Beer batter is the term used for batter prepared by mixing flour and beer, along with other ingredients like baking soda. This type of batter is used for preparing various popular dishes like fried fish, chips and beer bread. The benefit of using beer in beer batter recipes is that the beer bubbles add body and lightness to the batter. It may also be used for flavor and color. Beer batter recipes are popular in Europe, America and Russia.
Composition of Beer Batter:
It contains the following ingredients: Flour- Made from different varieties of wheat or other grain Beer- This is an alcoholic beverage and very popular drink that is made by fermentation of starches, usually of cereals. It is used to make the batter more aerated. Baking soda: This is used to aerate the dish and get a fluffy texture on cooking. Eggs: Eggs may also be used in batter.
The Process of Preparing Beer Batter
The batter is made by mixing together flour, a leavening agent like baking soda and beer. Seasonings may also be added for taste. The viscosity of the batter may vary from thick to very thin, depending upon the beer batter recipes being prepared. Thin batter which can easily be dropped from a spoon is also called ‘drop batter’. In most recipes the batter, along with one or more other ingredients, is fried, steamed or baked after which it ‘sets’ into the dish. Sugar or salt are added to give taste to batter. Other flavorings used include different kinds of spices, herbs, fruits and vegetables as per the beer batter recipes. Eggs may also be added.
Popular Dishes prepared with Beer Batter
Here is a list of popular dishes prepared with this kind of batter- Beer Batter Fish: This is a dish made of fish dipped in beer batter and fried in heated oil. Onion rings: This is a type of fast food commonly eaten in the United States, which consists of rings of onion dipped in beer batter and deep fried. Beer bread is bread made of flour, beer and sugar. A leavening agent like baking soda may also be used. Chips: Some varieties of French fries and other chips are dipped in batter made with beer before frying, for enhanced taste and flavor. Potato is the primary ingredient of these kind of chips.
Advantages of Beer Batter
Batter containing beer is more aerated than ordinary batter. Beer is also used in batter for flavor and color in some recipes. A coating of this batter brings enhanced taste to the dish.
Beer Batter Trivia
• Beer used for preparing batter should be cold, as it helps in getting a more crisp beer batter recipe.
• The correct kind of beer should be chosen for the particular recipe. For example, Japanese Lager in used for sardines, and Pale Ale is used for cod.
