Steamed beets (20 min): tender & tasty
Do you want tender, juicy, and flavorful steamed beets ? 🥗 Here are all the tips for quick, hassle-free steaming! Plus, it's the best way to maintain the beautiful color, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and all the health benefits of beetroot 💪. Discover on this page the exact times, tips for avoiding failures, the table of minutes by size, and the FAQ to become a pro of the healthiest root vegetable 🔥.
Steaming time table (depending on beet size)
| Type of beet | Preparation | Steam time | Cooking mark | Trick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (100–150 g) | Whole unpeeled | 18–22 min | Easy knife tip | No need to peel beforehand |
| Medium (200–250 g) | Whole, just root/tail trimmed | 22–28 min | Tender to the heart | Cool before peeling |
| Large (>300 g) | Whole | 30–40 min | Extend if necessary | Cut in half to speed up |
| In slices/diced | Peeled, cut 1–2 cm | 12–16 min | Check in 10 min | Express cooking |
How to Steam Beets Easily
- Prepare the beets : Rinse and gently brush to remove any dirt. Just cut off the roots and stems, leaving the skin on to retain the color and prevent the juice from leaking 💧.
- Place in the steamer basket : Place them whole (or cut if they are very large) in the basket over simmering water. Cover tightly to retain heat.
- Start cooking : Start on medium/high heat. For medium beets: allow 22 to 28 minutes . For small pieces: 12 to 16 minutes is sufficient.
- Check for doneness : Pierce with the tip of a knife. If it goes in without forcing, it's ready! If not, extend the cooking time by 2–5 minutes and test again.
- Finish & enjoy : Let cool outside the basket, then peel easily (the skin comes off by itself!). Cut into cubes, slices or grate as you wish 🥗.
FAQ — Steaming Beets
Should beets be peeled before steaming?
No, definitely not! Keep the skin on: it protects the flesh, retains the color, and prevents the juice from leaking into the water. You can remove it very easily after cooking, without staining your fingers 🤗.
How to prevent beets from staining everywhere?
Leave them whole and don't cut them before cooking. This limits the red juice from leaking everywhere! To peel without staining, use thin gloves or rinse your hands right after 🚰.
Can you freeze steamed beets?
Yes, no problem! Cut into cubes once cooled, then freeze flat in a bag. For the detailed method, read our beetroot freezing guide 🧊.
Best variety for steaming?
Classic red beetroot and Chioggia (pink/red) are perfect. Choose them firm, smooth-skinned, not too large (softer in the center).
How to season steamed beets?
After cooking, drizzle with olive oil, sweet vinegar, salt, pepper, parsley, or chives. Add feta cheese, nuts, or seeds for a delicious salad 🥗.
Which steamer should I choose?
For gentle and quick cooking, check out our steamer comparison . It's great for all your vegetables!
How long do I have to wait for vacuum-packed beets?
Just 4 to 6 minutes of steaming to gently reheat them, or dice them and quickly toss them in the pan for a warm salad 🍴.
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