Learn How to Cook Beets 6 different ways and enjoy the goodness and sweet flavor of this earthy, nutritious and delicious root vegetable. We will show you how to boil beets, how to roast beets two ways, how to steam beets, how to cook beets in the pressure cooker (Instant pot) and even in the microwave!
✔️ 6 Easy Ways to Cook Beets Perfectly
Beetroots or beets are a root vegetable with great nutritional value. Red beets, like many red color veggies, are heart-healthy and have anti-inflammatory properties among many other nutritional benefits.
Different colors of fresh beets are just as healthy, so feel free to switch up between golden beets or yellow beets, purple beets, the beautiful and whimsical candy cane beet or the most common beet, the red beet.
When it comes to taste, the earthy flavor of beets and the sweetness from their natural sugars, makes them a very versatile vegetable that can be eaten as a healthy side dish, a salad, as part of a grain bowl for dinner or lunch, and even for breakfast (hello beet juice!)
There are many different ways to cook beets. Some methods are quicker and/or more convenient than others, but they all make cooking beets a breeze.
🔎 How to Pick Beets from the Market?
- Blemish Free: Select beets that are firm to the touch and free of blemishes and bruises. Avoid beets with wrinkly skin
- Stems Attached: Pick beets that have the stems, the leaves and the taproot still attached. Beets with the greens attached mean that the beetroot is still fresh.
- No hairy roots: Avoid beets with a hairy taproot. The tiny roots indicate that the beets are mature and could be woody and tough.
- Size Matters: As for the size of the beets, large beets take long time to cook so I prefer picking small beets and/or medium beets. Smaller beets cook faster, are easier to cut
🔎 How to Prepare Beets for Cooking?
The intense color of beets can stain your clothes, cutting board and hands. Consider wearing an apron, covering your board with parchment paper and wearing gloves.
- Cleaning: Beets grow in the dirt just like carrots. before cooking them, clean them well by scrubbing them with a vegetable brush under cold running water
- Trimming : With a sharp knife cut off the beet greens (stems and leaves).
- Peeling is Optional: The easiest way to remove beet skins is from cooked beets however, raw beets can be peeled with a vegetable peeler.
🔎 How to Cook Beets?
Learn how to cook beets 6 different ways. We list the pros and cons of each method so you can choose what’s best for you. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the beets.
✔️ 1. Boiling Beets
Boiling beets is one of the easiest ways to cook this hearty root to tender perfection. When boiling beets, you will notice that some of the beet’s color will leak into the cooking liquid. Some people suggest adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to prevent this and set the color. Although this helps, the color still seeps into the cooking liquid but not as much.
Pros: Foolproof and easy.
Cons: Some of the color seeps into the cooking water.
✔️ How to Boil Beets?
- Trim the tops (you can leave 1-2 inches of stem if preferred ). Wash the beets. Peeling beets before cooking is not necessary.
- Place the whole beets in a large pot of water. The pot should be big enough to hold the beets comfortably and the water should cover the beets by about 2 inches.
- Bring to a boil then, lower the heat and simmer until the beets are tender, about 30 to 45 minutes depending on size. To check for doneness, pierce a beet with the tip of a knife, a skewer or fork. You should be able to pierce the root easily without much resistance.
- Remove from the pot and peel the beets when cooled enough to handle.
- To peel beets, rub a piece of paper towel all over the surface. The skin will come right off!
✔️ 2. Steaming
You can steam beets whole (my preferred method) or cut into halves or quarters.
Pros: Steaming preserves nutrients that otherwise leak into the cooking water.
Cons: You need a steamer basket. This of course is not a problem if you already have one.
🔎 How to Steam Beets?
- Clean and trim beet tops. You can steam beets whole or cut.
- Peeling beets is not necessary. The peel will come off very easily when the beets are cooked.
- Place the beets in a a steamer basket above 2-inches of water. Make sure the water doesn’t touch the beets for better circulation of heat.
- Bring to a boil and cover. Lower the heat and steam until the beets are tender, about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the size. Check for doneness by piercing the beet with the tip of a knife, a skewer or fork. You should be able to pierce the root easily without much resistance.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
- To peel the beets, rub a piece of paper towel all over the surface. The skin will come right off!
✔️ 3. Roasting Whole Beets
Roasting beets is by far my favorite way to cook beets. It’s easy, my oven does all the work and roasting intensifies the flavor, sweetness and color of this hearty vegetable. Beets should be roasted at high temperature – 400 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros: Roasting beets produce the tastiest, sweetest beets.
