Boiled beets (30 min): quick and easy cooking

Sep 23, 2025Lou0 comments

Homemade cooking • Easy & quick • Anti-waste 🥗

Boiled beets: quick and easy cooking (30 min)

You just bought some raw beets and you're wondering how long to boil them? You've come to the right place! Whether you're in a hurry or a gourmet, boiling them in water produces tender, flavorful beets, ready to be enjoyed in salads, carpaccio, or in a vitamin-packed poke bowl 🥗. Here are all the tips for successfully boiling beets easily, without any hassle, and with tips for preserving color and flavor.

By Lou
Neary Kitchen Tested • Updated: September 23, 2025

✅ Express response

Raw medium beets Plunge into boiling salted water, cook for 30 minutes (covered pan), then check for tenderness with the tip of a knife. Drain, cool under cold water, then peel!

Baby beets Cook for 20–25 min (soft texture in the center)

Large beets 35–45 min (adjust according to size)

Anti-stain tip : Do not peel before cooking: the skin protects the color and prevents the beetroot from becoming empty 🔥

Time-saving tip ⏲️: To speed up cooking, cut large beets in half (keeping the skin on). Always start in boiling water: this preserves the color and texture. Don't oversalt to avoid toughening the flesh.

Table of cooking times in water

Type of beetroot	Size	Prep	Temperature	Time	Cooking index
Red, raw	Average	Unpeeled	Boiling water	30 min	Knife tip sinks easily
Red, raw	Small	Unpeeled	Boiling water	20–25 min	Idem
Red, raw	Fat	Unpeeled	Boiling water	35–45 min	Adjusts according to the caliber
Vacuum-packed/cooked beets	All	Under a vacuum	Simmering water	8–10 min	Just warm up

How to Boil Beets (Step by Step)

Scrub the beets under cold water to remove the soil, but do not peel them. Trim the tops to 2 cm if necessary, leaving the root to prevent the color from escaping.
Place the whole beets in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water. Cover.
Let it simmer gently. Allow 30 minutes for medium beets. Test the doneness by pricking the center: the blade should go in without forcing.
Drain immediately and run under cold water to stop the cooking and make peeling easier.
Peel the beets: the skin slides off easily. Dice or slice as desired.

FAQ — Beets in Water

Should beets be peeled before cooking?

No! The skin protects the flesh, the color, and prevents the beetroot from becoming waterlogged or losing its minerals. Peel after cooking; it's much easier ✨.

Why does water turn red?

This is normal: the betanin pigment diffuses a little. To limit this phenomenon, leave the skin and the root, and avoid cutting the flesh before cooking.

Can you cook already cooked beets sous vide?

Yes! Simply heat them for 8–10 minutes in simmering water, without removing the bag. A handy time-saver 🔥.

How to store cooked beets?

Once cooled, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them diced or sliced.

Any tasty ideas with boiled beets?

Of course! In salads with walnut oil and parsley, in pink hummus, in carpaccio, or even in risotto. For a change, discover the complete profile of beets and other cooking tips on Neary 💡.

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