Making steamed beets
While many search how to boil beets, steaming diced beets is a cleaner, more nutrient-rich method. Follow this simple guide for tender, flavorful beets.
How to Steam Beets for Salads, Soups, and Preserving
If you’ve been wondering how to boil beets, consider steaming instead. Steaming is a gentler cooking method that preserves more nutrients, locks in natural sweetness, and keeps cleanup simple. Although this is not our go to method. It can come in handy if you do not possess an oven, or if you are pressed for time. By dicing the beets before steaming, you speed up the process and get tender, evenly cooked cubes perfect for tossing into salads, blending into soups, or packing away for future use.
4 people
Serves:
4 people
Time to Prepare:
10 min
Time to cook or cure:
30-40 min
Skill
Steaming
Serves:
4 people
Time to Prepare:
10 min
Time to cook or cure:
30-40 min
Skills:
Steaming
Ingredients & Tools
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) fresh beets, peeled and diced into 1–2 cm cubes (½–¾ inch)
- Water for steaming (about 2 liters)
Tools
- Vegetable peeler
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Steamer basket
- 2-liter pot with lid
- Tongs or spoon
- Bowl
- Â
Useful guidelines
- Choose fresh, firm beets for best flavor and texture.
- Dice evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t let the water touch the beets—steam, don’t boil.
- Steaming avoids nutrient loss common in boiling.
Directions
Simply follow these steps in order to make steamed beets:
1. Peel and dice: Peel the beets and cut them into 1–2 cm cubes.
2. Set up your pot: Fill a 2-liter pot with about 5 cm (2 inches) of water—just below the steamer basket.
3. Heat water: Place the steamer basket in the pot and bring the water to a boil with the lid on.
4. Add beets: Carefully place the diced beets in the steamer basket. Cover the pot.
5. Steam: Reduce to medium heat and steam for 15–20 minutes, or until the beets are fork-tender.
6. Cool and use: Remove beets with tongs or a spoon, let cool slightly, then serve or store.
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooled, steamed beets in sealed containers or bags for up to 6 months.
- Use vacuum sealing for longer freezer life and reduced freezer burn.
Frequently asked questions about steaming beets
Should I peel beets before or after steaming?
A: For diced beets, peel before steaming for faster prep. For whole beets, steaming with the skin on helps retain more color.
Q: How long should I steam beets?
A: Diced beets take 15–20 minutes. Whole medium beets may need 30–40 minutes. Always test with a fork.
Q: Can I reuse the steaming water?
A: Yes—though it’s not as flavorful as boiling water, it’s fine for compost or watering acid-loving plants (once cooled).
What dishes can I make with steamed beets?
A: Try them in beet and goat cheese salads, puréed soups, hummus, smoothies, or preserved in vinegar.
Q: Are steamed beets more nutritious than boiled?
A: Yes! Steaming preserves more water-soluble nutrients like folate and vitamin C compared to boiling.
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