Cons: Roasting whole beets in the oven takes a longer time than other methods.
🔎 How to Roast Beets Whole?
- Preheat the oven.
- Clean, dry and cut off the tops close to the top of the beet. Don’t trim the root.
- Peeling is not necessary.
- Place your beets in a big piece of aluminum foil – big enough to create a sealed pouch.
- Coat the beets with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper (this step is optional but recommended as it flavors the beets).
- Wrap the beets with the aluminum foil (as if creating a pouch for the beets).
- Place the pouch on a baking sheet and roast for 40 to 60 minutes, depending on their size or until a small sharp knife can easily be inserted in the middle.
- Remove from the oven and carefully open the aluminum foil pouch (steam may come off). Set the beets aside to cool.
- To peel the beets, rub a piece of paper towel all over the surface. The skin will come right off!
✔️ 4. Roasting Beets Cut Up
Just like roasting beets whole, this method intensifies the beet’s natural flavor and sweetness.
Pros: Unbelievable flavor! You can season the beets to your taste with different spices and seasonings.
Cons: Cut up roasted beets need to be peeled when raw.
🔎 How to Roast Beets Cut Up?
- Preheat the oven.
- Clean, dry and cut off the tops close to the top of the beet.
- Peel the beets and cut them into wedges.
- Place the beets on a sheet pan lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season to taste.
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes (depending on sizes) or until tender.
- Remove from the oven and serve.
✔️ 5. Microwaving
Cooking beets in the microwave is very similar to microwaving potatoes. Choose beets that are similar in size for even cooking.
Pros: It’s fast and easy.
Cons: Depending on the microwave, size of the beets and timing, beets may be unevenly cooked or a bit dry on the surface.
🔎 How to Cook Beets in the Microwave?
- Choose beets that are even in size.
- Clean and cut off the tops close to the top of the beet.
- Prick each beet with a fork.
- Place the beets in a microwave safe dish and fill with water about 1/2 to 1 cup water. You want the water to cover about 1/4 of each beet.
- Cover with plastic wrap.
- Microwave for 5 minutes. Check for doneness.
- Remove from the microwave and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
✔️ 6. Pressure Cooking / Instant Pot
Cooking beets in the Instant Pot/pressure cooker is easy and the beets don’t lose their nice texture or color.
Pros: Fast cooking. Good flavor.
Cons: Cooking times vary depending on the beet’s size.
🔎 How to Cook Beets in the Instant Pot
- You must choose beets that are even in size for best results.
- Clean beets and trim beet tops and roots.
- Peeling is not necessary.
- Measure the circumference of the beets to determine cooking times.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the instant pot.
- Place a trivet or steamer basket in the pot and place the beets on top.
- Close the lid, seal and cook on high pressure (check times below).
- Do a “Quick” release of pressure. Open the lid and remove beets.
✔️ Instant Pot Beets Cooking Times:
The cooking times below are for beets cooked at high pressure. After the cooking is done, do a quick release. These cooking times will result in soft beets. If you like your beets crisp, firm and crunchy reduce cooking times.
- 5-inch diameter: 15 to 16 minutes
- 6-inch diameter: 20 to 22 minutes
- 7-inch diameter: 25 to 26 minutes
- 8-inch diameter: 31to 32 minutes
- 9-inch diameter: 35 to 37 minutes
How To Store Beets
Beets can last for about a month if stored properly – even longer if harvested from your own backyard.
The secret to keeping beets fresh longer is to cut off the tops before storing them. When cutting off the tops, leave about 1 – 2 inches of stem attached. You can save the greens as they are edible and taste amazing, especially when sautéed.
Beets can be left in a cool area for a couple of days, but the best way to store them is in the refrigerator, loosely wrapped, vacuum sealed or in a resealable storage bag (remove any excess air from the bag). Place the beets in the crisper drawer of the fridge.
Beets can be frozen but only after cooking.
FAQs for Cooking Beets
🔎 Do You Peel Beets Before Cooking?
No, you don’t have to peel beets before cooking them. The skin actually comes off easily when the beets are cooked. The only time I peel beets before cooking is if I roast them cut up into pieces, usually quarters.
🔎 Are Beets Healthy?
