If you have a tiring week at work, parties and chilling on the weekend are constant mood boosters. And parties are incomplete without beer. But what happens when the party’s over and you have a lot of beer left?
Draining your beer into the sink might look like a convenient option to you but what if you can convert it into a beer batter? Yes, you read it right. Use your leftover beer to make a beer batter and cook some mouth-watering dishes like fries, fish, bread, cake, etc. for the next party!
Interesting, isn’t it? Read further to know more about beer batter and how you can turn the excess beer at your home into something tasty.
Can You Reuse Beer Batter?
The first question that might come to your mind is ‘Can I reuse the Beer Batter?’ It is perfectly valid to think this because it determines the amount of beer batter you make. What is the point of making a lot of batters if you cannot use them later on?
To answer your question, a beer batter can be used within a day, a few days, or even a month depending on the other ingredients in the batter. So, keep reading to find out how long your beer batter will last.
What Can I Use Leftover Beer Batter For?
The best part about having a lot of beer at home is the recipes you can make from it. If you are a foodie like me, the following dishes will never fail to amaze you. Trust me, once you cook them, you will go to the market to buy beer especially for cooking these dishes.
- French Fries
I do not think there is anybody who does not like french fries. They are the perfect starters at parties and the easiest evening snacks. This is one of the best recipes to use your beer batter.
All you have to do is add a cup of light beer to the mixture of cornstarch flour, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dip your fries into the batter and fry them on medium flame till they turn golden.
- Fried Fish
We all love eating fish with a can of beer. But what is fascinating is adding the same beer in the fish batter. Try making a beer batter for fish and see for yourself how it turns out.
Slightly coat your fish with flour and then pour it in the batter of beer, salt, flour, and other spices. Fry the fish in a pot till it turns golden brown. Once ready, pair it with some fries or chips and your meal is ready.
- Bread
We all have tried baking bread in our free time. But have you tried it by using beer? If not, this is the best opportunity to save your beer from the drain and make a soft and sweet loaf for yourself.
Mix all your dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Then, slowly pour the beer. Let the ingredients absorb it. Mix it well and pour it in a tray coated with butter and bake it. You can customize your bread by adding additional ingredients like honey, cheese, rosemary, etc.
- Cakes
Going to your friend’s birthday party or celebrating your birthday, a cake is something you cannot skip. So now bake a cake yourself by using the extra beer at your home. I think it is a win-win situation.
Add beer to your cake batter and surprise your friends and family with this discovery. You can try baking different flavors, but honestly, a chocolate cake never goes wrong.
- Waffles
Do you need an excuse to have beer as soon as you wake up? Then, have the perfect recipe for you. Well, you must have guessed by now that I am talking about adding beer to your waffles batter.
Combine flour, beer, milk, egg, honey, and vanilla in a large bowl and spread it on the preheated waffle maker. Cook until they are light brown and crispy.
See, the beer you were pouring down the drain can be used from your breakfast to dinner everywhere. So, why waste it when you can use it judicially!
How Long Can You Keep Beer Batter in the Fridge?
A beer batter is like any other batter. Since it has other ingredients like flour, milk, and eggs, it is safe to keep it in an airtight container for two to five days. However, if you freeze the beer batter, it can last up to one month.
In case, you do not want to keep the batter in the refrigerator, add ice cubes to it. It helps the batter to chill down. Then, you can use it for at least a day.
Can You Freeze Beer Batter Mixture?
Yes, a beer batter can be frozen. It helps the batter to last longer than usual. It also means you can try new recipes and reuse the batter effectively. Just follow some simple steps:
Step 1: Find any container with an air-tight lid or zip lock freezer bag suitable for storing liquids.
Pro tip: Divide the batter into small portions so that it comes in handy when you defrost the next time.
Step 2: Add your beer batter for fish in the container or bag. Make sure to leave some gap as the batter expands as it freezes.
Step 3: Label the container with the exact date and content. Close the lid tightly so that batter does not spill out. I am sure you do not need mess in your freezer.
Step 4: Your beer batter is ready to go in the freezer. After all, there is no valid reason to waste any beer.
Final Thoughts
So, keep these things in mind the next time you have some extra beer or beer batter left! Do not throw away your leftover beer batter, rather turn it into some lip-smacking delights. I am sure you will enjoy eating these dishes and save a lot of money too.
FAQS
1. Can You Freeze Beer Batter for Fish?
There is a common misconception that you cannot freeze beer batter for fish. But, this is not true. Like any other mix, beer batter for fish can be frozen by following some simple steps mentioned in the post.
You will be surprised to know that you can also store the beer-battered fish. Want to know how? Read the steps below and try it out the next time you make fish.
Step 1: Cook your fish normally as you would do. Once done, if there is any leftover fish, keep it aside for cooling. This process generally takes 2-3 hours.
Step 2: Place the fish on a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you have more than one fish, make sure that they are not touching each other.
Step 3: Put the fish into the freezer and freeze. Once the fish has frozen, take it out and remove the baking sheet.
Step 4: Wrap each fish individually and put it in an airtight bag or container. Tag it and put it back in the freezer. Your frozen beer-battered fish is ready!
2. How to Cook Beer Battered Onion Rings?
Beer Battered Onion Rings can be cooked the same way you cook normal onion rings. All you need to do is add vegetable oil to a large pot and let the oil heat on a medium flame for a few minutes.
Once the oil is heated, add your onion rings in small batches into the beer batter first and then in the pot and cook them until they turn golden brown. Follow this for all the onion rings. Your hot and crispy onion rings will be ready in no time.
3. Can You Cook Frozen Beer Battered Fish in an Air Fryer?
When it comes to cooking battered food in an air fryer, it seems like a challenge to many. The batter is wet and runny, this is why it can run through the air fryer holes into the bottom.
But do not worry, you can still cook your beer-battered fish in an air fryer. Just make sure you keep in mind the following points while cooking the fish.
- Coat all the sides with the beer batter and let the excess drip off.
- Coat each fillet with the flour evenly. Take any excess flour and pat it on the fish and make sure it sticks to the batter.
- Preheat the air fryer at around 400°C and coat the fish with vegetable oil before placing it in the air fryer.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes and keep checking it after intervals.
And, your delicious beer-battered cod is ready! You can now enjoy your favorite dish without any guilt.
4. What Should Be Kept in Mind While Preparing Beer Batter?
Here are a few tips to make the perfect beer batter for your recipes.
- Using a Cold Beer: Using a cold beer improves the batter. All you have to do is keep a few cans in the fridge in advance.
- Do not over whisk the Batter: A beer batter might have a few lumps. You do not need to worry and continuously whisk the batter.
- Choice of Beer: The most vital aspect of making a beer batter is choosing the right beer like Pale Ale or English Bitter goes well with the fish.