---
title: "Chilean Conger in Beer with Shrimp — Homemade Congrio a la Cerveza"
description: "Versión en Español. Chilean conger in beer with shrimp, or congrio a la cerveza, is conger fillets braised for 10 to 12 minutes in a sauce of caramelized onion, garlic, flour, paprika, tomato, and pil..."
url: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-conger-in-beer-shrimp-congrio-a-la-cerveza-recipe/
date: 2026-10-05
modified: 2026-10-05
author: "Carlos Uhart M."
image: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/chilean-beer-braised-conger-shrimp-featured.jpg
categories: ["Main Dishes"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Chilean Conger in Beer with Shrimp — Homemade Congrio a la Cerveza

[Versión en Español](https://comidaschilenas.com/receta-de-congrio-a-la-cerveza/)

![Chilean conger eel braised in beer with shrimp](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/chilean-beer-braised-conger-shrimp-featured.jpg)*Chilean conger in beer with shrimp*

Chilean conger in beer with shrimp, or congrio a la cerveza, is conger fillets braised for 10 to 12 minutes in a sauce of caramelized onion, garlic, flour, paprika, tomato, and pilsner beer, finished with sautéed shrimp and parsley. It takes 30 minutes of preparation and 25 minutes of cooking, and serves 4.

A simple recipe that brings out the sea flavors of conger, one of Chile’s most traditional fish.

Contents

- [1. How to Make Conger in Beer?](#How_to_Make_Conger_in_Beer)
- [2. Nutritional Information](#Nutritional_Information)
- [3. Homemade Chilean Conger in Beer Recipe](#Homemade_Chilean_Conger_in_Beer_Recipe)
  - [3.1. Ingredients](#Ingredients)
  - [3.2. Instructions](#Instructions)
- [4. Additional Tips](#Additional_Tips)
  - [4.1. Add orange zest](#Add_orange_zest)
  - [4.2. Thicken with rice](#Thicken_with_rice)
  - [4.3. Check doneness](#Check_doneness)
- [5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)](#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs)
  - [5.1. 1. Can I use another white fish instead of conger?](#1_Can_I_use_another_white_fish_instead_of_conger)
  - [5.2. 2. Which beer is best if I do not want a bitter taste?](#2_Which_beer_is_best_if_I_do_not_want_a_bitter_taste)
  - [5.3. 3. How do I know the conger is perfectly cooked?](#3_How_do_I_know_the_conger_is_perfectly_cooked)
  - [5.4. 4. Can I use alcohol free beer?](#4_Can_I_use_alcohol_free_beer)
  - [5.5. 5. What goes well with conger in beer?](#5_What_goes_well_with_conger_in_beer)
- [6. Benefits of Conger](#Benefits_of_Conger)
- [7. Did You Know?](#Did_You_Know)
- [8. Recommended](#Recommended)

## How to Make Conger in Beer?

This recipe uses a light, slightly bitter pilsner, but you can try toastier styles such as stout or sweeter ones such as amber ale. The onion is caramelized slowly, the sauce is built with tomato and beer, and the fish simmers in it while the shrimp are sautéed separately.

## Nutritional Information

Each serving of conger in beer with shrimp contains approximately 400 kcal, 35 g of protein, 20 g of fat (4 g of saturated fat), 80 mg of cholesterol, 15 g of carbohydrates, 5 g of sugars, and 500 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

## Homemade Chilean Conger in Beer Recipe

**Preparation:** 30 minutes
**Cooking:** 25 minutes
**Servings:** 4

### Ingredients

- 4 conger eel fillets
- 12 shrimp
- 330 ml (1⅓ cups) of pilsner beer
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of parsley
- ½ onion, chopped
- Olive oil
- Fine sea salt
- Black pepper

### Instructions

1. Clean the conger fillets, place them in a large dish, and season with salt and pepper. Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium pot over low heat, add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until caramelized. Add the flour and paprika and mix well with a wooden spoon.
2. Add the tomatoes and stir, then add the beer and the conger fillets. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them every couple of minutes so they do not stick. In another skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the shrimp, seasoned with salt and pepper, for a couple of minutes.

![Shrimp for Chilean conger in beer](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/shrimp-conger-in-beer.jpg)*Shrimp*

1. Add the shrimp to the conger pot, adjust the heat, sprinkle with parsley, and reduce for a couple of minutes. Serve in a shallow plate with the conger in the center surrounded by 2 to 4 shrimp, with boiled potatoes if you like.

## Additional Tips

### Add orange zest

Zest of half an orange added with the parsley at the end adds a sweet aroma that balances the beer’s bitterness.

### Thicken with rice

For a thicker sauce without more flour, add a tablespoon of white rice to the sofrito before the beer. Its starch binds the sauce gently.

![Pilsner beer for braising Chilean conger](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/pilsner-beer-braised-conger.jpg)*Beer*

### Check doneness

The fish is ready when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

| Original ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Flavor note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Conger eel | Southern hake, cod, or corvina | 4 fillets | Firm white fish |
| Pilsner | Amber ale or wheat beer | 330 ml | Less bitter |
| Pilsner | Alcohol free beer | 330 ml | No alcohol |
| Boiled potatoes | White rice | To serve | Soaks up the sauce |

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### 1. Can I use another white fish instead of conger?

Yes. Firm white fish such as southern hake, cod, or corvina work well. Choose fillets of similar thickness so the cooking time stays the same.

### 2. Which beer is best if I do not want a bitter taste?

A mild lager, a wheat beer, or an amber ale. Avoid IPAs and very roasted dark beers.

### 3. How do I know the conger is perfectly cooked?

It is ready when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If the center is still translucent, it needs more time.

### 4. Can I use alcohol free beer?

Yes. Cooking removes most of the alcohol, but an alcohol free beer avoids it completely and still adds malt flavor to the sauce.

### 5. What goes well with conger in beer?

Boiled or golden potatoes are traditional. White rice, rustic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad also work.

## Benefits of Conger

Conger provides vitamin A, which supports eye health and the immune system, and vitamin D, which supports bones and skin.

## Did You Know?

Recipes cooked with beer keep growing in popularity thanks to the rise of craft beer and its huge range of styles.

## Recommended

- [Chilean Conger Chowder Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/conger-chowder-caldillo-de-congrio-recipe/)
- [Chilean Conger Eel in Margarita Sauce Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/recipe-for-conger-eel-in-margarita-sauce/)
- [Chilean Beer Battered Hake Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-beer-battered-hake-toasted-flour-recipe/)
- [Chilean Rosemary Potatoes Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-papas-chilotas-al-romero-rosemary-potatoes-recipe/)