Yes, beetroots commonly known as beets have many health benefits. Beets are packed with nutrients including vitamins, folate and fiber and are also low in fat and calories. Beetroot contains antioxidants that may lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Beets have anti-inflammatory properties and help regulate blood pressure.
🔎 What is the Healthiest Way To Cook Beets?
The healthiest way to cook beats is by steaming them. Steaming beets preserves nutrients that otherwise leak into the cooking water. Roasting beets whole or cut up is also a very healthy way to cook – and also the most delicious!
✔️ Can Beets Be Eaten Raw?
Yes! Beets can be eaten raw. Raw beets should be peeled before eaten as the skin is tough when raw.
Raw beets can also be juiced or blended into smoothies, shred into salads and sliced thinly for dishes like beet tartare.
take a Look at These Easy and delicious Beet Recipes:
- Crispy Oven Roasted Beets (with Herbed Yogurt)
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How to Cook Beets
Equipment
Ingredients
Boiled Beets
- 1 pound beets
- Water
- 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice
Steamed Beets
- 1 pound beets, choose beets that are about 3-inch in circumference.
Roasted Beets Whole
- 1 pound beets, 3 to 4 inch in circumference
- Olive Oil for drizzling
- Salt and black pepper , as needed for seasoning
Roasted Beets Cut Up
- 1 pound beets
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and black pepper, as needed for seasoning.
Instant Pot Beets
- 1 pound beets (about 5 inches in diameter., choose beets that are even in size.
- 1 cup water
Instructions
To Boil Beets
- Wash, scrub and trim beet tops. Peeling beets is not necessary. The peel will come off very easily when the beets are cooked.
- Place the beets in a pot big enough to hold them comfortably. Add water to cover the beets by about 2 inches.
- Bring to a boil then, lower the heat and simmer until the beets are tender, about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the size.
- Remove the beets from the stove and place them under cold running water until they are cool enough to handle.
- To peel the beets, rub a piece of paper towel all over the surface. The skin will come right off!
To Steam Beets
- Wash, scrub and trim beet tops. You can steam beets whole or cut.
- Peeling beets is not necessary. The peel will come off very easily when the beets are cooked.
- Place the beets in a a steamer basket above 2-inches of water. Make sure the water doesn’t touch the beets for better circulation of heat.
- Bring to a boil and cover. Lower the heat and steam until the beets are tender, about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the size.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool. To peel the beets, rub a piece of paper towel all over the surface. The skin will come right off!
To Roast Beets Whole
- Set the oven rack in the center position. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash, scrub and dry beets. Cut off the tops close to the top of the beet. Don’t trim the root.
- Place beets in a big piece of aluminum foil, big enough to create a sealed pouch. Coat the beets with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper (this step is optional but recommended as it flavors the beets). Wrap the beets with the aluminum foil (as if creating a pouch for the beets).
- Place the pouch on a baking sheet and roast until tender or about 40 to 60 minutes, depending on size. Check for doneness after 30 minutes of cooking by piercing beets with the tip of a knife.
- Remove from the oven and carefully open the aluminum foil pouch (steam may come off). Set the beets aside to cool. To peel the beets, rub a piece of paper towel all over the surface. The skin will come right off!
To Roast Beets Cut-Up
- Set the oven rack in the center position. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil.
- Wash, scrub, dry beets. Cut off the tops close to the top of the beet. Peel the beets and cut them into wedges or slices (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices).
- Place the beets on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes (depending on sizes) or until tender. Remove from the oven and serve.
To Pressure Cook Beets / Instant Pot
- Wash, scrub, dry beets. Cut off the tops close to the top of the beet.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the instant pot. Place a trivet or steamer basket in the pot and place the beets on top.
- Close the lid, seal and cook on high pressure for 16 minutes.
- Do a quick release by turning the venting knob to the venting position to release all the pressure. Open the lid and remove the beets.
Notes
- To check for doneness, pierce a beet with the tip of a knife, skewer or fork. You should be able to pierce the root easily without much resistance.
- To peel cooked beets, rub a piece of paper towel all over the surface. The skin will come right off!
- Instant Pot Cooking Times:
- 4-inch diameter: 13 – 14 minutes
- 5-inch diameter: 15 to 16 minutes
- 6-inch diameter: 20 to 22 minutes
- 7-inch diameter: 25 to 26 minutes
- 8-inch diameter: 31to 32 minutes
- 9-inch diameter: 35 to 37 minutes
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