10 Ways How To Cook Beets

Beets are versatile and nutritious root vegetables that can be enjoyed in various ways. From roasted and baked to pickled and grated, learn in this blog post 10 different cooking techniques on how to cook beets and use them in your kitchen. Beyond their delicious taste, beets are also packed with several health benefits, making them a great addition to any diet.

So, let’s get started and discover the wonders of cooking beets together!

5 Types of Beets

There are several different types of beets, each with its unique flavour and appearance. Here are some of the most common types of beets:

Red beets are the most common beet type and the one you’re most familiar with. It has a deep red colour and a sweet, earthy flavour.
Golden beets have a bright yellow-orange colour and a milder flavour than red beets. They’re also slightly sweeter and less earthy.
Chioggia beets/Candy Cane beets have a distinctive red and white striped pattern inside. They have a slightly sweet flavour and a tender texture.
White beets have a pale white colour and a milder flavour than red beets. They’re less sweet and less earthy, with a slightly nutty taste.
Cylindra beets have a long, cylindrical shape and a deep red colour. They have a sweet flavour and a tender texture and are often used in pickling.

No matter what type of beet greens you choose, they are all nutritious and delicious additions to your diet.

How to shop for and prepare beets

Shopping and preparing beets is relatively easy. You can ensure you get the best beets and prepare them perfectly for your dish with a few simple tips.

When shopping for beets, look for firm, smooth ones with a deep, rich colour. Avoid beets that are soft, wrinkled, or have spots. The size of the beet doesn’t necessarily matter. Still, smaller beets are fork-tender and tend to make perfectly tender large beets even sweeter and more delicate. Look for vibrant and fresh leaves if the beet greens are still attached.

Health Benefits of Eating Beets

Beets are a nutritious root vegetable with numerous health benefits, such as improving heart health, digestion, energy levels, brain function, and immune system. They are rich in nitrates, fibre, betaine, vitamin C, antioxidants, and betalains, making them a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

Now let’s start on the 10 Ways How to Cook Beets.

METHOD #1: How to Boil Beets on the Stove

Boiling beet greens is one of the most popular and easy ways to learn how to cook beet greens ever. Not only is it a simple method, but it also retains the beet greens’ natural sweetness and bright colour.

First, start by washing your beets thoroughly and trimming off the leaves and stems, leaving about an inch of the stem intact. Then, place the beets in a pot of cold water, ensuring they are completely submerged. Finally, bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let the beets simmer for about 30-45 minutes or until they are fork tender when pierced with a fork.

Gently rub off the skin with a paper towel or your fingers. The skin should come off quickly, but you can use a vegetable peeler to remove it if it doesn’t. Cut and use in your favourite recipes!

Chef tips:

Add some white vinegar, bay leaves, and whole black peppercorns to the cooking water to enhance the flavour of your boiled beets.
To speed up the cooking time, peel and cut the beets into smaller pieces before boiling them.
Make sure to pick beets of the same size when boiling beets, or cook in different pots for different sizes so that all of them cook evenly. We don’t want some undercooked or overcooked beets!
Separate red and yellow beets in different pots, as the red will make the water pink/red, and onto the beautiful yellow beets!
For an even easier way to cook beets, you can use a pressure cooker, which will cook the beets in about 15-20 minutes.

Boiled beets can be enjoyed in various ways, from salads to soups to side dishes. You can slice, cube, or puree them. To make a delicious and healthy salad, you can add them to other ingredients like goat cheese, arugula, or walnuts.

METHOD #2: How to Roast Beets in the Oven

Roasting whole beets is a great way when cooking beets to bring out their natural sweetness and create a delicious caramelized flavour.

Start by washing your beets thoroughly and trimming off the leaves and stems.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the wrapped beets on a baking sheet or roasting pan. Roast the whole beets in the oven for 45-60 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

Once the beets are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, use a sharp knife to peel off the skin peeling the tender beets off, which should come off quickly. You can also wear gloves while peeling the beets to avoid staining your hands.

Once the beets are peeled, you can slice or dice them into whatever size or shape you prefer.

