GamerKitchen: Beer-Braised Beef Pot Pie

A new video series that makes cooking real food easy and fun. In this episode: Beer-braised Beef Pot Pie

For those of us that had the misfortune of not learning how to cook while growing up or who didn't pay attention (like me), we've had to scrap by on frozen pizzas or run over to the nearest burger joint most of our young adult lives. Cooking can be a daunting task and when faced with exhaustion after a long day's work, it's no wonder we resort to convenience foods.

I finally started paying attention to food and cooking techniques in college when I studied Hospitality Management. I refurbished and opened a drive-in with my dad a few years ago and my frozen pizza days have faded into a distant memory. Now I cook nearly every day, keen to try out new recipes and I teach cooking classes in my community.

If you've ever watched a cooking show and been baffled by the fancy culinary lingo–don't feel left out, we've all been there. GamerKitchen explains this culinary verbiage and teaches fundamental skills in a way that is familiar to most, if not all, of us. No, we won't be popping headshots or pwning noobs, that is for the bro-gamers skipping their college seminar to improve their K/D ratio. We're working professionals, respected men trying to make our mark on the world.

In this episode, we're going to show you how to properly braise, which is a cooking technique that uses tougher (and cheaper!) cuts of meat. Essentially, you’re using time and moisture (a simmering liquid) to breakdown the protein into something a little more palatable. Even better than that, why not braise a healthy dose of protein, in something that we already have on hand…beer!

Check out Primer's Interactive Visual Guide to Beef Cuts for a good, easy explanation of the different kinds and cuts of beef.

There's a quick breakdown on beer flavors, a little baking and even a “cheat code” in case you want to save some time. The best part of cooking is that it's a social activity, so prepare the recipe for your friends or even that special lady friend you'd like to impress. Be sure to share your own thoughts in the comments so we can all learn from one another.

Have at it men!

Luke Bryce

Luke Bryce reviews games at Leisure Gamer Network. He also makes videos, teaches cooking classes and rides an old blue bicycle. Follow him on Twitter, @lukebryce.