How To Cook Beets (According To A Food Scientist)
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How To Cook Beets (According To A Food Scientist)
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Knowing how to cook beets using different methods gives you the ability to create unique flavors and textures. They can be boiled for pickling, steamed for salads, or roasted for a side dish. If you’re in a pinch, you can even microwave or air fry them!
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Ingredients
- 1 beet
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Instructions
Wash & Stem
- Before starting to cook, give them a thorough wash and scrub. There is no need to peel them, but you will want to trim the stems about 2 inches from the bulb if there are any.
Cook (choose a method)
- Boil: Bring a large pot of water to boil, then add the whole beets right in. Boil them, with a lid on, until they are fork-tender. This method takes anywhere from 25-40 minutes, depending on the size of your beets.
- Steam: Bring a large pot with 1-2 inches of water in it to a simmer. Add the unpeeled beets to a steamer basket, then add them to the pot (make sure the water is not touching the basket). Cook them for 25-30 minutes, depending on the size. They are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Roast (Whole): To roast a whole beet, wrap it loosely in foil with the skin still on. You can coat it with olive oil and seasonings, or season it once it’s done roasting. If you have smaller beets, wrap a few in the same foil. To prevent color seepage, keep different colors in separate foil pouches. Roast whole beets at 400°F (204°C) for 45-60 minutes, depending on how large they are.
- Roast (Cut): For quicker cooking, peel and cut the beets into 1-inch cubes or wedges. Season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, add them to a foil-lined baking pan, and roast them for about 25-30 minutes.
- Air Fry: Peel and cut the beets into 1-inch cubes, then season them with oil, salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer. Air fry them for 20 minutes at 400°F (204°C), or until fork-tender and crisp on the outsides. Remember to shake the air fryer basket at the halfway point for the most consistent results.
- Microwave: Puncture the whole beets with a sharp knife or fork. Add a piece of paper towel to the bottom of the microwave, then cook them on high for about 5-10 minutes (depending on size). Let them rest for a few minutes, then peel and slice them up!
Remove Skin
- Once whole beets are done cooking, the skin is extremely easy to remove. Using gloves or a paper towel, gently rub the outside of the beet once it’s cool enough to handle. The skin should come right off!
Beet Greens
- Wash and cut the beet greens up into smaller pieces, then sauté them in a little olive oil and seasonings for a healthy side dish or snack.
Notes
- Fridge Storage: No matter what cooking method you choose, cooked beets last about 4-5 days in the fridge. Just keep them in an airtight container, and make sure it’s sealed to prevent a mess.
- Freezer Storage: Cooked beets also freeze well! Wait until they’re fully cooled, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 5-6 months.
- Reheating: For oven-cooked or air-fried beets, reheat them in the same device. To reheat them in the oven, roast them at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. In the air fryer, heat them at 400 degrees F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. For boiled beets, warm them in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
- What is the best way to peel cooked beets? Once cooked, beet skin should be quite easy to peel off by rubbing it with your fingers. You can peel them dry or under running water. I find it’s best to use gloves or a paper towel for this.
- Should I cut beets before cooking them? Depending on how you would like them prepared, cutting beets before cooking them is helpful. For example, if you’re air frying beets or roasting them, it’s best to peel and dice them beforehand. If you’re boiling or steaming them, it’s best to cook them before cutting.
- What is the healthiest way to cook beets? The healthiest way to cook beets is by steaming them. This prevents the most amount of nutrients from being lost in the cooking process. However, beets contain so many nutrients, they are healthy any way you prepare them.
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