Steaming Beets: How Long Does It Take?

Beets are a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups and even cocktails! They are packed with essential nutrients and offer numerous health benefits. When it comes to cooking beets, there are several methods you can use, including roasting, boiling, steaming, grilling, and microwaving. In this article, we will focus specifically on steaming beets and provide a comprehensive guide on how to achieve the best results.

How to prepare beets for steaming

Preparing beets for steaming is a simple process, and a great way to cook this nutritious vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, wash the beets thoroughly. Use lukewarm water and a sponge or vegetable brush to scrub the beets and remove any dirt and debris.

Next, cut off the beet greens, leaving about an inch of the stem intact. You can reserve the greens for later use, or discard them. Chopping off the greens before cooking helps to prevent the whole beet from wilting.

Once washed and trimmed, it is not necessary to peel the beets before steaming. In fact, it is easier to peel them after they are cooked. However, some cooks recommend scoring an 'X' on each end of the beet with a knife. This will help the steam penetrate the beet and make the skin easier to remove later.

Now your beets are ready for the steamer! Place them in a steamer basket above a pot of boiling water. The water level should be about 2 inches below the steamer basket. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer.

Steaming time will depend on the size of your beets. Small and medium beets will take around 30 minutes, while large beets may need up to 50 minutes. You will know they are done when you can easily pierce the beet with a knife or skewer.

Once they are steamed to your liking, remove the beets from the heat and allow them to cool. Then, simply rub or peel away the skins. Your beets are now ready to be enjoyed as a side dish, or used in a salad, soup, or dip!

How long to steam beets for

Steaming beets is a great way to cook them, as the process softens them, making them tender and more pleasant to eat. It also enhances their natural sweetness and makes their skin easier to peel off.

When steaming beets, it's important to first scrub them clean and trim off any beet greens by slicing off the tops. You can trim off the root end after they have been steamed. Leaving the skins on while steaming saves time and makes the skins easier to peel off once they're cooked. However, this method will likely result in purple fingers!

To steam beets, place them in a steamer basket above about 2 inches of water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and cover the pot. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. The steaming time will depend on the size of the beets. Steam small and medium beets for around 30 minutes and large beets for about 50 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a knife or skewer.

After steaming, let the beets cool before removing their skins and cutting them into your desired shape or size. Beets can be served as a simple side dish, added to salads, blended into soups, or used in dips and dressings. They can also be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

The benefits of steaming beets

Steaming beets is a fantastic way to prepare this nutritious root vegetable. Not only does steaming make beets more tender and pleasant to eat, but it also enhances their natural sweetness and makes their skins easier to peel. Here are some benefits of steaming beets:

Retains Nutrients:

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps retain the nutrients in beets. Beets are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including folate, potassium, manganese, and vitamins A, B6, C, and K. By steaming, you can preserve these valuable nutrients better than boiling, where they may leach into the cooking water.

Enhances Natural Sweetness:

Steaming beets softens them and enhances their natural sweetness. As food stylist and author Jess Damuck notes, "Steaming beets softens them, making them tender and more pleasant to eat. It enhances their natural sweetness and allows you to really infuse them with other flavors such as spices or citrus zest."

Easier to Peel:

Steaming makes the skins of beets easier to remove. As cooking teacher Ronna Welsh explains, "When you steam beets, their flesh becomes glossy and bright... steaming keeps the vegetable juicy and easier to peel." This makes the preparation process more efficient and less messy.

Versatile in Dishes:

Steamed beets are incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes. You can enjoy them as a simple side dish, add them to salads, blend them into soups, or even use them in dressings and dips. Their soft texture and enhanced flavor make them a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals.

Quick and Efficient:

Steaming beets is a relatively quick and efficient cooking method. Depending on the size of the beets, they typically take around 30 to 50 minutes to steam, making it a convenient way to prepare this healthy vegetable.

In summary, steaming beets offers several advantages, including retaining nutrients, enhancing their natural sweetness, making them easier to peel, providing versatility in dishes, and being a quick and efficient cooking method. So, if you're looking for a tasty and nutritious way to prepare beets, steaming is definitely a great option!

How to steam beets without a steamer

Steaming beets is a great way to cook them, as it softens them, making them tender and pleasant to eat. It also enhances their natural sweetness and makes their skin easier to peel off. But what if you don't have a steamer? Here are some alternative ways to steam beets without a steamer:

Method 1: Using a Metal Strainer or Colander

For this method, you'll need a saucepan that's wide enough to hold the metal strainer around the rim and deep enough so that the strainer doesn't touch the bottom. Here's what you need to do:

• Add about an inch of water to the bottom of the pan.
• Place the strainer over the pan.
• Fill the strainer with beets and cook.
• Depending on the size of the strainer and the amount of beets, you may need to work in batches.

Method 2: Using a Wire Cooling Rack

This method requires a wide saucepan, such as a Dutch oven or roasting pan. Here's what you need to do:

• Add about an inch of water to the pan.
• Place the cooling rack over the pan.
• Put the beets on top of the rack and cook.

Method 3: Using a Splatter Screen

• Add water to a wide saucepan.
• Place the splatter screen over the pan.
• Put the beets on the screen and start cooking.

Method 4: Using a Foil Pie Tin

• Get a foil tin and a saucepan that's wide enough to fit the tin inside.
• Poke holes in the bottom of the pie tin.
• Add a thin layer of water to the saucepan and place the pie tin upside down in the pan.
• Put the beets on top of the tin and steam.

Method 5: Using a Microwave

The microwave is a quick and easy way to steam beets. Simply place the beets in a microwave-safe dish, add a small amount of water, cover, and microwave on high in short intervals until they are tender.

General Tips for Steaming Beets:

• Wash the beets and trim the stems, leaving about 1-2 inches intact.
• It is not necessary to peel the beets before steaming.
• Steaming time will vary depending on the size of the beets, but it usually takes around 30 minutes for small to medium beets and up to 50 minutes for large beets.
• To check if the beets are done, pierce them with a knife or skewer. If it goes through easily, they are ready.
• After steaming, allow the beets to cool before peeling and rinsing.

How to store cooked beets

Once your beets are cooked, you should let them cool down to about room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or a lidded pot, bowl, or freezer bag. Refrigerate the beets within two hours of cooking.

Properly stored, cooked beets will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen beets will maintain their best quality for 10 to 12 months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time.

Frequently asked questions