Beets are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook beets in 6 different ways, each with its own unique flavor and texture. From simple boiled beets to air fried beets, I’ll cover everything you need to know to cook beets to perfection.
1. How To Pick Good Beets
Picking good beets can seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple tips, you’ll be picking the perfect beet every time!
Check the surface of the beets! Those with a smooth exterior, hard feet, round shape, and cut/spot-free skin are a good pick! Strictly avoid the squishy beets having moist areas and wrinkled or bruised skin.
As for the taproot extending from the beet, make sure it is slender. Avoid those with a thick taproot.
If the beet still has its leaves, check that the leaves are dark greenish, tiny, and crisp!
If you are buying beets to consume raw in a fresh salad, or want them to cook quickly then opt for the small-sized young beets. They are soft, cook fast, have a smooth texture, and they’re a diameter is 1.5 inches.
With regards to cooking, medium-sized beets are good too! Only be wary of the large-sized beets which have a tough texture, inedible woody cores, and are 2.5 inches in diameter.
2. How To Cook Beets on Stove
2.1. How To Boil Beets
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized fresh beets
- 4 cups of water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper powder
- 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the beets by trimming off the leaves and extra stem, leaving 2 inches of the stem, and letting the tail remain intact. Wash the beets thoroughly to remove the dirt stuck on the surface.
Step 2: Fill a pot with 60-70% of water and transfer the prepped beets then place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a boil.
Step 3: As soon as the water starts boiling, cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Transfer the boiled beets to a colander and let them cool for 10 minutes then peel off the skin and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2.2. How To Steam Beets
Ingredients
- 4 any-sized fresh beets
- 4 cups of water
- 1 steamer basket
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the beets under running water and trim off the ends.
Step 3: Place your beets in a steamer basket then pour water into it then cover and bring to a boil
Step 4: When the water boils. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Remove from the heat. Let them cool for 10 minutes then peel off the skin and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
3. How To Cook Beets in Oven
Ingredients
- 4 small or medium-sized fresh beets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper powder
- 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
Step 1: Set the oven for preheating at 450°F. Meanwhile, rinse beets under water and trim off the ends
Step 2: If you don’t want to use the whole beets, you can cut whole beets into 4 wedges or bite-sized pieces then mix well them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt & black pepper powder in a large bowl.
Step 3: Cover the baking sheet with an aluminum foil sheet then transfer the whole beets rinsed to the baking dish and leaving a slight gap between each beet, or spread out seasoned beet wedges and pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer. Finally, transfer the baking sheet to the middle rack in the oven.
Step 4: Roast for 45 minutes for small whole beets and 60 minutes for medium whole beets, 30 minutes for beet wedges, and 20 minutes for beet pieces. For whole beets, start doing the skewer test after 40 minutes of roasting time. Insert the skewer to see if it goes in effortlessly; if yes, then the beets are done!
Step 6: Once the beets are done roasting, take them out of the oven and serve immediately if are beet wedges or pieces. For roasted whole beets, let them cool for 10 minutes. Once cool enough to touch, peel off the skin wearing gloves (to avoid stains). Cut roasted whole beets into bite-sized pieces.
4. How To Cook Beets in Microwave
Ingredients
- 3 small fresh beets
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper ground
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
Wash and dry beets. Peel, if desired.
With a sharp knife, firmly grasp the beet and trim off each tough end, then dice into 1-inch cubes.
Add 2 tbsp water to a microwave-safe container then place diced beets into and sprinkle salt and black pepper ground on top. Cover loosely
Please microwave-safe dish in the microwave and cook on high 3 minutes.
Stir and cook for an additional minute.
Gently poke with a fork to test for tenderness.
Use hot pads to remove from the microwave. Toss well and serve warm or chill before serving.
5. How To Cook Beets in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized fresh beets (stems and leaves trimmed)
- 1.5 cups of water
Instructions
Step 1: Pour the water (1.5 cups) into the Instant Pot. Now, insert the steaming rack in the Instant pot and put the prepared beets on the rack. Close the lid and adjust the valve to the sealing position.
Step 2: Press the ‘Pressure Cooker’ button and steam the beets for 12 minutes on high pressure.
Step 3: After completing the 12 minutes of cooking time, turn the valve to venting to release the pressure quickly.
Step 4: Uncover the lid and check the beet doneness by inserting a skewer or knife. If it glides in smoothly, then the beets are perfectly steamed. If not, then reseal the lid and cook on high pressure for 3-5 more minutes.
Step 5: Once done, transfer the beets to a dish. Let them cool for 5-10 minutes then pell off the skin with bare hands or by wearing rubber gloves.
6. How To Cook Beet in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized fresh beets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper powder
- 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 400 ° F
Rinse beets and trim off the ends. Next, peel and chop the beets into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, add beet pieces, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt & black pepper powder then mix well.
Spread out seasoned beet pieces in an air fryer basket, in a single layer.
Air fry for 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip your beet pieces over and cook until done. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce them with a fork.
Once done, transfer the beets pieces to a dish, let them cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
I hope that after reading this article, you knew how to cook beets in 6 different ways. I believe that you can do it well. Please read again for sure to do that you can do it better.
