Ahh, ramen. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who dislikes this hearty Japanese noodle soup. And why not – It’s the perfect breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can be customized in plenty of different styles. And there’s nothing better than pairing up a steamy bowl of ramen with a cold glass of beer. Here are the best beers that you can pair up with ramen. There are many flavors of ramen, and you’ll be certain to find the right beer that matches your favorite flavor.
To create this list, we sought the opinions of several ramen experts, Japanese food enthusiasts, ramen chefs, Japanese food chefs, as well as anyone who is great at making this delicious noodle soup. We will also be giving out tips on how to create a wonderful bowl of ramen, which is excellent for beginners. So if you want to pair up that bowl of ramen with a beer, then look no further than the following:
What Types of Beers Are Better for Ramen?
Naturally, since ramen is a Japanese dish, we will include plenty of Japanese beers on the list. Japanese beer is known for having a lighter flavor, thanks to a unique ingredient in the brewing technique – Rice. These beers can be drunk on their own as well.
1. Sapporo Premium
Very light, very soft, and very dry. There’s also a modest hop bitterness found in the beverage, with plenty of carbonation that makes for a very smooth drinking experience. It is an intense beer with citrus, floral, and grainy notes.
2. Asahi Super Dry
Asahi is considered to be one of the best beer brands in Japan. It’s got that signature refreshing barley flavor with that crisp aftertaste – Perfect for the bold flavors of a ramen dish. This is a high-quality product and has been in production since 1987.
2. Sorry Umami IPA
Another Japanese beer that comes with another one-of-a-kind ingredient: Katsuobushi, aka bonito flakes. The combination of that flavor, combined with the taste of fruity and tropical flavors, gives the beer that signature umami flavor, hence the name.
4. Southampton Keller Pils
A German-style pilsner beer that sports a darker yellow shade compared to the other beers on this list. The product is also unfiltered and hazy. It carries the scent of clean pilsner malt with some earthy-flavored hops. The beer is medium to light-bodied, with moderate carbonation.
5. Kirin Ichiban Shibori Stout
A very drinkable Japanese beer with some sweetness on top. This product also has a wonderful combination of roasted flavors and some added malt. Just like the average stout, this product has notes of coffee and chocolate with a wonderful balance.
6. Yoho Brewing Tokyo Black
This is your standard porter beer with a Japanese twist. It also has that same rich taste and creamy top, with a smoky flavor from roasted malts and the pleasant bitterness of hops. There are also notes of coffee, dark unsweetened chocolate, and wood.
7. Sly Fox Brewing Pikeland Pils
This is a clear and golden beverage that has a small white head. It’s not as crispy as the rest of the beers on this list, but the body is still nice. Be sure to serve this product cold, so you can taste the product’s juicy and punchy bitter hop aroma.
8. Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager
This beverage is quite tasty, and the low ABV means that it’s perfect for day drinking. The plentiful usage of Japanese yuzu fruit provides the beverage with a deep citrus taste, which is still quite delicate. It combines the crispness of the lager as well as the acidity of the yuzu fruits.
What Beers to Avoid for Ramen?
In our opinion, the worst beer to pair up with an already heavy dish such as ramen is a heavier beer, such as a porter beer or even a sweeter-flavored beer. Beers with plenty of carbonation also fit the list, alongside any beer with a high ABV.
1. Evil Twin Imperial Donut Break
Loaded with flavors of bittersweet almonds, as well as sugar and coffee. Be sure to drink this beverage with pure gusto if you can get your hands on one. The black shade and moderate carbonation develop nicely into a sculpted head with three-finger foams.
2. French Toast Double Brown Ale
This product is filled with the flavors of maple syrup, cinnamon, and custardy bread – Much like real French toast. As a beer, the mouthfeel is quite thin, and this will please anyone who wants a beer that is very light on the palate. The product has a deep brown color with a foamy head.
FAQs About the Best Beers for Ramen
What Tips Should I Follow for Cooking Ramen?
Always keep it simple. There are five basic elements for making ramen: Noodles, toppings, tare (The rich sauce that adds flavor to soup), broth, and oil or fat. Sometimes it gets tempting to add every single ingredient to your ramen, but in this case, less is more. Always add fresh ingredients. Get your dose of protein in the dish by adding slices of chicken, beef, or chashu pork.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Ramen Chef?
At least two years – And it’s definitely not an easy journey. You have to study under the watchful eyes of a professional ramen chef, and they are known to be quite strict when it comes to teaching people the right way to cook the dish. Be sure to absorb as much knowledge as you can, so you can become one of the legends in the near future.
Rounding up the Best Beers for Ramen
When it comes to pairing a type of beer with a hot and comforting bowl of ramen, nothing beats a cold bottle or can of Sapporo Premium. This beer not only gives the whole meal a more authentic flavor but it also balances the somewhat salty and heavy flavors of the ramen broth with the light yet crisp flavors of this particular beer.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
