Beer can chicken is boring and overdone. When someone wants to cook with beer they shove a can in a chicken and call it done. Recipes using beer can be more creative and healthy.

There are over 4,000 breweries in the US. Increased growth has brought healthier options like gluten-free and organic.

You can live a healthy lifestyle and still drink beer. Try cooking with beer instead of just drinking it.

Check out these delicious, healthy, and not boring recipes using beer.

1. Grilled Fish

Take your favorite mild white fish and make a few slashes in it. Red snapper, tilapia, or grouper will work.

Place the fish in a tray or dish with an edge.

Mix the seasoning and beer together. Pour it over the fish rubbing it into the slashes. Place the lime slices on top.

Try the Travelin Light by Left Hand.

Marinate in the fridge for an hour.

Grill for 15-20 minutes on medium-high, turning halfway through.

For extra beer flavor baste the fish with beer while it’s cooking.

2. Beer-Steamed Rice

Next time you’re making stir-fry use 12 ounces of a brown ale instead of water to cook jasmine rice.

Try Peak Organic Brewing Company’s, Maple Porter.

The beer will give the rice a smooth texture and a rich nut flavor.

3. Orange and Ale Salad Dressing

How about beer and salad? How about beer ON your salad? This orange and ale salad dressing will add a fresh summer feel to your meal.

Mix all ingredients except the oil in a bowl. Slowly add the oil while constantly whisking. Season with the salt and pepper.

Ingredients

• 3 ounces Indian Pale Ale – Try Beyond by Fish Tale
• 1 tablespoon minced shallot
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Keep the salad dressing in the fridge for up to a week.

4. Beer BBQ Tofu

You can still grill with beer even if you don’t eat meat.

Combine garlic, ginger, and BBQ sauce. Marinate tofu blocks for an hour or two. Grill it for a smokier flavor.

For even more beer flavor check try out this Beer BBQ Sauce.

5. Beer-Poached Pears

Most dessert recipes using beer are loaded down with chocolate. This offers a lighter fruit option.

Start by washing and peeling four pears. Once peeled, cut off the bottom of each pear.

You want the pears to stand up straight on their own. Core the pears from the bottom so you remove the seeds.

Add the poaching ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a mild boil. BE CAREFUL! Beer will boil over quickly.

Poaching Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of organic Chocolate Stout by Bison Brewing Company
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1 heaping teaspoon of cardamom

Put the pears in the with the sauce and cook for 20 minutes.

If you are feeling a little saucy try this delicious Guinness Chocolate Sauce on top.

Still not convinced to try these recipes using beer? Here are 12 more reasons beer should be in your diet!