THE BEST BEERS TO PAIR WITH OSTRICH MEAT

ostrich meat and beer

When it comes to pairing beverages with meat, most people think of red wine and steak, white wine and chicken, or beer with BBQ. But what about ostrich meat? This lean, red meat, which has a rich, slightly sweet flavor, deserves its own spotlight. Whether you're grilling ostrich burgers, searing a steak, or preparing a tenderloin, the right beer can elevate your meal to new heights. Let’s dive into the best beers to pair with ostrich meat. 

UNDERSTANDING OSTRICH MEAT

Before we jump into the beer pairings, it's important to understand the unique qualities of ostrich meat. Ostrich is often described as the "other red meat" due to its beef-like texture and flavor profile, despite being lower in fat and calories. The meat is tender and less gamey than other exotic meats. Its versatility allows it to be cooked in various ways, from grilling to roasting, making it an excellent candidate for beer pairing. Remember: for best results, avoid overcooking. Ostrich meat is best served rare to medium-rare.

 

  1. PILSNER: THE CRISP COMPANION

A classic Pilsner is a great starting point for pairing with ostrich, especially if you’re enjoying a grilled ostrich burger or steak. The light, crisp, and slightly bitter nature of a Pilsner complements the richness of the meat without overwhelming it. The clean finish of a Pilsner refreshes the palate, making each bite of the ostrich even more enjoyable.
Recommended Pairing: Try pairing your ostrich burger with a well-known Pilsner like Pilsner Urquell or a local craft Pilsner for a perfect balance.

 

  1. HEFEWEIZEN: THE SPICY BALANCER

A Hefeweizen is an ideal match for ostrich chili, offering a refreshing contrast to the dish’s hearty, robust flavors. The wheat-based brew, with its fruity banana notes and subtle clove spice, enhances the natural sweetness of the ostrich meat while mellowing out the chili's heat. Its smooth, creamy texture and slightly tangy finish make it an excellent partner, bringing balance and brightness to each spoonful.
Recommended Pairing: Enjoy your ostrich chili with a classic Hefeweizen like Paulaner Hefe-Weißbier or a locally brewed version to elevate the meal.

 

  1. AMBER ALE: THE BALANCED MATCH

Amber ales are known for their balanced flavor, with a good mix of malt sweetness and hop bitterness. This makes them an excellent match for ostrich meat, particularly if you’re preparing it with a spice rub or a savory marinade. The caramel notes in an amber ale can enhance the slight sweetness of the meat, while the bitterness cuts through its richness.
Recommended Pairing: Consider pairing an ostrich steak or tenderloin with a classic Amber Ale like Fat Tire Amber Ale or a craft amber from your local brewery.

 

  1. PORTER: THE RICH, ROBUST PARTNER

If you’re looking for a beer that can stand up to the full-bodied flavor of ostrich, a Porter is a great choice. Porters are dark, rich beers with flavors of chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt. These deep, robust flavors complement the tender, juicy quality of ostrich meat, especially when it's cooked with a smoky or charred exterior.
Recommended Pairing: A porter like Founders Porter or Deschutes Black Butte Porter pairs beautifully with a grilled ostrich steak or roasted ostrich tenderloin.

 

  1. BELGIAN DUBBEL: THE SWEET & SPICY SIDEKICK

Belgian Dubbels are characterized by their rich maltiness, with flavors of dark fruit, caramel, and spices. This beer style pairs well with the slightly sweet, lean ostrich meat, particularly if it’s prepared with a fruit-based glaze or sauce. The complex notes of a Dubbel can enhance the nuanced flavors of the meat and add an extra layer of depth to the dish.
Recommended Pairing: For a more adventurous pairing, try a Belgian Dubbel like Westmalle Dubbel or Chimay Red with an ostrich dish that includes a sweet glaze or fruit sauce like ostrich steaks with cranberry sauce. 

 

  1. SAISON: THE BRIGHT ENHANCER

Saison, also known as farmhouse ale, is a versatile beer that pairs well with a wide range of foods, including ostrich. With its fruity, spicy, and slightly tart flavor profile, a Saison complements simple preparations, like salt and pepper steaks. It’s particularly well-suited for lighter ostrich dishes, such as salads with ostrich steak or ostrich grilled with fresh herbs.
Recommended Pairing: Enjoy a Saison like Saison Dupont or a locally brewed craft Saison with a pearl salad or herb-butter ostrich steak.

 

  1. IPA: THE BOLD CONTRAST

For those who love a hoppy beer, an IPA (India Pale Ale) can offer an exciting contrast to perfectly cooked ostrich meat. The bitterness of an IPA can cut through the richness of the meat, while the citrus and piney notes add a refreshing layer of flavor. This pairing works particularly well with spicy ostrich dishes or those with a strong marinade.
Recommended Pairing: Pair a juicy ostrich burger or classic chili with a bold IPA like Stone IPA or Lagunitas IPA for a flavor-packed meal.


Pairing beer with ostrich meat opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you prefer something light and crisp or rich and robust, there’s a beer out there that can enhance your ostrich dining experience. Next time you’re preparing ostrich, experiment with these beer pairings to discover your own perfect match. Cheers to delicious food and even better beer pairings!
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