Best Beer for Pulled Pork: Tips and Pairings

It’s time to get ahead of the game and think about what beer pairs best with pulled pork.

Whether making traditional Southern-style BBQ, Kansas City-style barbecue, or something else, having the right beer can transform your dish and make it even more delicious.

Learn how to choose the best beer for pulled pork dishes—from tips, tricks, and recommended pairings so you can find the perfect brew for whatever type of pulled pork you’re making. 

Top Beer Pairings With Pulled Pork Variations

No matter what style of pulled pork you are making, there’s a perfect beer to pair with it. From traditional Southern flavors to global flavors, the right beer choice can enhance your meal.

Traditional Southern Pulled Pork

Try something new and savory by pairing your favorite Memphis-style, Texas-style or Alabama-style pulled pork with an equally delicious beer.

Memphis-style Pulled Pork: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is the perfect choice when making Memphis-style pulled pork with its mild maltiness and hoppy bitterness that’s nicely balanced by fruity citrus flavors.

The beer helps keep the meat moist and tender while adding incredible flavor to the classic dish.

When cooking the pork shoulder in Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, it’s important to use enough beer to not dry out or burn during cooking but not too much that it overpowers the flavor of your other ingredients.

Cook on high for at least 6 hours before reducing heat to low, then cook for 4-5 hours until pork is cooked through but still moist. In addition to BBQ sauces, try incorporating garlic powder and oregano into your rub for added aromatic notes, complimenting the beer’s sweetness in the slow cooker.

Texas-style Pulled Pork: Shiner Bock

Texas-style pulled pork is one classic barbecue recipe that goes perfectly with Shiner Bock, a Czech-style golden lager from Texas. It has a clean taste with notes of barley, hops, and noble Saaz hop aroma, along with subtle hints of honey.

This richly flavored beer pairs well with the caramelized flavors from the smokiness of slow-cooked pork shoulder and provides the perfect balance to all its seasonings in this delicious dish.

To make Texas-style pulled pork, simply rub your 4-5 pound piece of pork loin with salt, pepper and other spices such as garlic powder and paprika. Add a bottle of Shiner Bock to it in an oven-proof pot or slow cooker backed away over low heat for several hours until it’s tender enough to be shredded easily using two forks.

Alabama-style Pulled Pork: Good People IPA

Alabama-style pulled pork is famous for its slow-cooking process and distinctive flavors – fragrant spices, sweet molasses, tart vinegar and smoky barbecue sauce blend to create an irresistible dish.

When it comes to beer pairings with Alabama-style pulled pork, Good People IPA stands out as a popular choice. This bitter India Pale Ale helps to enhance the flavor of the signature spices used in this traditional Southern pulled pork recipe while complementing the sweetness of the molasses.

The hoppy notes also add complexity and a nice balance between savory and sweet elements that you find in this unique style of slow-cooked pork.

Kansas City-Style Pulled Pork

Kansas City-style pulled pork is known for its sweet and smoky flavor, calling for bold beers that can stand up to the dish’s intensity.

Sweet And Smoky Pulled Pork: American Pale Ale or Lager

This type of pulled pork is a combination of juicy pork, smoky spices and sweet sugary flavors. It is slow cooked in the oven or on a smoker to create an incredibly flavorful dish that can be paired with various beers.

The ingredients typically include pork shoulder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder and oregano among other things such as onion powder and mustard. Slow cooking allows those flavors to mingle while bringing out the meat’s natural sweetness.

Regarding beer pairings for this type of pulled pork, you should choose something that will not overpower its intense flavor profile but complements it instead. 

A good choice would be an American pale ale or lager; their light body makes them a great companion for this dish without overwhelming its unique blend of sweetness & smokey flavors.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more kick, then try an Irish Stout, which brings out some dark roasted goodness when matched up against these wonderful ingredients.

