Steaming beets is a fantastic way to preserve their earthy sweetness and vibrant color while retaining essential nutrients. Microwaving offers a fast and convenient alternative to traditional steaming methods. However, getting the timing just right is crucial to ensure perfectly cooked beets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about steaming beets in the microwave, from preparation to troubleshooting, ensuring delicious results every time.
Why Steam Beets in the Microwave?
Microwaving often gets a bad rap, but when used correctly, it can be a time-saving kitchen marvel. For beets, microwaving preserves their natural moisture, preventing them from drying out, which can happen with roasting or boiling.
Compared to boiling, steaming in the microwave retains more of the beets’ valuable nutrients, as they don’t leach into the water. It’s also significantly faster than oven roasting, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or when you’re short on time. Speed and nutrient retention are key advantages.
Traditional steaming on the stovetop also works well, but the microwave often requires less water and supervision.
Preparing Beets for Microwave Steaming
Proper preparation is essential for even cooking. Start by selecting fresh, firm beets. Avoid beets that are bruised or have soft spots. The size of the beets will influence the cooking time. Smaller beets cook faster.
Wash the beets thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. A vegetable brush can be helpful for this.
Next, trim off the leafy tops, leaving about an inch of stem attached. This prevents the beets from “bleeding” too much color during cooking. You can save the beet greens for salads or sautéing.
While peeling is optional before microwaving, it’s generally easier to remove the skins after they’ve been cooked. If you prefer to peel them beforehand, use a vegetable peeler.
Cut the beets into uniform sizes, typically 1-inch cubes or wedges. This ensures that they cook evenly in the microwave. For smaller beets, you may only need to halve or quarter them. Uniform size is paramount for even cooking.
The Microwave Steaming Process: Step-by-Step
Now that your beets are prepped, it’s time to get them steaming. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure perfectly cooked beets every time.
First, place the prepared beets in a microwave-safe bowl. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of water to the bowl. The water creates the steam needed for cooking. Don’t add too much water, as you don’t want to boil the beets.
Cover the bowl tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid. If using plastic wrap, poke a few small holes to allow steam to escape. This prevents the container from exploding due to pressure buildup. Always vent the container.
Microwave on high power for the appropriate time (see the timing guide below). Start with the minimum recommended time and check for doneness.
Once microwaving is complete, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (it will be hot!). Let the beets stand, covered, for a few minutes. This allows the residual heat to finish cooking them.
To check for doneness, pierce a beet with a fork or knife. It should be easily pierced and tender. If not, microwave for another minute or two and check again.
Microwave Steaming Time Guide
The cooking time will vary depending on the size and quantity of the beets, as well as the power of your microwave. This table provides a general guideline. Remember to start with the minimum time and add more as needed.
| Beet Size (Diameter) | Approximate Cooking Time (Microwave High Power) |
|—|—|
| Small (1-2 inches) | 6-8 minutes |
| Medium (2-3 inches) | 8-12 minutes |
| Large (3-4 inches) | 12-16 minutes |
| Cubed (1-inch pieces) | 5-7 minutes |
These times are estimates. Always check for doneness using a fork or knife.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Steamed Beets
Achieving perfectly steamed beets in the microwave is easier than you might think. Here are some tips to help you along the way.
Use a Microwave-Safe Container: Always use a bowl or container specifically designed for microwave use. Avoid using metal containers, as they can cause sparks and damage your microwave.
Don’t Overcrowd the Bowl: If you’re cooking a large quantity of beets, it’s best to do it in batches. Overcrowding the bowl can lead to uneven cooking.
Check for Doneness Regularly: As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to check for doneness throughout the cooking process. Start with the minimum recommended time and add more as needed.
Let the Beets Rest: Allowing the beets to rest, covered, after microwaving is essential for even cooking. The residual heat will continue to cook the beets, resulting in a more tender texture.
Seasoning: You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to the water before microwaving to enhance the flavor of the beets. You can also add a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme for added aroma.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best preparation, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them.
Beets are Undercooked: If the beets are still hard after the initial cooking time, simply microwave them for another minute or two and check again. Ensure that you are using enough water to create steam.
Beets are Overcooked and Mushy: Unfortunately, there’s no way to “un-cook” overcooked beets. To prevent this, check for doneness frequently and avoid microwaving for too long. Start with the minimum recommended time and add more as needed.
Uneven Cooking: Uneven cooking is usually caused by beets of different sizes or overcrowding the bowl. Ensure that the beets are cut into uniform sizes and cook in batches if necessary.
Beets are Dry: This can happen if not enough water is used or if the beets are microwaved for too long. Make sure there’s enough water in the bowl to create steam, and check for doneness regularly.
Serving and Storing Steamed Beets
Once your beets are perfectly cooked, it’s time to enjoy them! There are countless ways to serve steamed beets.
Salads: Steamed beets are a delicious addition to salads. They pair well with goat cheese, walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
Roasted Vegetables: Add steamed beets to a mix of roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious side dish.
Pickled Beets: Steamed beets can be easily pickled for a tangy and flavorful treat.
