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Sometimes, the most taxing decision isn’t what sushi to steal from the sushi counter but what’s the best beer to pair with your spicy tuna roll! If you’ve ever sat puzzled, chopsticks akimbo, wondering whether a stout might overpower your sashimi or if a pale ale goes with your Californian roll, I know first-world problems. In this article, we’ll explore the best beer for sushi and whether IPAs deserve a seat at the sushi bar, the perfect beers to wash down a hearty Japanese curry and unveil the top Japanese beers that might just make you say sayonara to your usual pint.
What Kind of Beer is Good with Sushi?
When pairing beer with sushi, you have to be careful and not overpower the subtleness of taste. Sushi pairs beautifully with lighter, more refreshing beers. Here are some beer styles that are particularly good with sushi.
Lagers
Crisp lagers, especially Japanese lagers like Asahi, Sapporo, or Kirin, are some of the best choices for sushi. These beers are light, clean, full of booze and have a slightly dry finish, which makes them ideal for cutting through the richness of fatty fish like salmon or tuna.
Pilsners
Pilsners, a subset of the lager family, are another excellent choice, particularly those with mild hop bitterness and a smooth, refreshing finish. They complement the flavours of sushi without overshadowing them, making them a great option if you’re enjoying a variety of sushi types, from nigiri to maki rolls.
Wheat Beers
Wheat beers, with their slightly fruity and citrusy notes, pair wonderfully with sushi, especially rolls that feature ingredients like avocado, cucumber, or a hint of citrus. The light body of a wheat beer enhances the sushi’s flavours without clashing, making it a versatile choice for sushi lovers.
Kölsch
Kölsch is a light, slightly fruity beer with a smooth finish, making it another fantastic option for sushi. Its subtle fruitiness and low bitterness work well with both traditional sushi and fusion rolls that might include ingredients like spicy mayo or eel sauce.
Saisons
For those who enjoy something a bit more adventurous (you know who you are), saisons can be a bewitching pairing. The complex flavours of a Saison, with its hints of spice, fruit, and, dare I say, earthiness, can complement sushi with richer or more robust flavours, such as unagi (eel, not whatever Ross thinks it is) or spicy tuna rolls.
What is Traditionally Drunk with Sushi?
Now, many of you will be screaming at me that drinking beer with sushi is blasphemous. Well, first, this is a beer appreciation site, so you’re wrong. But, it is worth looking at the traditional drinks to have when chowing down on some sushi.
In Japan, the customary drink to accompany sushi is green tea, called ‘agari’. This warm, slightly bitter tea complements the meal by cleansing the palate, allowing diners to appreciate the subtle nuances of each type of fish fully.
Sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, is another staple alongside sushi. It can be enjoyed chilled or warmed, depending on the season and the quality of the sake. The smooth, sometimes fruity or nutty flavours of sake make it an excellent partner to the delicate tastes of sushi, particularly with richer, fattier fish like salmon or tuna. The alcohol in sake, much like beer, also has the benefit of cutting through the natural oils of the fish, enhancing the overall dining experience.
But you will find that in many Western countries, it is now common to find sushi accompanied by light beers, so this article isn’t too far-fetched.
Is IPA Good for Sushi?
As all of us beer lovers know, IPAs are known for their strong hoppy bitterness and aromatic floral or citrus notes. These flavours can either improve or overpower the delicate flavours of sushi. Let’s see how we can sneak these beers into a Japanese meal.
When IPAs Work Well with Sushi
- Bold Flavours: IPAs can pair well with sushi that features bold, assertive flavours. Spicy rolls or those with stronger-tasting fish, like mackerel, can stand up to an IPA’s robust profile.
- Complementary Aromatics: Some IPAs offer citrus or herbal notes that can complement sushi ingredients such as lemon, lime, or shiso leaf.
- Fried Sushi Items: An IPA’s crispness can be particularly refreshing for sushi dishes that involve frying, such as tempura rolls.