Bourbon-infused Pulled Pork: Founders Dirty Bastard

This beer is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy that classic Southern flavor with a kick. Founders Dirty Bastard is a slightly malty Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy style, brewed with roasted barley and seven different varieties of malts–the perfect accompaniment to the smokiness and sweetness of bourbon-infused pulled pork! Caramel notes give this beer just enough sweetness and balance out the boldness of bourbon without overpowering it, while hints of hops provide an extra bit of muscle and smoothness.

And if you’re looking for something with extra oomph, look no further than the 8.5% ABV—you’ll definitely taste it in the finish but won’t experience any harshness or astringency due to its well-crafted malt recipe.

Spicy Kansas City Pulled Pork: IPAs

Kansas City-style pulled pork is characterized by its intense smoky flavor, complex sweetness and generous spiciness. 

If you want to enjoy this all-in-one dish, a good beer pairing can really make it come alive! For the spiciest of the Kansas City-style pulled porks, look for beers with citrusy floral hop aromas that balance out the heat of the spices.

Consider IPAs such as Cigar City Brewing Jai Alai IPA or Founders All Day IPA that have bitter notes to cut through the spiciness while boosting all those wonderful smoky tones.

Additionally, American Pale Ales like Terrapin Hi-5 are a great option thanks to their subtle malt sweetness mixed with a spicy bitterness and heavy hop aroma.

Carolina-Style Pulled Pork

Eastern North Carolina Pulled Pork: Highland Gaelic Ale

Highland Gaelic Ale is the perfect complement to Eastern North Carolina-style pulled pork. This beer features a malty sweetness that pairs well with the smoky and tangy flavors of traditional Eastern NC BBQ.

Its caramel flavor profile plays off of the sweet, tart and savory notes in Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar-based sauce often used on this type of pork, creating a dynamic and sublime taste sensation.

In addition to its versatile flavor qualities, Highland Gaelic Ale has become an integral part of local culture throughout North Carolina as Asheville’s own Highland Brewing has brewed it for over two decades now.

Western North Carolina Pulled Pork

Western North Carolina pulled pork is a beloved style of barbecue associated with the Carolinas. This type of smoked meat is known for its flavor-packed vinegar-based sauce, slaw, and smokey, tender pork that pulls apart easily.

The distinct “tang” in this version comes from ingredients like brown sugar, pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar. Western North Carolina BBQ sauces are best used on cuts such as pork sirloin or chicken thighs due to their stronger flavors being able to stand up to the tanginess of the sauce.

To achieve “Carolina Style” you may wish to slow cook your pulled pork before finishing it off in your preferred oven setting or by searing it over hot coals outdoors.

South Carolina Mustard-style Pulled Pork

South Carolina mustard-style pulled pork is a traditional favorite in the Southern states, an iconic barbecue dish that dates back to the 18th century. This style of barbecue typically involves slow-cooking shoulder blade bone-in cuts of pork over low heat with various seasonings and spices before being slathered in a tangy, light sauce made from scratch using yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.

The unique flavor profile that comes from this combination draws out the sweetness of the pork while adding just enough zesty contrast to make it perfectly compliment any side dishes like coleslaw or hushpuppies.

When choosing beer pairings for South Carolina mustard-style pulled pork, wheat beers and witbiers are an excellent choice. The crisp notes found in Allagash White balance nicely with the sweet smokiness of the pork as well as cut through some of its fattier elements when served along with abundant sides such as fries or onion rings.

Hawaiian Kalua Pulled Pork

Kalua Pulled Pork With Pineapple Salsa: Kona Brewing Big Wave Golden Ale

Kona Brewing Big Wave Golden Ale is the perfect accompaniment to Kalua pulled pork with pineapple salsa. This beer, produced by Kona Brewing Co., a Hawaiian-based brewery, uses unique local ingredients and Tahitian pure cane sugar, providing complexity to its sweet flavor.

The tartness of the pineapple salsa makes for an exciting combination with this golden ale’s smooth balance of caramel malt sweetness and mild hoppiness. Not only does the beer bring out the characteristics of barbecued meats, but also its soft bitterness cuts through any added sweetnesses from unfamiliar sauces.

