How to Microwave Beets
Prep Time
5 minsCook Time
14 minsFree Time
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These colorful root vegetables steam in the microwave in a fraction of the time they take to roast in an oven — and keep all their healthy nutrients and antioxidants, too! Add them to salads or enjoy them on their own with a splash of olive oil and vinegar.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Medium Shallow Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) 1” diced beets, about 1 large beet
- 3 tablespoons water
Preparation
- Add the peeled and diced beets and water in the Anyday and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave at Power Level 8tooltip for 14 minutes, or until the beets are fork-tender.
- Season to taste.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Honey lime: Mix with honey, grated ginger, and lime juice.
- Balsamic goat cheese: Mix with goat cheese (or blue cheese or feta cheese), toasted nuts, and balsamic vinegar
- Garlic lemon: Mix with room temperature butter, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Add crispy shallots for some extra crunch
- Pink goddess dressing: Blend with greek yogurt, red wine or apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, olive oil, and a splash of water. Top with a sprinkle of chopped chives.
Recipe notes
- Use gloves to prevent your skin from turning pink!
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Beets
See for yourself— microwaving beets are simply faster, start to finish. *Includes preheat time
| Appliance | Cook Times |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 14 mins |
| Stovetop* | 45-50 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 20-30 mins |
All You Need to Know About Microwaving Beets
How long does take to cook beets in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Water | Power Level | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 cups (250g) 1” diced beets, about 1 large beet | 3 tablespoons water | 8 | 14 mins |
| 4 cups (500g) 1” diced beets, about 2 large beets | 4 tablespoons water | 8 | 16-18 mins |
| 6 cups (750g) 1” diced beets, about 3 large beets | 5 tablespoons water | 8 | 20-24mins |
It typically takes around 7-8 minutes per beet to cook in the microwave. To determine when beets are cooked through, look for tenderness and a rich color. You can also test them by piercing a beet with a fork; it should be tender but not mushy.
What is the healthiest way to cook beets?
Microwaving or steaming beets are both healthy cooking methods that retain beets’ nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Unlike boiling, these methods use minimal water and preserve the natural flavor and nutritional value of beets. They also require little to no added fats, making them a low-calorie and heart-healthy option. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of beets while minimizing nutrient loss and added calories.
Can I cook whole beets in the microwave?
Cooking whole beets is a straightforward process: Simply pierce the beet's surface with a fork, then place it in the Anyday dish with 2 tablespoons of water per beet. Start with the recommended cooking times provided above and make adjustments as needed.
Do I need to peel beets before cooking?
We suggest using a brush to thoroughly clean the beet's skin, ensuring all dirt is removed. While you don’t have to peel the beets, you may find that the texture is better without the skin.
How to freeze microwaved beets?
To freeze microwaved beets, begin by microwaving the whole beets, then allow them to cool before removing the skin. Once cooled, slice or dice the beets as desired and place them in 1/2 cup Anytime Freezer Trays. Freeze for convenient future use.