When IPAs Might Not Be Ideal
- Delicate Flavours: Traditional sushi, particularly those that focus on subtle flavours like delicate white fish or simple nigiri, might not fare well with an IPA.
- Palate Fatigue: The high bitterness level in most IPAs can lead to palate fatigue, where the taste buds become overwhelmed, making it difficult to appreciate the finer notes of subsequent sushi pieces.
What Beer Goes with Japanese Curry?
Bored of sushi? Well, let’s take a look at what beer goes with Japanese curries.
Lager
A clean, refreshing lager is a great pairing for Japanese curry. Think of an Asahi with crispy katsu curry. The refreshing nature of a well-brewed lager can help cleanse the palate between bites of spicy and savoury curry. The subtle sweetness and balanced bitterness of lagers like Sapporo or Asahi complement the richness of the curry without overpowering its flavours.
Wheat Beer
Wheat beers are excellent with Japanese curry. The light, fruity notes and the slight tanginess of wheat beers such as Belgian Witbier or German Hefeweizen can lighten the perceived heaviness of the curry.
Pale Ale
For those who prefer a bit more character in their beer, a pale ale can be a great match for Japanese curry. Pale ales are typically more balanced in flavour, with a moderate hoppy bitterness and a solid malty backbone, which allows them to stand up to the robust flavours of the curry.
Brown Ale
A brown ale, with its deep, malty flavours and often a hint of sweetness, pairs beautifully with the umami and complexity of Japanese curry. The caramel notes of a brown ale can echo some of the sweetness in the curry sauce, providing a balance to the spiciness.
What is Japan’s Best Beer for Sushi?
Are you hungry yet? If you are and fancy a little brew to have with your sushi, why not try a favourite Japanese beer? Here’s a little curated list of Japan’s most popular beers.
- Asahi Super Dry 5.2% (Asahi Breweries): Renowned for it’s dry, crisp taste and quick clean finish, known as the “Karakuchi taste”.
- Sapporo Premium Beer 4.9% (Sapporo Breweries): A famous Japanese lager that is refreshing with a crisp, refined flavour and a clean finish.
- Kirin Ichiban 5.0% (Kirin Brewery Company): Known for its pure, smooth taste, Kirin Ichiban is brewed from the first press of the malt, giving it a unique taste where only the most flavourful portion of the ingredients are used.
- Yebisu 5.0% (Sapporo Brewery): A premium lager with a rich, full-bodied flavour, Yebisu is made from 100% malt and select hops.
- Hitachino Nest White Ale 5.5% (Kiuchi Brewery): An internationally acclaimed wheat beer brewed with hints of orange peel and coriander.
Let us know what your favourite Japanese beer is!
Summary
Deciding on the perfect beer to accompany sushi isn’t just about quenching thirst—it’s about enhancing every bite. From the light, crisp refreshment of a Japanese lager, ideal for delicate nigiri, to the bold, aromatic punch of an IPA that stands up to spicier rolls, the right beer can elevate your sushi experience. We’ve also navigated the robust world of Japanese curry, finding that everything from a gentle wheat beer to a deep, malty brown ale can complement its rich flavours. And if you’re leaning towards authenticity, remember that traditional Japanese drinks like green tea and sake beautifully bridge the gap between sips and bites.
So, next time you’re indulging in sushi or curry, consider pairing it with one of Japan’s top beers to embrace the fusion of flavours truly.
FAQs
What beer goes well with Poke?
Light and crisp beers like lagers and pilsners pair well with Poke, complementing its freshness and not overpowering the dish’s delicate flavours. Wheat beers with citrus notes also enhance Poke’s seafood and seasoning.
What is Japan’s most popular beer?
Asahi Super Dry is widely considered Japan’s most popular beer, renowned for its crisp, refreshing taste and dry finish. It leads sales in Japan, appealing broadly with its light and sharp flavour profile.
What is the best drink to have with sushi?
The best drink with sushi is often considered to be green tea for its ability to cleanse the palate between bites. Sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, is also highly favoured for complementing the subtle flavours of sushi.
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