How To Make Sauteed Beets

How To Make Sauteed Beets

Sautéed beets are a simple, vibrant, and nutritious side dish that highlights the beet’s natural sweetness while giving it a rich, caramelized finish. This method is perfect when you want beets that are tender, lightly crisp on the edges, and full of earthy flavor—without long roasting times.

---

Ingredients

• 3–4 medium fresh beets (red, golden, or a mix)

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for richer flavor)

• 1 small shallot or ½ small onion, finely chopped (optional)

• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon vinegar (balsamic, red wine, or apple cider) or lemon juice

• Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, thyme, or chives), for garnish

• Optional additions: honey or maple syrup, crumbled goat cheese, toasted nuts, orange zest

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Beets

1. Rinse the beets well to remove dirt.

2. Peel the beets using a vegetable peeler.
   Tip: Wearing gloves prevents staining.

3. Cut the beets into ½-inch cubes, thin slices, or matchsticks.
   Cubes give the best sauté texture, while slices cook faster.

---

2. Par-Cook the Beets (Optional but Recommended)

Beets are dense and take longer to soften. Pre-softening helps them sauté quickly:

Option A — Microwave (fastest)

• Place chopped beets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2–3 tbsp water.

• Cover and microwave 4–6 minutes until slightly tender.

Option B — Steam or Boil (classic)

• Steam for 8–10 minutes OR boil for 10–12 minutes until just tender.

You want them firm but not hard—like an apple that’s almost soft.

---

3. Sauté the Beets

1. Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat.

2. Add olive oil (or butter for deeper flavor).

3. Add the pre-cooked beets in a single layer.

4. Cook 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:

   • edges start to caramelize,

   • centers feel tender,

   • color deepens.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Add aromatics (garlic, shallot) in the last 1–2 minutes so they don’t burn.

---

4. Finish With Flavor

To brighten the dish at the end:

• Add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.

• Optional: a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to enhance sweetness.

• Toss everything together for 30 seconds until glossy.

---

Serving Suggestions

Sautéed beets pair beautifully with:

• Grilled or roasted chicken

• Fish (especially salmon)

• Goat cheese salads

• Grain bowls

• Roasted vegetables

• Steak or lamb

Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

---

Optional Flavor Variations

1. Garlic & Herb Beets

• Add fresh thyme early during sautéing.

• Finish with parsley or dill.

2. Sweet & Tangy Balsamic Beets

• Add balsamic vinegar + honey in final minute.

• Finish with crumbled goat cheese.

3. Lemon Butter Beets

• Use butter as the fat.

• Finish with lemon zest and juice.

4. Spiced Beets

• Add cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika for an earthy, aromatic profile.

5. Orange-Glazed Beets

• Add 2 tbsp orange juice + ½ tbsp honey at the end.

• Garnish with orange zest.

---

Tips for Perfect Sautéed Beets

• Cut evenly for even cooking.

• Do not overcrowd the pan or the beets will steam instead of brown.

• Use golden beets if you want less staining and a slightly milder flavor.

• Leftovers store well for 3–4 days and can be reheated in a skillet.

OTHER RECIPES

How to Cook Beets

When cooking beets for dinner, choose sauteed beets whenever the other foods that are part of the meal are on the dry side (such as grains or rice). The cooking technique you use should always be considered in relation to the entire meal.

How To Cook Beets Instructions :

Place a frying pan with a lid over medium heat.

Add a little extra-virgin olive oil (1 teaspoon should do it).

When the oil is hot, add pre-peeled diced or chopped beets. Stir.

Add a few Tablespoons of water** and cover with lid.

Saute for 5-15 minutes, depending on how small you have made them. 

Beets are done when they're tender to your liking. Serve the sauted beets..
How To Cook Beets..VIDEO: