If you think we’re going to have a drink in the backyard today for our quarantine-style National Beer Day celebrations, you’re right. But what you may not know is that we’re stepping up our brewing game with seven plant-based dishes made with this frosty drink. Beer has found its way into the food trend scene, which means anyone can enjoy a frosty drink. From moist, hearty cupcakes and beer-whipped tofu tacos to chocolate brownies, beer macaroni and cheese, we’ve compiled a list of the most delicious vegan dishes made with beer to whet your appetite. So raise your glass but don’t take a sip. Instead, enjoy the beer boiled into your meal. Bottom up!
1. Vegan Beer Brats
With the baseball season on the go, beer-infused brats are the perfect addition to any beer day celebration. Do you like Thyme & Love and cook your favorite Beyond Meat brats in a bath of your summer brew for a taste you won’t soon forget. Served between soft pretzel rolls and loaded with all the ingredients, decorate this classic with a side dish of potato salad (or even baked beans!) For the ultimate meal.
2. Thai BBQ beer can cabbage with Daikon Slaw
If you’re the type of person who loves to experiment with your food, try these inventive sliders from cookbook author (and VegNews contributor) Jackie Sobon. The sandwich’s Asian-inspired barbecue sauce and light daikon coleslaw are packed full of grilled beer cabbage (which is gutted a cabbage, added beer, and slowly grilled the beer-filled cabbage until tender and infused with hop goodness).
3. Beer & Brat Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Another delicious culinary invention from Jackie Sobon’s kitchen, these Oktoberfest-worthy macaroni and cheese, is the ultimate in comfort food. The cashew-based sauce is absolutely passed out thanks to its luxuriously creamy texture and the addition of pizzazz from the golden ale beer. We’d smother almost anything with it, but Sobon combines it with perfectly cooked noodles and hearty pieces of vegan seitan sausage.
4. Vegan Beer Chili
Is it okay to drink alone when you pour the beer into a chili pot? We say yes, which is why Minimalist Baker’s One Bowl Wonder is our staple for nights curled up on the couch. Although the recipe serves eight people, we find it is best for each lifestyle. Simple ingredients? Check. Easy preparation? Yes (less than an hour). Freezer Friendly? You bet! In addition, the beer gives it a strong taste, and the beans give this soup substance. Serve in a pint glass for a festive touch and enjoy your party from one.
5. Vegan Beer & Cheddar Bread Bowl Dip
Beer and cheese are the harmonious adult equivalent of peanut butter and jelly, which might explain why Hot for Food created the ultimate sticky, cheesy, plant-based dip that is perfect for a movie night in (Seaspiracy, anyone?). The dip is based on potatoes and cashews for its classically thick consistency, while the beer, spices, and pickled jalapeños enhance its bold, complex flavor. The dip is poured into a bread bowl and topped with vegan cheddar, spring onions and coconut bacon. So forego the fittings and tear up this bowl.
6. Crunchy beer-whipped tofu tacos
Those who say they don’t like tofu have obviously never had Kathy Patalsky’s beer-whipped creation. The blogger turns these mild soy stones into tasty, beer-soaked bites that are simple yet satisfying when paired with pickled onions, cabbage, avocado, vegan chipotle mayonnaise, and hot sauce. The tofu is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and tastes delicious in a warm tortilla. We make extra to complement our salads, sandwiches, and Buddha bowls.
7. Chocolate stout brownies
Stout is an acquired taste, but anyone can learn to love their chocolate accents thanks to these decadent vegan brownies. Put together by the healthy vegan dessert blog Chocolate Covered Katie, these guiltless brownies are fudgy, filled with chocolate chips and a surefire indulgence. Note: Katie strongly recommends leaving these in the refrigerator overnight before serving. So plan ahead and do this the night before. We’re not going to judge if you celebrate a day early by eating the batter.
Tanya Flink is a certified Master Personal Trainer in Orange County, California and host of The Vegan Potluck podcast.
Photo courtesy of Kathy Patalsky
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