since their crispness cleans the palate.
What drinks besides beer pair with pulled pork?
Iced tea, lemonade, bourbon, and some lighter reds like Pinot Noir can also make good pairings with pulled pork.
Does pulled pork go well with stouts or sours?
Absolutely! The richness of pulled pork can definitely stand up to assertive dark beers like stouts. Tart sours also contrast nicely with sweet sauces.
Finding Beer and Pulled Pork Bliss
The next time pulled pork is on the menu, use this guide to find that perfect beer pairing. Whether you go for a classic pilsner, a malty Oktoberfest, or a hoppy West Coast IPA, the right brew takes this iconic barbecue dish to new heights of deliciousness. Just be sure to cook up extra pulled pork – you’ll want seconds after finding your new go-to beer and pork combo!