Kalua Pulled Pork Sliders: Maui Brewing Co. Bikini Blonde Lager

Maui Brewing Co. Bikini Blonde Lager is the perfect pairing for Kalua pulled pork sliders. This light Helles lager is made with Pilsner and Munich malts, as well as German Hersbrucker and American German-style hops that give it a slightly sweet flavor profile with a hint of orange citrus tones, which nicely complements the sweetness of the Hawaiian Kalua pulled pork elements such as pineapple salsa or teriyaki sauce.

The crisp carbonation in this beer can also help cut through all of those rich flavors while keeping your taste buds refreshed, making it an ideal combo for both hot summer days and cold winter nights alike.

This lager’s soft mouthfeel also won’t overwhelm your palate like other heavier beers might when you are eating it alongside something spicy like the typical Kalua filling recipes include jalapeños or chillies for heat, ensuring every bite stays delicious without overwhelming one’s senses.

Kalua Pulled Pork With Teriyaki Sauce:

Kalua pulled pork with teriyaki sauce is a Hawaiian classic. This savory dish only requires three ingredients: pork shoulder, Kosher salt, and liquid smoke – making it an effortless and straightforward dish to prepare.

Traditionally, Kalua pig is slow-roasted in an underground oven with hot lava rocks for hours. However, modern cooking methods simplify this! To recreate this luau favorite at home without the fuss of digging a koa (traditional underground oven used by native Hawaiians), use either a slow cooker, instant pot or even your average household oven to create the same delicious result.

When sifting through beer choices to accompany Kalua pulled pork sandwiches, look no further than Kona Brewing Big Wave Golden Ale! Its smooth malt character balances out any sweetness from pineapple salsa while still allowing traditional BBQ flavors to shine through; found within its slightly sweet finish are light floral notes that will bring balance to the smoky attributes of liquid smoke used during preparation.

Alternatively, try Maui Brewing Co’s Bikini Blonde Lager–the hoppiness brings out bold flavors while keeping things clean & crisp!, Or choose Dos Equis Lager Especial as an accompaniment if you really want something refreshing but pleasantly flavorful.

Mexican Carnitas

Whether you’re looking for a beer to accompany your tacos, burritos, or nachos, Modelo Especial, Pacifico Clara and Dos Equis Lager Especial pair effortlessly with the delicious flavors of carnitas.

Carnitas Tacos: Modelo Especial

Modelo Especial is the perfect beer to pair with a dish of carnitas tacos. This light, amber-colored lager has a slightly sweet taste and aromas of spices, citrus fruits, and fresh bread.

It’s low in alcohol content but full in flavor, making it an ideal accompaniment for complexly spiced dishes like carnitas tacos. The bright and refreshing notes balance out the boldness of the spice without overpowering it; meanwhile its sweetness accentuates their distinctive smoky flavors adding another layer to your carnitas taco experience.

Carnitas Burritos: Pacifico Clara

Pacifico Clara is a Mexican-style lager that pairs extremely well with carnitas burritos and other related dishes. Its bold and light flavor makes it the perfect accompaniment to traditional Mexican meals, as its slight sweetness helps bring out the flavors of such dishes.

The delicate ingredients found in Pacifico Clara combine to offer light fruit and herbal notes along with hints of malty sweetness blended together for an enjoyable beer experience.

Furthermore, the moderate bitterness mixed within this lager can result in a perfectly balanced meal when paired with spicy boneless pork pulled apart into small pieces like what is found in carnitas burrito filling.

Carnitas Nachos: Dos Equis Lager Especial

Dos Equis Lager Especial is the perfect beer pairing for Mexican Carnitas nachos due to its light body and refreshing flavor. With its slightly sweet malty notes and hints of citrus, it gently balances out the spicy, tangy flavors of carnitas without overpowering them.

The effervescent character of this beer helps to cleanse the palate between bites of nachos piled high with taco meat and a variety of other toppings. It also enhances the savory umami notes imparted by slowly cooked pork shoulder carnitas that have been marinated in herbs and spices, such as garlic powder and oregano.

