How to Microwave Whole Beets: A Quick and Easy Guide

If you’re a microwave whole beets lover like me, you know the way flexible and scrumptious this colourful root vegetable can be. But permit’s face it—boiling beets can take for all time, and now and again you just don’t have the time. That’s in which your microwave comes in!

In this guide, I’ll display you a way to microwave whole beets in just 15 mins. Yes, you examine that right—15 mins! This method is perfect for busy weeknights or while you need cooked beets in a pinch. Plus, microwaving whole beets preserves their herbal sweetness, vibrant colour, and nutrients, making it a exceptional alternative to boiling or roasting.

Whether you’re making a salad, a dip, or a facet dish, this short and smooth technique turns into your go-to for cooking beets. Let’s get started out!

Why Microwave Whole Beets?

I love cooking beets, however boiling them can take 30–forty minutes, and roasting them within the oven takes even longer. When I’m short on time, I turn to my microwave. Here’s why:

Speed: Microwave whole beets takes simply 10–15 minutes, depending on their length.
Convenience: No need to preheat the oven or wait for a pot of water to boil.
Flavor and Texture: Microwave whole beets pop out smooth, candy, and easy to peel—similar to boiled or roasted beets.
Versatility: You can use microwaved beets in salads, dips, soups, sandwiches, and even desserts!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want to microwave Whole beets:

Beets: 2–three medium or small beets (pick out comparable sizes for even cooking).
Water: 1 cup (to create steam and save you drying).
Salt and Pepper: Optional, for seasoning after cooking.

Step-by means of-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Beets

Trim the Greens: If your beets nevertheless have veggies attached, reduce them off about 1–2 inches above the beet. You can save the veggies for soups or sauté them as a side dish.
Wash Thoroughly: Scrub the beets beneath cold jogging water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Arrange the Beets

Choose a Microwave-Safe Bowl: Place the beets in a unmarried layer in a microwave-safe bowl.
Add Water: Pour 1 cup of water into the bowl. The water need to cowl the beets approximately halfway.

Step 3: Cover and Microwave

Cover the Bowl: Use a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to cover the bowl. If the usage of plastic wrap, leave a small vent or gap to allow steam to break out.
Microwave on High: Cook the beets for 10–15 minutes. Smaller beets will take about 10 mins, even as larger ones can also need 15 minutes.

Step four: Check for Doneness

Test with a Fork: Carefully eliminate the bowl from the microwave (it’ll be hot!) and pierce a beet with a fork. If the fork slides in easily, the beets are performed. If no longer, microwave them in 1-minute durations till smooth.
Let Them Rest: Cover the bowl again and permit the beets sit for 10 minutes. This permits them to finish steaming and makes them less complicated to peel.

Step 5: Peel and Serve

Peel the Beets: Once the Microwave whole beets are cool sufficient to handle, use your hands or a knife to peel off the skin. It have to slide off easily.
Serve or Store: Slice, cube, or grate the beets in your favourite recipes, or enjoy them as a simple aspect dish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.

Recipe Tips for Perfect Microwave Whole Beets

Choose Similar Sizes: If you’re cooking more than one beets, ensure they’re roughly the same length for even cooking.
Adjust Cooking Time: Larger beets may want as much as 17 minutes, at the same time as smaller ones may be completed in as little as 10 minutes.
Use Gloves: Beets can stain your hands, so bear in mind carrying disposable gloves while dealing with them.
Save the Water: The cooking water will flip a deep crimson colour. You can use it to make beet-infused rice or soup stock!

How to Use Microwave Whole Beets

Microwave whole beets are highly versatile. Here are a number of my favourite approaches to use them:

Salads: Add sliced or diced beets to salads like arugula and beet salad or a classic beet and goat cheese salad.
Dips: Blend cooked beets into hummus or baba ganoush for a vibrant twist.
Side Dishes: Serve them warm with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Soups and Stews: Add diced beets to borscht or vegetable soup.
Desserts: Yes, you can even use beets in desserts like chocolate beet cupcakes or beet brownies!

How to Store and Reheat Cooked Beets

Refrigerator: Store cooked beets in an hermetic field for up to three–five days.
Freezer: Peel and dice the beets, then freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or field for up to three months.
Reheating: Reheat beets in the microwave or revel in them cold in salads.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long ought to I microwave Whole beets?

Small beets take approximately 10 mins, while large ones may want 15–17 minutes. Always test for doneness with a fork.

2. Do I want to feature water when microwaving beets?

Yes, adding water creates steam, which allows cook dinner the beets flippantly and prevents them from drying out.

3. Should I peel the beets before or after microwaving?

After! The pores and skin will slide off without difficulty as soon as the beets are cooked.

4. Can I microwave diced beets?

Yes, but diced beets might also lose a number of their colourful color and sweetness. Cook them for approximately five minutes with ¼ cup of water.

Final Thoughts

Microwave whole beets is a recreation-changer for every body who loves this nutritious vegetable however doesn’t have hours to spend inside the kitchen. With only some easy steps, you could have gentle, sweet beets ready to apply on your favored recipes.

Give this technique a attempt to permit me recognize how it works for you! And in case you’re seeking out more beet recipes, check out my publications to roasted beets, beet salads, and even beet desserts.

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 mins

Servings: four

Calories: 32 kcal in step with serving

Ingredients:

2–3 medium or small beets
1 cup water
Salt and pepper (non-compulsory, for seasoning)

Instructions:

Trim and wash the beets.
Place them in a microwave-secure bowl with water.
Cover and microwave for 10–15 mins.
Let rest, peel, and serve!

Enjoy your flawlessly microwaved beets!