IPA Food Pairing

Pairing an IPA with food elevates any midweek meal. IPAs are versatile beers with bold, hoppy flavors that pair well with dishes featuring spice, salt, fat, or citrusy notes.

Low on IPA? Stop by Lightning Brewery at 13200 Kirkham Way to stock up! We’re open from 3:00 to 7:00 Weds, Thurs, Fri, and Saturday. Surprise your spouse or friends with great flavors the easy way!

Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas to Pair with IPA

1. Pizza

- A classic cheesy pizza, especially with pepperoni or spicy toppings like nduja, pairs beautifully with an IPA. The beer's bitterness cuts through the fat and grease of the pizza, refreshing the palate

2. Burgers

- A juicy burger with simple toppings (avoiding overpowering flavors like blue cheese) complements the resinous and citrusy notes of an IPA. The saltiness and fat in the burger balance the beer's bitterness

3. Tacos or Fajitas

- Mexican dishes such as fish tacos, fajitas, or even a chimichanga work well with IPAs due to their mix of light and dark flavors (lime, cilantro, roasted chilies). The beer’s citrusy and caramel notes enhance these flavors.

4. Thai Green Curry

- The herbal and citrusy hops in an IPA pair wonderfully with the lemongrass and coriander in Thai green curry. Keep the spice moderate to avoid overpowering the beer

5. Beer-Battered Fish

- An easy dish like beer-battered fish complements IPAs well. The crispy texture and mild flavor of the fish harmonize with the citrusy hops in the beer

6. Spicy Chicken Wings

- Chicken wings seasoned with bold spices (such as pineapple five-spice) pair excellently with IPAs. The bitterness in the beer balances out the heat while enhancing tropical flavors

7. Roast Chicken

- Roast chicken seasoned with herbs like rosemary or thyme pairs nicely with IPA’s resinous and citrusy profile. Add a mango salsa for an extra tropical touch

8. Cheddar Bacon Scones or Muffins

- If you prefer something baked, cheddar bacon scones or cheddar chive muffins are a fantastic pairing. The salt and fat from the cheese and bacon complement the hops in an IPA

9. Chips and Salsa

- For a super quick option, chips paired with salsa (especially spicy or chipotle-based varieties) work well as a snack dinner alongside an IPA’s cooling bitterness