The smoothness from Dos Equis contrasts beautifully with sharp cheddar cheese or creamy Monterey Jack cheese melted over jalapenos, onions, tomatoes and olives added atop crunchy tortilla chips.

Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork

From familiar Asian flavors like hoisin and Korean BBQ to more exotic flavors of red curry, try out any of these amazing beer pairings for your next batch of Asian-inspired pulled pork!

Chinese Hoisin-glazed Pulled Pork: Tsingtao Lager

Tsingtao Lager is an excellent pairing for Chinese hoisin-glazed pulled pork, complementing the sweet, sour, and savory flavors of this classic dish. This premium Chinese beer is made from lightly roasted barley malt plus select hops for its distinctive flavor.

It has a deep gold color with a light taste that delicately balances malty sweetness and hop bitterness. The subtle hint of citrus gives Tsingtao lager a bright finish while adding depth to spicy dishes like pulled pork sliders with hoisin sauce.

A recipe featuring these Asian flavors can be found at Tastemade or in your local grocery store.

Brewed in China since 1983, Tsingtao Lager quickly gained popularity due to its refreshing taste and clear quality ingredients (no artificial additives!). The main focus when brewing this beer is on precise fermentation temperatures; it’s aged longer than other beers, so each sip offers a smooth texture and mild alcoholic strength.

Korean BBQ Pulled Pork:

Korean BBQ pulled pork is a tasty and versatile dish. It’s made with Instant Pot or slow cooker pulled pork, combined with homemade Korean barbecue sauce (gochujang, hoisin, soy sauce, rice vinegar etc.).

The resulting mixture has bold flavors of sweetness alongside layers of garlicky spice. This pairing creates an umami-laden taste that is at the same time savory and slightly sweet.

When looking for the ideal beer to pair with this flavorful Asian-inspired recipe, look to light lagers—such as those from Korea’s Dragon Brewing Company—for something refreshingly crisp in between bites.

Alternatively, opt for malty homebrews such as brown ales or stouts that play up any smoky elements in your rubs when creating smoked versions of the dish.

Thai Red Curry Pulled Pork: Singha Lager

Singha Lager is an excellent match for Thai red curry pulled pork or any other spicier Thai dish. The sweetness of the beer pairs beautifully with the hot and sour flavors of a traditional red curry, while its malty taste helps to balance out and enhance the savory goodness of this comfort dish.

From Singha’s light floral notes to earthy undertones, balanced sweetness, and subtle hop aromas, it provides everything needed to pair perfectly with spicy pulls. This makes it an excellent option for adding more complexity to your Asian-inspired meal without overpowering it with bitterness or astringency that might muddy up all other flavors in the pot.

Cuban Mojo Pulled Pork

For a flavorful and delicious Cuban twist, try pairing mojo-style pulled pork with the citrusy flavors of Cigar City Brewing’s Jai Alai IPA.

Mojo Pulled Pork With Black Beans And Rice: Cigar City Brewing Jai Alai IPA

Cigar City Brewing is based in Tampa, Florida and launched in 2009. Since then, it has become one of the most renowned craft breweries in the region, thanks to its world-class beer.

Jai Alai IPA also stands out for its unique malt bill which includes pale ale malt, caramel malt, flaked oats, Munich and honey malts. The result is a balanced taste of hops and citrus combined with biscuit-like sweetness: perfect for mojo pulled pork that combines savory flavors like garlic powder, pepperoni oregano, paprika, etc. 

Mojo Pulled Pork Sandwiches:

Cuban Mojo Pulled Pork is a delicious and versatile dish featuring boneless Boston butt pork shoulder seasoned with various ingredients, including Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, garlic, and citrus juice.

It’s typically marinated overnight before being slow-roasted or simmered in a tangy and savory mojo sauce to give it a delicious sweet and savory flavor. By adding beer to the marinade or sauce for the Cuban Mojo pulled pork you can further enhance its flavor profile by introducing notes of maltiness that will pair perfectly with the sweetness from the sugar used in most recipes.

