Pickled Beets
Classic sweet and tangy pickled beets, perfect for adding a pop of color and flavor to salads, sandwiches, or as a simple side dish. This easy recipe uses a simple brine with warm spices for a delicious, old-fashioned taste.
For 8 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Beets
- b.Wash the beets thoroughly under running water. Trim the leaves and root ends, leaving about 1 inch of the stem and tail attached to prevent the color from bleeding out during cooking.
- c.Place the trimmed beets in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them by at least an inch.
- d.Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 25-35 minutes, or until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking time will vary based on the size of your beets.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Peel and Slice the Beets
- b.Drain the hot water from the pot and cover the beets with cold water. Let them sit for a few minutes until they are cool enough to handle.
- c.Using your fingers or a paper towel, gently rub the skins off the beets. The skins should slide off easily. Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands.
- d.Slice the peeled beets into 1/4-inch thick rounds or cut them into bite-sized chunks, as desired.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Pickling Brine
- b.In a medium non-reactive saucepan (like stainless steel or enamel), combine the white vinegar, water, granulated sugar, and salt.
- c.If using, add the whole cloves, allspice berries, and the cinnamon stick. You can place them in a cheesecloth sachet for easy removal later.
- d.Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved.
- e.Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the brine simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow the spice flavors to infuse.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Pickle
- b.Pack the sliced beets and thinly sliced onions into a clean 1-quart glass jar (or two pint jars), creating alternating layers.
- c.Carefully pour the hot pickling brine over the beets and onions, ensuring they are completely submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
- d.Gently tap the jar on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cool, Chill, and Store
- b.Let the jar cool to room temperature on the counter for about 1-2 hours.
- c.Once cooled, seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it to the refrigerator.
- d.For the best flavor, allow the beets to marinate in the brine for at least 24 hours before serving. They will be ready to eat after 4 hours.
- e.Store the pickled beets in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 weeks.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Wear gloves and an apron when handling cooked beets to prevent the vibrant juice from staining your hands and clothes.
- 2Cook beets until they are just fork-tender. Overcooking will result in mushy pickles.
- 3Ensure your jars are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed before use. For longer storage, you can sterilize them.
- 4This is a refrigerator pickle recipe and is not suitable for long-term shelf canning unless you follow proper canning procedures.
- 5Save the pickling liquid! It's delicious as a vinaigrette base for salads or for pickling hard-boiled eggs.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spice It Up
Add other whole spices to the brine, such as star anise, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, or a bay leaf for a more complex flavor profile.
Vinegar VariationsVinegar Variations
Substitute apple cider vinegar for a fruitier, milder tang. You can also use a combination of white and apple cider vinegar.
Sweetener SwapSweetener Swap
Replace the granulated sugar with an equal amount of maple syrup for a different flavor, or use honey (note that honey will make the brine slightly cloudy).
Add Other VeggiesAdd Other Veggies
Add thinly sliced carrots or fennel along with the onions for extra crunch and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Beets are a unique source of betalains, a type of phytonutrient that has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect cells from damage.
Supports Digestive Health
Beets are a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for promoting regular bowel movements and supporting a healthy digestive system.
May Improve Athletic Performance
The dietary nitrates found in beets can enhance physical performance by improving the efficiency of mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy in your cells.
Frequently asked questions
A half-cup serving of these pickled beets contains approximately 125-135 calories, primarily from the natural sugars in the beets and the added sugar in the brine.