Season them with seasonings, spices or herbs that you like. Some popular flavourings for roasted beets include balsamic vinegar, honey, goat cheese, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Chef tips:

If you want to create a more intense caramelized flavour, you can roast your beets at a higher temperature, such as 400°F (205°C) or 425°F (220°C).
Roasted beets can be enjoyed in various dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, or pasta. You can also use them as a side dish to accompany roasted meats or fish.

METHOD #3: How to Grill Beets

Grilling is a great way to bring out sweet beets’ natural sweetness and earthy flavour.

Start by washing your beets and trimming the leaves. Then, slice the beets into thin rounds or wedges about 1/4 inch thick. Brush both sides of the beet slices with olive oil or melted butter to prevent medium beets and beet skin from sticking and add some flavour.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the beet slices on the grill grates. Grill the beets for 5-7 minutes per side or until tender and charred outside. You can also use a grill basket or aluminum foil packet for cooking the beets.

Once the beets are cooked, remove them from the grill and season them with salt, pepper, or any other spices or herbs you like. Some popular flavourings for grilled beets include balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.

Chef tips:

To prevent your beet slices from falling through the grill grates, you can skewer them on metal or wooden skewers before grilling.
If you want to add a smoky flavour to your grilled beets, you can use wood chips or chunks to create smoke on your grill.
Grilled beets can be enjoyed in various dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, or tacos. You can also use them as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or fish.

Grilled beets are a delicious and healthy option for your next summer barbecue or outdoor gathering. With these simple tips and tricks, you’ll be grilling beets like a pro in no time!

METHOD #4: How to Steam Beets

Steaming is another popular method for cooking beets that helps cook beets preserve their nutrients and natural sweetness.

First, wash and trim the beet leaves. Then, set the beets in a steamer basket over a large pot of boiling water. Then, ensure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the steamer basket. Cover the large pot well with a lid and steam the beets for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are fork tender when pierced with a fork.

Once the beets are cooked, gently rub off the skin with a paper towel or your fingers. The skin should come off quickly, depending on the size, but you can use a vegetable peeler to remove it if it doesn’t.

Chef tips:

To enhance the flavour of your steamed beets, you can add some salt or spices like thyme, rosemary, or garlic to the water or the steamer basket.
You can cut the beets into smaller pieces before steaming them to speed up the cooking time.
Steamed beets can be enjoyed in various ways, from salads to smoothies to side dishes.
Add them to other ingredients like quinoa, avocado, or feta cheese to make a delicious and nutritious bowl. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be steaming beets like a pro in no time!

METHOD #5: How to Microwave Beets

Microwaving beets is a quick and easy way to cook them, especially if you’re short on time.

Wash your beets thoroughly and trim off the leaves and stems. Then, place the beets in a microwave-safe dish and add a small amount of water to the bottom of the container. Then, cover the plate with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent to allow steam from roast beets to escape.

Microwave the beets on high for 5-7 minutes or until they are fork tender when pierced with a fork.

Once the beets are cooked, remove them from the microwave and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, use a sharp knife to peel cooked beets before cooking off the skin, which should come off quickly. You can also wear gloves while peeling the raw beets before cooking them off to avoid staining your hands.

Once the beets are peeled, you can slice or dice them into whatever size or shape you prefer. Season them with salt and pepper or other spices or herbs you like. Some popular flavourings for microwaved beets include butter, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Chef tips:

If your beets are large or unevenly sized, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly. Check them frequently and remove them from the microwave as soon as they are tender.
Microwaved beets can be enjoyed in various dishes, such as salads and soups, or as a side dish to accompany roasted meats or fish.

Microwaving beets is a quick and easy way to learn how to cook with them, and with these simple tips and tricks, you’ll be microwaving beets like a pro in no time!

METHOD #6: How to make Pickled Beets

Pickling whole beets is a great way to make beet skins and preserve their vibrant colour and unique flavour.

Start by washing your beets thoroughly and trimming off the leaves and stems, leaving about an inch of the stem intact. Then, place the beets in boiling water and cook until they are tender when pierced with a fork. This will take around 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the beets.

Once the beets are cooked, drain them and let them cool until they are easy to handle. Then, use a sharp knife to peel beets off the skin, which should come off quickly. You can also wear gloves while peeling the beets to avoid staining peel beets on your hands.

