Follow these simple steps and foolproof method to the the easiest way to boil beets that will give you perfectly tender and delicious beets every time!
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There isn't an easier way to cook beets than this! You get to skip peeling them and the bloody mess they leave behind on your fingers. You end up with perfectly tender beets that are ready for slicing, seasoning, storing or enjoying however you'd like.
My absolute favorite way to enjoy boiled beets is to make some Vegan Beet Poke! They are the perfect texture for a fish substitute, make sure you check it out!
This method can use any variety of beets you enjoy! Pictured is a mixed variety of red, golden, white and striped beets from my garden and my local farmers market.
Foolproof method to boiled beets
Step One: Quickly Clean
Remove leaves from the beets by cutting about ½-1 inch above the beet. Leaving a bit of the stem reduces the about of color into the water that could possible lead to stains. Make sure you save your greens for another dish, they are delicious!
Give the beets a quick wash to remove as much dirt as you can. A potato scrubber works well, however you don't have to get them perfectly clean because the skins will be removed at the end!
Step Two: Boil the Beets
Bring a pot of water to a boil and carefully place those cleaned beets into the boiling water. Bring back to a boil and cook for about 25-35 minutes. The size of your beets will determine how long they need to cook.
Smaller beets will take around 25 minutes. Start checking them around this point and continue to check every few minutes until they are easily pierced with a sharp knife.
Step Three: Cool them Down
There are two different methods to peeling the beets after they are cooked, depending on if you'd like to eat them hot or cold.
If you will be enjoying your beets right away, hot or warm: use a colander to carefully drain away the hot water and allow the beets to sit and cool a bit, until they are cool enough to touch by hand.
If you will be storing your beets for later, or eating cold: In a large bowl, add a bit of ice and cold water. Carefully drain away hot water from the beets and then place drained beets into the cold water to quickly cool down.
I prefer the cold method because it cuts down greatly on time and it also makes the peeling even easier!
Step Four: Peel the Boiled Beets
Once your beets are cool enough to handle, or right in the ice bath if you're using that method, grab a beet and gently rub away the skins. They will fall right off! Place your peeled beets to the side and you're done!
How should I use them?
The options are endless for these beets! Here's a few of my favorite ways to use them!
- Toss in a sealed container and store in the fridge for an easy addition to spice up a salad or component bowl.
- Dice them and add to a quick marinade to make the most delicious vegan poke
- Halve, toss with a little oil, salt and pepper and air fry for a few minutes to make a tasty side dish.
- Thinly slice and toss with a good quality balsamic vinegar and spices for a quick summery salad.
How to Store Cooked Beets
Store the cooked, cooled and peeled beets in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below! Take a picture and tag me on Instagram @samcookskindness !
Recipe
How to Boil Beets
Ingredients
- 1 lb beets
- water
Instructions
Prep & Clean Beets
- Remove leaves from the beets by cutting about ½-1 inch above the beet. (Save your greens for another dish!)
- Give the beets a quick wash and use a vegetable brush to remove as much dirt as you can.
Boil the Beets
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and carefully add the cleaned beets. Return to a boil and cook for about 25-35 minutes. The size of your beets will determine how long they need to cook. Start checking around the 25 minute mark, the beets are done when they can be easily pierced with a sharp knife.
Cool the Beets
- If you will be enjoying your beets right away, hot or warm: use a colander to carefully drain away the hot water and allow the beets to sit and cool until they are cool enough to touch by hand. If you will be storing your beets for later, or eating cold: In a large bowl, add a bit of ice and cold water. Carefully drain away hot water from the beets and then place drained beets into the cold water to quickly cool down.
Peel the Beets
- Once beets are cool enough to handle (or right in the ice bath if you're using that method) grab a beet and gently rub away the skins. They will fall right off! Place your peeled beets to the side and you're done!
- Enjoy as is, season, pickle or store in the fridge for later!
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