For example, trying using Cigar City Brewing Jai Alai IPA for deeper malty flavors complemented by distinctive hoppy bitterness – perfect for boosting bolder dishes like Cuban Mojo Pulled Pork sandwiches! Additionally, try adding your favorite beer when simmering for several hours, so you get even more robustness from the brew itself–both in terms of aroma as well as providing depth of flavor.

Mojo Pulled Pork-stuffed Plantains:

Making mojo pulled pork-stuffed plantains is a dish that fits into any meal of the day; whether you want a savory breakfast or a change from regular burritos for dinner. To begin, first prepare some authentic Cuban seasonings and rub them onto 2-3 pound boneless pork shoulder blade roasted with its fat cap on.

In a slow cooker set to low heat, add in garlic powder, paprika, oregano, pepper and your favorite beer —we suggest Cigar City Brewing Jai Alai IPA–to slowly cook the flavor-packed ingredients together until tender.

When it’s almost done cooking–which takes 4 hours on low–shred apart the pork nicely with two forks and make sure all excess fat is removed in the end. Meanwhile, caramelize 3 sliced onions in olive oil until golden brown before adding more garlic and diced jalapeños to stir fry along.

Remove from heat when finished, then add some of your torn-down meat chunks back into the pan for further flavoring while leaving some aside for stuffing! Roast up 5 green plantain shells cut lengthwise, then scoop out the thick creamy center so as to stuff inside each of them with mixed portions of leftover piles of seasoned mix beans called “ropa vieja” (old clothes).

Italian Pulled Pork

Bring Italy to your plate with Birra Moretti and a classic pulled pork ragu served over pappardelle! Plus, don’t forget the Peroni Nastro Azzurro for an authentic Italian-style experience.

Pulled Pork Ragu With Pappardelle: Birra Moretti

Birra Moretti is an ideal partner for this classic Italian comfort food meal. Its malty, sweet flavor adds a delightful touch to the pulled pork. The beer’s dark color and robust caramel notes beautifully complement the savory flavors of the simmering ragu gravy.

It has a light but lingering bitterness that balances out any sweetness from the onions and carrots in the dish while adding depth to the overall taste of this hearty dish. Plus, its slightly hopped aroma can easily be detected with all these delicious ingredients! 

Not only is Birra Moretti perfect for pairing with pulled pork ragu, but it can also serve as one of your main components if you choose to make your own slow-cooked sauce or use it as an ingredient while shaping ravioli or other filled pasta dishes.

Italian Pulled Pork Panini: Peroni Nastro Azzurro

Peroni Nastro Azzurro has earned a place in history and is the quintessential Italian beer. It was introduced in 1963 and has since become one of Italy’s more popular beers.

That popularity has spread to much of the world, including many parts of the United States, where it can be purchased at restaurants and retailers alongside other popular beer brands.

This premium quality lager beer is light-bodied with subtle flavors that pair perfectly with all sorts of foods, especially Italian pulled pork panini.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro features Caramel malt flavor and a unique bitterness derived from specially selected hops—notably Saaz hop, which contributes to its golden hue and distinctive aroma—followed by sweet roasted barley for softness, sweetness, balance & complexity of taste.

Interestingly enough, this brew also contains plantains in addition to two-row malted barley, making it even better suited for pairing with higher acidity recipes such as the classic Italian pulled pork panini.

Pulled Pork And Provolone-stuffed Peppers:

Making this flavorful dish at home doesn’t require much effort. Start by adding some oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat and sautéing finely diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic until the vegetables are tender.

Then add in previously cooked (and shredded) pulled pork along with a few seasonings (salt, pepper, oregano etc.) for extra flavor. Stir together until everything is combined.

With the mixture prepared, turn off the heat and let it cool down before you stuff your peppers; position them standing up in an oven-safe pan or baking sheet cut side up so they don’t tip over once full.

Tips For Cooking Pulled Pork With Beer

Use Enough Beer To Keep The Meat Moist

Cooking pulled pork with beer is an easy way to add flavor and moisture to the dish. Since pork can often dry out quickly, adding a few cups of beer will help keep it juicy and tender.

The alcohol content in the beer helps break down proteins in the meat while cooking, giving it a more flavorful and tender texture.