Next, slice the beets into rounds, wedges, or any shape you prefer. Pack them into sterilized jars and any other ingredients you like, such as garlic, herbs, or spices. Then, prepare your pickling liquid by combining vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a pot and bringing it to a boil. Finally, pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets in the jars, covering them completely.

Seal the jars and cool them to room temperature before storing them in the refrigerator. Pickled beets will keep in the fridge for several weeks or even months, depending on the size and acidity of the pickling liquid.

Chef tips:

Be sure to use sterilized jars and lids when pickling beets to prevent contamination and spoilage.
You can experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or balsamic vinegar, to give your pickled beets a unique flavour.
Add sliced chilli peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your pickling liquid if you like a little heat.
Pickled beets can be enjoyed individually as a snack, added to salads and sandwiches, or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or fish.

METHOD #7: How to Make Beet Puree

Beet puree is a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can add colour and earthy flavour to your dishes. To make beet puree, start by washing and trimming the beets, cutting them into small pieces, and boiling them until tender.

Once cooked, puree the tender, boiled beets in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Chef tips include adding other flavours and ingredients to the puree, such as garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and tahini for beet hummus or roasted beets and yogurt for a savoury beet dip. Beet puree can also be used as a natural colour for baked goods or pasta dough. With its nutrient-packed profile, beet puree is an excellent addition to soups, dips, sauces, and more.

METHOD #8: How to Grate Beets

Okay, technically, grating beets is not a cooking technique. However, I would like to include this so that you know another way to use beets in your kitchen. Grating beets is a simple and effective way to prepare them for various dishes. Grated beets can be added to salads, sandwiches, and baked goods to add a pop of colour and a sweet earthy flavour.

Start by washing your beets thoroughly and trimming off the leaves and stems, leaving about an inch of the stem intact. Then, use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife to remove the skin. If the beets are small, you can leave them whole but cut them into quarters or halves if they’re large.

Next, choose a grater that best suits your needs. For finer shreds, use a box grater or a microplane. Use a hand-held grater or food processor with a grater attachment for larger shreds. Hold the beet firmly and move it back and forth over the grater until you have the desired amount.

Once you have grated the beets, you can use them immediately in your recipe or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Grated beets can also be frozen for later use.

Chef tips:

Wear gloves when grating beets to avoid staining your hands.
If you’re using a box grater, hold the beet by the stem and move it up and down against the grater to avoid scraping your fingers.
Place parchment or wax paper under your grater to catch the beet shreds and make cleaning easier.
Grated beets can be used in various recipes, such as salad, hummus, and beet burgers.

Grating beets is a quick and easy way to add colour and flavour to your dishes. With these simple tips and tricks, you’ll be grating beets like a pro in no time!

METHOD #9: How to Fry Beets

To fry beets, wash and peel them before cutting them into thin slices or wedges. Heat olive oil in a skillet and add the beets, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the beets and place them on a paper towel to remove excess olive oil before seasoning them with salt and pepper to taste.

Alternatively, you can make Beet Chips as well.

Chef tips:

Ensure the oil is hot before adding the beets to the pan to ensure a crispy texture.
Use a slotted spoon or spatula to flip the beets in the pan to avoid splattering hot oil.
Frying beets is quick, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning them.

METHOD #10: How to use Beets in Baking

Grated or pureed beets are versatile ingredients for adding colour and sweetness to baked goods. Here are some tips:

Adjust wet ingredients or baking time to balance moisture.
Use beets in place of sugar for natural sweetness and colour.
Pair beets with sweet ingredients for balance in sweet baking and savoury flavours in savoury baking.
Add beets to vegetable dishes, meatloaf, or muffins and bread.
Use pureed beets as a natural food colouring agent.

How to Store Beets

Proper storage of fresh beets and how to cook beets to maintain their freshness, texture, and flavour. Here are some tips on how to store both raw beets and cooked beets:

Raw Beets: If you have purchased beets with their greens still attached, remove them as soon as possible to prevent them from drawing moisture away from the roots. Store the unwashed beets in a plastic bag in the refrigerator’s vegetable crisper drawer. Beets can last up to 2-3 weeks when stored this way.
Cooked Beets: Cooked beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container or a plastic bag. It’s best to keep them separate from foods with strong odours, as beets can absorb other flavours easily.