Love the taste of beer? Use it for more than drinking by incorporating it into a light, flavorsome coating for fish, chicken, shrimp or vegetables. Learning how to make beer batter will teach you how to blend a crust to complement the foods beneath it.

If you plan to make fried fish or a batch of crispy onion rings, give your food some added flavor by coating it with a tangy beer batter. As simple to make as stirring your favorite brew together with flour and a few spices, the mixture will create a golden crust with a crispy crunch.

Creating a beer batter creates several options, both as to the food it is meant to create and the flavoring of the batter itself. Any favorite beer, be it light, dark, domestic or imported can be used to coat a number of food items for appetizers and main courses alike. Simply whisk the ingredients together, coat the food and cook. Batter can be used immediately for best results or stored in an air-tight container and refrigerated to use later.

• In addition to a bottle of your favorite beer, you'll need a few basic ingredients and kitchen tools to whip up a batch of the batter. This recipe will make enough batter to coat 1½ to two pounds of fish or assorted vegetables such as mushrooms, onions and zucchini.

• Create beer batter with the correct consistency and texture by following these simple steps.

1. Add the flour, pepper and paprika to a large bowl.http://www.fishex.com/recipes/batters/beer-batter.html
2. Gradually stir the beer in with a whisk.http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/BEER-BATTERED-FISH-WITH-SMOKED-PAPRIKA-MAYONNAISE-233977
   • Add more beer if you prefer a thinner batter.http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Beer-Batter/Detail.aspx?prop31=2
3. Beat the batter until it's smooth.http://www.great-alaska-seafood.com/recipes/beer-batter-recipe.htm
4. You can store the batter in the refrigerator for up to one week as long as you mix it occasionally.http://www.fishex.com/recipes/batters/beer-batter.html

1. For a crispier crust and to help the batter adhere properly, dredge the item in plain flour before dipping into the beer batter.http://articles.latimes.com/2005/dec/07/food/fo-frittomisto7

2. Set up a "dredging station" with bowls of flour and beer batter on wax paper to simplify clean up.http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Perfect-Fried-Chicken/Detail.aspx

1. Consider frying with an oil that won't break down at high temperatures. Try canola, peanut or sunflower oil.http://busycooks.about.com/od/quicktips/qt/deepfrying.htm
2. Keep the coating crispy by using a new batch of cooking oil once the oil becomes dark or thick, starts smoking excessively or gives the food an odd flavor.http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3049380
3. Fry the items a few pieces at a time to prevent the oil's temperature from dropping.http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/beer-battered-cod-with-tartar-sauce
4. After each batch fries, drain it on paper towels.http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/beer-battered-onion-rings?autonomy_kw=beer%20batter&rsc=header_6
5. Transfer each batch to a cookie sheet in a 200-degree oven to keep it warm while the other batches fry.http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/beer-battered-onion-rings?autonomy_kw=beer%20batter&rsc=header_6

Although most items can be fried in oil at about 365 degrees F until golden brown, specific times will vary depending on the type of meat or vegetable you've coated and the type of fryer you're using.http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Deep-Frying/Detail.aspx

Once you've mastered the basic recipe, experiment with new combinations to create beer batter to accompany a variety of different side dishes.

1. Buttermilk will give the coating a nice tang.http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/beer-battered-onion-rings
2. The addition of dill weed makes a nice complement for fish.http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Beer-Batter-Fish-Fillets/Detail.aspx
3. Stir in some coconut for a sweeter flavor and a bit of added crunch.http://www.recipezaar.com/Coconut-Beer-Batter-Spam-with-Raspberry-Horse-19106
4. Scallions and capers give the batter extra flavor and texture.http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Deep-Fried-Broccoli-and-Carrots-in-Scallion-and-Caper-Beer-Batter-13164
5. Try using English beer for authentic tasting fish and chips.http://www.recipezaar.com/English-Beer-Batter-170415
6. Combine beer with pancake mix for a quick and easy beer batter.http://www.recipezaar.com/Simple-Beer-Batter-275137