4 ways to cook with beer

Cooking with beer

A splash of beer or red wine with your meal can do you some good, according to a study from the University of Porto in Portugal. Marinating meat using beer or wine reduces the carcinogens produced from grilling by 90 percent, compared to meat that’s not marinated. Isabel Ferreira, the study’s lead researcher, says the antioxidants and polyphenols in beer and red wine act as free-radical scavengers, targeting cancer-causing chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HA).

According to the study, beer is faster at reducing HAs than red wine. Reduced HAs in beefsteak occurred after four hours of marinating in pilsner at 8°C and after six hours in wine. Ferreira suggests it may be the sugars and starchy maltodextrins in beer that make the difference.

Here are four healthy ways you can cook with beer:

A marinade for your meat

Marinate 1 lb (500 g) meat in 1/2 cup (125 mL) beer, 1 clove garlic, 1 Tbsp (15 mL) minced ginger and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tip: Limit the amount of oil in the recipe to avoid smoke.

Beef in Beer

Topped with thick slices of garlic and herb bread, this beef in beer casserole is hearty and satisfying. It’s an ideal dish for entertaining because it can be prepared ahead. Serve the beef in beer with mashed potatoes and steamed seasonal greens for a complete meal.

Get the recipe: Beef in Beer

Beef in Ale with Horseradish Dumplings

A hearty beef and vegetable casserole that can be left to cook or made ahead and then reheated before serving. Cook the dumplings on top shortly before serving.

Get the recipe: Beef in Ale with Horseradish Dumplings

Simply Steamed Island Blue Mussels with Three Different Flavours

Mussels are super simple to cook and travel with their own built-in sauce base. They’re easy to steam and when you do, they release a flavourful broth that many connoisseurs swear is the best part.

Get the recipe: Simply Steamed Island Blue Mussels with Three Different Flavours

Related:
• The health benefits of beer
• 10 ways to eat green on St. Patrick’s Day
• 4 ways to prevent a hangover