How to Microwave Beets

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

2 cups (250g) 1” diced beets
  • 2 cups (250g) 1” diced beets
  • 4 cups (500g) 1” diced beets
  • 6 cups (750g) 1” diced beets

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

Microwave oven by power - 700w
700w
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  • 1000w
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  • 1200w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) 1” diced beets, about 1 large beet
  • 3 tablespoons water

Preparation

  1. Add the peeled and diced beets and water in the Anyday and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave at Power Level 8

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

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    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

    for 14 minutes, or until the beets are fork-tender.
  3. Season to taste.

Suggestions

  • 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
*Includes preheat time

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
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

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.

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