The Best Beers for a Steak Marinade: Our Top Picks
A dark, malty beer in the marinade does two jobs at once: the acidity helps tenderise the steak and the roasted malt leaves a deeper, savoury crust once it hits the pan. These four all work, and they are just as good to drink while the steak rests.
| Beer | Style | Our rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guinness Extra Stout | Irish Extra Stout | 4.2/5 | A dark, roasty marinade |
| North Coast Old Rasputin | Russian Imperial Stout | 4.6/5 | Big, bold flavour |
| Newcastle Brown Ale | English Brown Ale | 4.2/5 | A sweeter, nutty base |
| Deschutes Black Butte Porter | American Porter | 4.4/5 | Chocolate and roast notes |
The best marinating beer is a dark one. Stouts and porters bring roast, malt and a touch of bitterness that a steak soaks up beautifully.
The Best Beers for a Steak Marinade, Reviewed
Guinness Extra Stout
The classic beef marinade beer. The roasted barley adds a savoury, almost coffee-like depth that turns into a gorgeous crust on the grill. Read the full Guinness Extra Stout review.
- Bold roasted bitterness
- More punch than Draught
- Great with hearty food
- Dry and intense
- Heavier on the palate
North Coast Old Rasputin
Want serious flavour? This big imperial stout brings dark chocolate and molasses that soak deep into a thick cut of steak. Read the full North Coast Old Rasputin review.
- Huge roasted chocolate and coffee
- 9% ABV warmth
- A world-class stout
- Intense and boozy
- One and done
Newcastle Brown Ale
A gentler option. The nutty caramel malt tenderises without overpowering, ideal if you are cooking for people who do not love a heavy stout. Read the full Newcastle Brown Ale review.
- Nutty caramel malt
- Smooth and easy
- A classic brown ale
- Slightly sweet
- Low hop character
Deschutes Black Butte Porter
A porter splits the difference nicely: enough roast for depth, enough smoothness that the marinade never turns bitter. Read the full Deschutes Black Butte Porter review.
- Chocolate and coffee depth
- Creamy, full body
- Great with rich, smoky food
- Heavy for a hot day
- Roasty notes are not universal
How to get restaurant grill marks at home
A marinated steak deserves a proper sear. A heavy cast-iron grill pan holds its heat and gives you those charred lines you only usually get from a grill outside.
a Steak Marinade and Beer: FAQs
What is the best beer to marinate steak in?
A stout or porter. Guinness Extra Stout brings roast and a gentle bitterness that tenderises and flavours the meat. For a bigger hit, Old Rasputin lays down serious chocolate and coffee depth.
How long should you marinate steak in beer?
Two to eight hours is the sweet spot. Any longer and the alcohol can start to firm up the surface. Serve it with a beer that stands up to the char, like a big beer for steak.
Related pairings: beer with steak, ale for stew, beer for corned beef.
