There are several ways to pair beef with various flavours. In this article, we’ll explore a few of the best flavour combinations with beef. You can also try spices, wines, beer and sea food. Depending on your tastes, you can combine all of these elements to create an ideal meal. Here are some examples:
Spices
There are some very specific flavour pairings for beef. Here are some tips to create delicious and healthy dishes. Use the herbs listed below in small amounts. If you’re using them in large amounts, you may overpower the beef dish. Black Onyx Cocoa Powder is bitter, fruity, and floral, and should be used sparingly. Thyme is also a great herb for beef and goes well with a variety of other herbs.
Wines
While you might have heard that red wine and beef are not a good match, this is not always the case. Beef and red wine can go well together, depending on your style of cooking. If you’re serving a leaner cut of beef like a sirloin, you should choose a wine with lower tannin levels. On the other hand, if you’re serving a fatty cut of beef, you may want to go for a wine with high tannin levels. Intense red Zinfandel or Shiraz are perfect matches with spicy beef.
Beers
There are many different types of beer that pair well with beef. Some pair better with grilled meats while others complement spicy and salty foods. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect beer for your beef. Beef sausage is a complex bundle of spices and flavours, and a malty beer can highlight the subtle spiciness of beef. Amber ales are a great choice because they have a distinct caramel flavour and are a great compliment to grilled meats.
Seafood
The best flavour pairings for beef and seafood depend on the type of food. White meats, such as steak, work best with light-bodied white wines, while red meats tend to complement seafood better. Depending on the type of wine you choose, red wine can complement the taste and texture of seafood or overpower it. For example, salmon pairs well with red wine. A full-bodied red wine may overpower the dish and not complement its flavour.
Cayenne pepper
Adding cayenne pepper to beef is a great way to spice up a beef dish and add a kick of heat. It pairs well with the savory, earthy flavor of beef. Cayenne pepper has a mild heat but still works with the beef flavor because of its piney aroma. In addition, you can use it in marinades. Here are some other flavour combinations for beef.
Chili powder
Chili powder is a mild to medium-spicy spice that creates a Tex-Mex flavour profile. The spices in chili powder vary depending on their strength. If you have a good palate, you’ll be able to detect the spice blend in chili powder, as well as other ingredients, such as salt and pepper. Chili powder is great for beef dishes, and pairs beautifully with red wine.
Star anise
While star anise is a popular flavoring in Chinese cuisine, it is also an excellent choice for enhancing the flavour of beef. Its licorice-like flavour is a natural fit with this high-fat cut of meat. While this spice can be overcooked, it will continue to impart its distinctive flavor into the meat while it cooks. If you are using star anise in your cooking, be sure to remove the star anise pods before serving the dish.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is an aromatic herb used extensively in Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines. Its leaves and stems have been prized for their medicinal properties in India and Southeast Asia, and the herb has an abundance of flavour. Lemongrass is commonly used in marinades and as a flavouring ingredient in soups, stews, and curries, and it pairs perfectly with beef, seafood, and poultry dishes. In fact, it can enhance the taste of almost anything.
Basil
While basil is traditionally used as a spice, it is also used in cooking and can be paired with various flavours. Traditional pairings include tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, olive oil and a single basil leaf soaked in wine. Basil goes well with different types of meat but not as well with beef that has a stronger flavor. Basil can also be added to soups and salads, as well as in thick sauces and salad dressings.
Juniper berries
The distinctive flavor and aroma of juniper berries adds zesty, piney flavor to meats and beverages. They pair well with beef, lamb, poultry, venison, and wild game. Frontier Co. juniper berries come from Bulgaria and are kosher certified. They can be crushed or used whole. They are also delicious added to desserts and drinks. Juniper berries can be used to season meats, fruitcake, and casseroles.
