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Glam Fame Journal

Can I use Guinness instead of brown ale?

Author

Isabella Ramos

Updated on April 01, 2026

Can I use Guinness instead of brown ale?

But Guinness is definitely not the only beer that can be used, nor is it ideal for all stews. Brown ales also give veggie stews a nice layer of savory-sweetness, though we’d avoid the “nut brown” ales as they are often too sweet and syrupy for these purposes.

Why is my beef and Guinness stew bitter?

Why is my Guinness stew bitter? Stouts are known for their bitterness. That is why we add a little bit of brown sugar to the stew, to bring a little sweetness to balance the overall flavor of the dish! If it’s still too bitter for you, you can increase the amount of sugar.

Why is Irish stew called Irish stew?

Irish stew is the product of a culinary tradition that relied almost exclusively on cooking over an open fire. It seems that Irish stew was recognised as early as about 1800. Irish stew is considered a national dish of Ireland….Irish stew.

A plate of Irish stew
TypeStew
CourseMain
Place of originIreland
Serving temperatureHot

Can you cook with Guinness Draught?

Tapping into cooking opportunities “For marinating, braising or stewing, use Guinness Extra Stout or Foreign Extra Stout because of the depth of flavor they provide. If you just want more of a hint of Guinness, use Guinness Draught.”

How do you thicken Guinness stew?

One tablespoon cornstarch per cup of liquid will give you a medium-thick stew that’s not overly viscous. Make a slurry by combining equal parts cold water and cornstarch in a small bowl, and whisking thoroughly to combine.

What beer is good for beef stew?

The ideal beer for beef stew would either be a dark ale, a stout, or a porter. Guinness is a popular choice for beef stews, but any stout would work really well. Alternatively, you could try a Belgian beer. This would add a really unique flavour to the sauce.

How do you get the bitterness out of Guinness stew?

Also, since the beer can leave a bit of a bitter aftertaste, throw in some finely chopped prunes (about 1/4 cup or less); they will dissolve but will take away the bitterness and add another layer to the stew.

How do you get the bitter taste out of beef stew?

Fats and sweetness can help smooth the bitter corners of a dish, just like they make coffee taste less bitter. So add a spoonful of sugar, cream or butter to tame that bitterness.

Why is Irish stew so popular in Ireland?

Though the Romans had long outgrown it by then, stewing came to prominence in Ireland during the early 19th century, during a period of economic turmoil that led to mass poverty. With only a hanging pot, an open fire and a few fairly easily attainable ingredients, even poor families were able to survive on Irish stew.

What is Irish stew called in Ireland?

stobhach gaelach
Irish Stew Composition Irish stew, “ballymaloe” or “stobhach gaelach” as it is called in Gaelic, traditionally contains chunks of lamb or mutton (less tender meat from sheep more than two years of age), potatoes, onions and parsley.

Is there any alcohol in Guinness stew?

This stew uses not one but two types of alcohol, red wine AND Guinness, each giving the stew a deeper dimension of flavor. Don’t throw the onions in raw! Use that hot skillet with all that flavor to your advantage and get those onions nice and brown.

How do you make Guinness stew less bitter?