Beer and Wine Pairings: Recommendations for Pairing Dutch Beers and Wines with BBQ Dishes

Dutch Beer and Wine Pairings with BBQ

Dutch cuisine might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of BBQ, but the Netherlands has a growing craft beer scene and a selection of delightful wines that can complement a variety of grilled dishes. Pairing the right beverages with BBQ can elevate your dining experience, enhancing both the flavors of the food and the drinks. In this guide, we’ll explore how to match Dutch beers and wines with popular BBQ dishes, as well as introduce you to some Dutch sauces and marinades that can take your BBQ to the next level.

Dutch Beer Pairings

🍺 Grilled Sausages

• Beer Recommendation: Dutch Witbier
• Example: Brand Weizen or Grolsch Weizen
• Pairing Notes: The citrus and spice notes of a Witbier complement the savory flavors of grilled sausages. Its light body and refreshing carbonation cut through the richness of the meat.

🍻 BBQ Ribs

• Beer Recommendation: Dutch Amber Ale
• Example: La Trappe Dubbel or De Molen Vuur & Vlam
• Pairing Notes: The caramel and toasty flavors of an amber ale balance well with the smoky, sweet glaze often used on BBQ ribs. The beer’s medium body and moderate bitterness enhance the overall flavor profile.

🍺 Grilled Steak

• Beer Recommendation: Dutch Strong Ale
• Example: Brouwerij 't IJ Zatte or De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis
• Pairing Notes: Strong ales with their rich, malty sweetness and robust flavors are perfect for pairing with a hearty steak. The beer’s depth complements the charred exterior and juicy interior of the steak.

🍻 Vegetable Skewers

• Beer Recommendation: Dutch Pilsner
• Example: Heineken or Amstel
• Pairing Notes: A crisp and clean pilsner works well with vegetable skewers, providing a refreshing contrast to the grilled vegetables without overpowering their delicate flavors.

Dutch Wine Pairings

🍷 BBQ Chicken

• Wine Recommendation: Dutch Riesling
• Example: Wijngaard Apostelhoeve Riesling or Wijnhoeve De Kleine Schorre Riesling
• Pairing Notes: The slight sweetness and high acidity of a Riesling match beautifully with BBQ chicken, especially if the chicken is glazed or served with a fruit-based sauce.

🍷 Pulled Pork

• Wine Recommendation: Dutch Pinot Noir
• Example: Wijngaard de Horne Pinot Noir or Wijnhoeve de Kleine Schorre Pinot Noir
• Pairing Notes: A light-bodied Pinot Noir with its red fruit flavors and balanced acidity enhances the smoky, tangy flavors of pulled pork.

🍷 Beef Burgers

• Wine Recommendation: Dutch Merlot
• Example: Wijngaard De Kleine Schorre Merlot or Wijnhoeve De Horne Merlot
• Pairing Notes: Merlot's soft tannins and fruity notes complement the rich flavors of a beef burger, while its moderate acidity helps cut through the fattiness of the meat.

🍷 Grilled Fish

• Wine Recommendation: Dutch Chardonnay
• Example: Wijngaard Apostelhoeve Chardonnay or Wijnhoeve de Kleine Schorre Chardonnay
• Pairing Notes: A well-oaked Chardonnay enhances the flavors of grilled fish with its buttery texture and hints of vanilla and toast, providing a harmonious balance.

Sauces and Marinades: Popular Dutch BBQ Sauces and Marinades That Enhance Flavor

🌶️ Dutch Mustard Marinade

• Ingredients: Dutch mustard (such as Zaanse), honey, soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil.
• Description: This marinade combines the tangy heat of Dutch mustard with the sweetness of honey and the umami of soy sauce. It’s great for marinating pork or chicken, adding a zesty, flavorful kick to your BBQ.

🍺 Dutch Beer BBQ Sauce

• Ingredients: Dutch beer (like Heineken or Grolsch), ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
• Description: Infused with Dutch beer, this BBQ sauce has a rich, malty flavor with a slight bitterness that pairs well with beef ribs or burgers. The beer adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

🌿 Herb-Infused Marinade

• Ingredients: Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley), olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
• Description: This versatile marinade is perfect for grilling vegetables or chicken. The fresh herbs provide a fragrant, earthy flavor that enhances the natural taste of your BBQ dishes.

🌶️ Spicy Dutch Chili Sauce

• Ingredients: Red chilies, vinegar, garlic, ginger, sugar, and tomato paste.
• Description: A hot and tangy sauce that adds a spicy kick to grilled meats. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a bit of heat and complexity in their BBQ.

🍬 Sweet and Smoky Dutch Glaze

• Ingredients: Brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
• Description: This glaze combines sweet and smoky flavors, making it perfect for ribs or chicken. The smoked paprika imparts a subtle smokiness that complements the caramelized sweetness.