Tangy Sweet Pickled Beets Recipe That Everyone Will Love

Vibrant and tangy, these sweet pickled beets dance with a delightful balance of flavors that elevate any meal.

Preserving summer’s harvest becomes an art form with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Crisp beets absorb a sweet and zesty pickling liquid that turns ordinary vegetables into a gourmet delight.

The deep ruby-red color promises a stunning addition to salads, charcuterie boards, or as a zesty side dish.

Bold home cooks appreciate how these pickled beets bring a burst of brightness to their culinary creations.

Each bite offers a perfect blend of sweetness and acidity that tingles the taste buds.

You’ll find this recipe so irresistible, it might become your new favorite way to enjoy beets.

Why Pickled Beets Stand Out

• This pickled beets recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners who want to try preserving vegetables without complex techniques.
• The combination of whole cloves and allspice creates a rich, aromatic pickling liquid that transforms ordinary beets into a gourmet side dish with deep, nuanced taste.
• These tangy beets work wonderfully as a standalone side dish, a zesty salad component, or a vibrant addition to charcuterie boards, offering multiple ways to enjoy the recipe.
• Beets are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, providing a healthy and delicious option for those seeking nutritious food that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Ingredients for Pickled Beets

• Beets: Fresh root vegetables with a rich, earthy flavor that provide the base for this tangy pickled side dish.

• Vinegar, Sugar: Create a balanced sweet and sour foundation for pickling the beets.
• Whole Cloves, Whole Allspice: Add warm, aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the pickled beets.

• Salt: Helps to balance and intensify the sweet and tangy flavors of the pickled beets.

Tools Needed for Pickled Beets

• Dutch oven: Essential for boiling and cooking beets thoroughly and evenly.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for preparing the hot pickling liquid with spices and vinegar.
• Sharp knife: Needed to trim beet tops and slice beets after cooking.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing beets safely.
• Large bowl: Useful for holding and mixing sliced beets with pickling liquid.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurately measuring vinegar, sugar, and spices.
• Colander or strainer: Helps drain beets after pickling.

Pickled Beets Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare Beets for Cooking

Thoroughly wash the beets, removing any dirt or debris.

Trim the leafy tops, leaving about an inch of stem.

Place the beets in a large pot and add enough water to completely cover them.

Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot and let the beets cook until they become tender and easily pierced with a fork, which typically takes about 25-30 minutes.

Step 2: Cool and Peel Beets

Once cooked, carefully remove the beets from the hot water and allow them to cool completely.

As they cool, the skin will become loose and easy to remove.

Gently slip off the skin using your hands or a paper towel.

Slice the peeled beets into uniform rounds or your preferred shape.

Transfer the sliced beets to a clean bowl.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Pickling Liquid

• White vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Whole cloves
• Whole allspice
• Salt

Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, stirring to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.

Continue boiling for 5 minutes to blend the flavors and create a harmonious pickling liquid.

Step 4: Pickle the Beet Slices

Pour the hot pickling liquid directly over the prepared beet slices, ensuring they are completely submerged.

Allow the beets to marinate and absorb the flavors by refrigerating for at least one hour.

For the best taste, let them sit overnight.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, drain the excess pickling liquid from the beets.

Arrange the pickled beets on a serving plate.

These tangy, sweet beets make an excellent side dish, salad topping, or standalone appetizer.

They can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for Tasty Pickled Beets

• Choose firm, medium-sized beets with smooth skin and deep color for the best flavor and texture.
• Test beet tenderness by piercing with a fork; avoid overcooking to maintain their natural sweetness and firm texture.
• Adjust sugar and vinegar ratio to create your preferred sweet-tangy balance according to personal taste preferences.
• Keep pickled beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley on top for added freshness and visual appeal before serving.

Pickled Beet Flavor Options

• Spicy Beet Pickles: Replace whole cloves and allspice with red pepper flakes and jalapeño slices for a fiery kick.
• Herbal Infusion Pickles: Swap sugar with honey and add fresh dill or rosemary to create an aromatic herb-infused version.
• Low-Sugar Beet Pickles: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar for a diabetic-friendly alternative.
• Ginger Beet Pickles: Include fresh grated ginger and apple cider vinegar for a zesty, probiotic-rich variation that adds warmth and complexity to the traditional recipe.

Serving Pickled Beets Suggestions

• Hearty Holiday Platter: Arrange pickled beets alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham for a festive and colorful side that adds vibrant tang to traditional meals.
• Salad Superstar: Chop the pickled beets and sprinkle over mixed greens, adding creamy goat cheese and toasted walnuts for a gourmet lunch that pops with flavor.
• Charcuterie Champion: Include these pickled beets on a cheese board with sharp cheddar, crusty bread, and cured meats to create a sophisticated appetizer that delights guests.
• Sandwich Sensation: Layer sliced pickled beets on sandwiches with roasted chicken, arugula, and herbed mayo for an unexpected burst of sweet-tangy goodness.

How to Store Pickled Beets

• Store pickled beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Ensure the beets are completely submerged in the pickling liquid to maintain flavor and freshness.
• Transfer cooled pickled beets to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm pickled beets in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid high temperatures to preserve their delicate texture and tangy flavor.
• These pickled beets are best enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator, making them a quick and easy side dish with minimal preparation.

FAQs

• Are pickled beets healthy?

Pickled beets are nutritious, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They offer benefits like improved digestion, lower blood pressure, and potential anti-inflammatory properties.

• Can I use different types of vinegar?

White vinegar works best, but apple cider vinegar can be a good alternative. Red wine vinegar might change the flavor profile slightly, so stick to white for traditional taste.

• How long can pickled beets last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored pickled beets can last up to 1-2 months in the refrigerator. Always use clean utensils and keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Sweet Pickled Beets Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade sweet pickled beets bring garden-fresh flavor to salads and side dishes. Crisp, tangy slices complement robust meals with Swedish and Eastern European culinary traditions. You will savor these simple, zesty pickles.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 medium fresh beets

Pickling Liquid:

• 1 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Spices:

• 1–1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
• 1–1/2 teaspoons whole allspice

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse beetroots under running water, trimming leafy tops to approximately one inch. Position beetroots in a deep pot and submerge completely with water.
2. Heat liquid to boiling point, then reduce temperature and allow beetroots to simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes until fork-tender.
3. Transfer beetroots from cooking liquid and permit cooling to room temperature. Once cooled, gently remove outer skin using fingers or peeler.
4. Slice beetroots into uniform, thin rounds or desired shape and transfer to a clean mixing bowl.
5. Combine vinegar, sugar, whole cloves, whole allspice, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring mixture to rapid boil and maintain for precisely 5 minutes, creating a fragrant pickling liquid.
6. Immediately pour hot pickling liquid over prepared beetroot slices, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Seal container and refrigerate for minimum one hour, allowing flavors to meld and beetroots to absorb tangy seasoning.
8. Before serving, carefully drain excess pickling liquid. Present chilled beetroots as a vibrant, zesty accompaniment to main dishes or incorporate into salads.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, firm beets with vibrant color for the best pickling results.
• Wear disposable gloves to prevent staining hands while peeling beets.
• Adjust sugar levels to create a more tangy or sweeter pickle according to personal preference.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or dill to the pickling liquid for extra flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Side Dish, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 83 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg