Beets are a vibrant, nutritious vegetable loved for their earthy sweetness and beautiful color. But cooking them the traditional way-boiling or roasting-can take a long time, often 30 minutes or more. If you’re short on time but want to enjoy tender, flavorful beets, cooking them in the microwave is a fantastic option. It’s fast, simple, and preserves the beets’ natural nutrients and color.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to cook beets in the microwave, from preparation to cooking tips, so you can enjoy this versatile vegetable in just minutes.
Why Cook Beets in the Microwave?
Microwaving beets offers several advantages:
– Speed: Traditional methods can take 30-50 minutes, but microwaving takes about 10-15 minutes depending on size.
– Nutrient retention: Steaming or microwaving helps keep vitamins and antioxidants intact better than boiling.
– Convenience: Less prep and cleanup, no need to heat the oven or stove.
– No added fat: You don’t need oil or butter to cook beets in the microwave, making it a healthy choice.
What You’ll Need
– Fresh beets (medium-sized work best for even cooking)
– Microwave-safe dish with a lid or plastic wrap
– Water
– Fork or skewer
– Knife and cutting board
– Paper towel or gloves (for peeling)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Beets in the Microwave
1. Prepare the Beets
Start by washing your beets thoroughly under cold running water to remove dirt. Trim off the beet greens, leaving about an inch of stem to prevent color bleeding during cooking. Using a fork or skewer, pierce the beets several times all over-this allows steam to escape and prevents them from bursting in the microwave.
2. Place Beets in Microwave-Safe Dish
Put the prepared beets in a microwave-safe dish. Add about 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup of water to the dish to create steam, which helps cook the beets evenly and keeps them moist.
3. Cover the Dish
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, poke a few small holes to vent steam safely.
4. Microwave the Beets
Cook the beets on high power. The cooking time depends on their size:
– Small to medium beets: about 5-6 minutes each
– Larger beets: 10-15 minutes total
It’s best to start with 5 minutes, then check tenderness by piercing with a fork. If they’re not soft enough, continue microwaving in 1-2 minute increments until tender.
5. Let Beets Cool and Peel
Once cooked, carefully remove the dish (it will be hot!) and let the beets cool for a few minutes. To peel, rub the skins off with a paper towel or wear gloves to avoid staining your hands. The skin should come off easily after microwaving.
6. Slice, Dice, or Serve Whole
Now your beets are ready to be enjoyed! Use them in salads, as a side dish, or in recipes like beet hummus or beet and goat cheese salad.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Beets
– Choose beets of similar size for even cooking.
– Don’t skip piercing the skin; it prevents bursting.
– Add water to create steam, which speeds cooking and keeps beets tender.
– Cover the dish well but allow some venting for steam release.
– Check for doneness frequently to avoid overcooking.
– Let beets rest a few minutes after microwaving; they continue to cook slightly.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Microwave-Cooked Beets
Once you’ve mastered microwaving beets, try these ideas:
– Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: Toss sliced beets with fresh greens, tangy goat cheese, and a simple vinaigrette.
– Beet Hummus: Blend cooked beets with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice for a vibrant dip.
– Roasted Beet and Chickpea Salad: Combine microwaved beets with roasted chickpeas and fresh herbs.
– Beet and Avocado Toast: Spread mashed avocado on toast and top with sliced beets for a colorful, nutritious snack.
– Beet and Carrot Slaw: Mix shredded beets and carrots with a light dressing for a crunchy side.
Microwaving beets is a game-changer for busy cooks who want to enjoy this healthy vegetable without the wait. With minimal prep and just 10-15 minutes of cooking time, you can have tender, flavorful beets ready for any meal.
Give it a try, and watch how this simple method transforms your beet-cooking experience!