When adding beer to create moist pulled pork, make sure you use enough but not too much so your finished product doesn’t become soggy or overdone. The amount you use really depends on how much meat you are preparing; for 8-10 pounds of chicken or pork shoulder, aim for about 2 cups of beer (or any other liquid such as broth).

You can experiment with different types of beers depending on what flavors you want in your dish; dark ales like Guinness bring out smoky notes, while lighter lagers are great for bringing floral elements since they have less bitterness than heavier brews.

Pay attention to hoppiness levels—IPAs will have more bitter undertones, while blonde ales will be sweeter overall.

Don’t Add Too Much Beer, As It Can Make The Meat Too Soft

When preparing a dish like pulled pork in beer, it’s important to keep the correct liquid balance. Too much can lead to an overly soft texture and an overly strong beery flavor that may not appeal to everyone.

When cooking with beer, less is usually more as using too much can cause the meat to become mushy rather than staying tender and juicy.

It all comes down to the science—the sugar in beer helps break down fibers in cooked proteins, so adding too much will just continue breaking them down until they are completely unstructured instead of maintaining those tasty folds of fat and muscle.

Choose A Beer That Complements The Flavors In Your Recipe

When selecting a beer to pair with pulled pork, it is important to consider flavor profiles. Lighter beers like lagers and blondes are often recommended for lighter meats such as pulled pork or chicken.

You also want a beer that complements the flavors in your recipe rather than overpowering them. For example, if you’re cooking Memphis-style pulled pork with vinegar and pepper, opt for something malty like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale since its roasted malts will balance out the zesty spices in the dish.

The same goes when using intense ingredients such as bourbon–opt for an equally intense beer like Founders Dirty Bastard when incorporating this ingredient into your pulled pork dishes.

Ultimately, try to match intensity levels between the dish and its beer pairing; hoppy beers can be quite powerful on their own but work well when accompanying flavorful recipes such as Korean BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders.

Experiment With Different Beer Styles And Brands

Choosing the right beer for your pulled pork dish will greatly impact its flavor and texture. From light lagers to medium-bodied ales, many delicious options can bring out or complement different characteristics of your recipe.

Porters and stouts are usually good pairings with all types of pork, particularly pulled pork. For example, Guinness’s classic Irish Stout adds a rich depth of flavor that works well with traditional Southern styles like Memphis, Texas, and Alabama-style pulled pork dishes.

Ambers or brown beer provide an earthy sweetness that perfectly pairs with spicy Kansas City-style recipes.

How To Incorporate Beer Into Your Pulled Pork Recipe

Making a pulled pork sandwich with beer is an easy and delicious way to add flavor and tenderness to the slow-cooked dish. Beer adds natural sweetness, bitterness and aroma that can enhance the overall taste of your finished product.

When selecting which beer to use in your recipe, it’s best to choose one that complements both the spices and flavors you are using in the pork. For example, a brown ale or stout pairs nicely with sauces containing garlic or spicy rubs used on ribs or pork butt roast.

When adding beer into your pulled pork recipe, it’s important only to use enough liquid not to overwhelm the rest of the ingredients; remember that typically 12 ounces of beer should be plenty (unless otherwise specified).

Depending on what tastes best for you, you may even wish to reduce this amount further during cooking for a more concentrated flavor; experiment with different amounts until you find what works best.

FAQs on Beer Pairings With Pulled Pork

Final Take on The Best Beer for Pulled Pork

When it comes to pairing beer with pulled pork, the possibilities are endless. From traditional southern flavors to Mexican-style carnitas and Thai-inspired dishes, there is something for everyone.

The perfect beer for your meal depends on the type of pulled pork you’re making—sweet and smoky or spicy and fiery—but in general, the best choice would be a malty or hoppy beverage with enough strength to offer a good contrast against the heavy meat.

Heavy beers like porters/stouts work particularly well with all kinds of pulled pork. When experimenting, always opt: amber/brown ales go better with beef/brisket, while light beers pair better with lighter meats such as seafood.