Beet Puree: Puree steamed beets with a little broth or cream for a smooth and creamy soup or side dish.
Storage: Leftover steamed beets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Nutritional Benefits of Beets
Beets are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Beets are rich in folate, potassium, and vitamin C. They also contain nitrates, which can help lower blood pressure.
The vibrant red color of beets comes from betalains, which are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Beets are a nutritional powerhouse.
Adding steamed beets to your diet is a great way to boost your overall health and well-being.
Beyond Plain Steamed Beets: Flavor Enhancements
While simply steamed beets are delicious on their own, experimenting with flavors can elevate them to another level. Here are some ideas:
Citrus: A squeeze of lemon or orange juice after steaming adds brightness and acidity.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme complement the earthy flavor of beets.
Spices: A pinch of cumin, coriander, or ginger can add warmth and depth.
Vinegar: A drizzle of balsamic or apple cider vinegar adds tanginess and complexity.
Nuts and Seeds: Toasted nuts or seeds, such as walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds, provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
By exploring different flavor combinations, you can create a variety of delicious and exciting beet dishes.
Choosing the Right Beets
When selecting beets for steaming, look for firm, smooth beets with vibrant color. Avoid beets that are bruised, soft, or have wrinkled skins.
The size of the beets is also a factor. Smaller beets tend to be more tender and sweeter than larger ones. If you’re using larger beets, you may need to increase the cooking time.
The color of the beets can also vary. Red beets are the most common, but you can also find golden beets and Chioggia beets (which have beautiful red and white rings). Each type of beet has a slightly different flavor profile.
Experiment with different varieties of beets to find your favorites.
Final Thoughts
Steaming beets in the microwave is a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy this nutritious root vegetable. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can consistently achieve perfectly cooked beets every time. So, give it a try and discover the deliciousness and versatility of microwave-steamed beets! Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the size of the beets and the power of your microwave, and always check for doneness before serving. Enjoy!
Why should I steam beets in the microwave instead of other methods?
Steaming beets in the microwave is significantly faster than traditional methods like boiling or roasting. This makes it an excellent option for those short on time who still want to enjoy the health benefits and unique flavor of beets. It’s also a more energy-efficient approach, using less water and electricity compared to stovetop cooking.
Furthermore, microwaving can help retain more of the beets’ nutrients. Boiling can leach water-soluble vitamins into the cooking water, while microwaving, with its shorter cooking time and minimal water usage, minimizes this loss. This results in a more nutritious and flavorful final product.
How do I prepare beets for microwaving?
Before microwaving, thoroughly wash the beets to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the skin. Trim the tops and root ends of the beets, leaving about an inch of the stem to prevent excessive bleeding of color during cooking.
Next, pierce the beets multiple times with a fork. This is crucial to allow steam to escape and prevent the beets from exploding in the microwave. Place the prepared beets in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water, approximately 2-3 tablespoons, to create the necessary steam.
How long should I microwave beets for optimal results?
The microwave time varies depending on the size and quantity of the beets. Smaller beets (about 2 inches in diameter) will typically take 8-10 minutes, while larger beets (around 3 inches or more) may need 12-15 minutes. It’s best to start with a shorter time and check for doneness.
To check if the beets are cooked through, carefully pierce them with a fork. They should be tender and easily pierced without resistance. If they are still firm, continue microwaving in 2-minute increments until they reach the desired tenderness. Remember to handle them with care, as they will be hot.
Can I microwave beets with the skin on?
Yes, you can absolutely microwave beets with the skin on. In fact, this is the recommended method. Cooking beets with their skin intact helps to retain their color, flavor, and nutrients. The skin will become tender and easy to remove after cooking.
However, ensure the beets are thoroughly cleaned before microwaving. Scrub them well to remove any dirt or grit. After microwaving, let the beets cool slightly before peeling. The skin should slip off easily when gently rubbed with your fingers or a paper towel.
What are the best types of beets to microwave?
All common varieties of beets, including red beets, golden beets, and Chioggia beets, can be successfully microwaved. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on the size and density of the specific type.
For example, golden beets tend to be slightly sweeter and may require slightly less cooking time than red beets. Chioggia beets, with their distinctive striped pattern, cook similarly to red beets. Regardless of the variety, ensure you check for doneness using the fork test.
How do I peel beets after microwaving?
After microwaving, let the beets cool slightly. This makes them easier to handle and prevents burning your fingers. The cooling process also helps the skin to loosen further.
Once the beets are cool enough to handle, use your fingers or a paper towel to gently rub the skin off. The skin should slip off easily. If some areas are stubborn, you can use a paring knife to carefully peel them. Be cautious not to remove too much of the flesh.
How should I store leftover microwaved beets?
Store leftover microwaved beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will typically keep for 3-5 days. Ensure the beets have cooled completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation buildup, which can accelerate spoilage.
You can use the leftover beets in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, or roasted vegetable medleys. They can also be pickled or pureed into dips and sauces. Consider slicing or dicing them before refrigerating for easier use later on.