Instant Pot Beets | How to cook Beets in a Pressure Cooker?

Instant Pot Beets Recipe with time chart! Beets cooked to perfection in just minutes. Perfect for salads, side dishes, and healthy eating.

Cooking beets in an Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) is a quick and easy way to prepare them than traditional cooking methods such as stovetop or roasting in an oven.

My mom used to make beets in a stovetop pressure cooker. It was such a quick and healthy dish that could be enjoyed as it is or as aside. My mom used to call them sweet, candy-like. And yes, that's how I learned to eat beets as a kid. Seriously, they tasted just like candy and I could just eat them the whole day. LOL!!!

I love to cook beets in Instant Pot. It is quick, easy and efficient than the traditional methods. Whenever I make Instant Pot beets, they come out tender, moist, and perfectly cooked every time.

My kids love instant pot beets - sweet, juicy, and candy-like! I try to incorporate as many veggies as I can into our diet and what a great way to enjoy these flavorful and healthy beets.

Learn how to cook beets (beetroots) in an Instant Pot. The post also includes how to cook beets on stovetop, and oven method.

Jump to:

• Beets Nutritional values
• How To Buy Beets
• Prep The Beets
• How To Cook Beets In Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Beets Cooking Time Chart
• How To Cook Beets On Stove
• How To Roast Beets
• Storage
• Serving
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Cooking Basics
• Instant Pot Beets | How to cook Beets in a Pressure Cooker?

Beets Nutritional values

Beetroots or beets have great nutritional value. Beets are high in natural sugars, low in calories, and a great source of nutrients such as vitamins, and minerals. They are also a good source of folic acid and fiber. Beets are delicious and due to their nutritional benefits, can easily fit into a well-balanced, healthy diet. See more information on nutritional value at USDA.gov.

How To Buy Beets

When buying beets, follow these simple steps to ensure you choose the freshest and best-quality ones:

Look for firm beets: Select beets that feel firm and heavy for their size. Avoid ones that are soft, shriveled, or have visible blemishes.

Check the greens: If the beets come with their greens still attached, make sure the leaves are fresh, crisp, and vibrant in color. Avoid beets with wilted or yellowing greens.

Smooth skin: Opt for beets with smooth, unblemished skin. Rough or wrinkled surfaces may indicate they are not as fresh.

Size matters: Choose beets of similar size if you plan to cook them together, as it ensures even cooking.

Avoid large roots: Beets with very large roots may have a woody or tough texture. Choose medium-sized beets for the best taste and texture.

Organic options: If available and within your budget, consider buying organic beets to reduce exposure to pesticides.

Seasonal availability: Beets are typically in season during the cooler months, so try to buy them during their peak season for the freshest produce.

Prep The Beets

When you bring beets home from the store, you can cook them right away or store them for later use. Beets will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator if they are properly stored. Here's how I prep the beets:

1. Trim the beet greens, leaving about an inch of stem attached. You can use these beet greens to make a stir fry or add them to soups or curries, just like any other greens.
2. Gently scrub the beets with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt and debris. Wash the beets thoroughly.
3. To store the beets, pat dry beets with a paper towel to remove any extra moisture. You can store the beets in a vegetable bag or a plastic zip-lock bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
4. When you are ready to cook beets, remove them from the refrigerator and cook the beets as desired.

How To Cook Beets In Instant Pot

Cooking beets in Instant Pot is a great way to retain most of their nutrient value, thus making them a healthier cooking option. Steaming the beets also helps retain the vibrant color of the beets, which is somewhat lost when beets are boiled. I find this method to be very efficient and easy.

Here's how to cook perfect beets in Instant Pot:

1. Pick beets of somewhat equal size when cooking together.
2. Pour a cup of water into the Instant Pot. Place a trivet inside the Instant Pot and arrange the beets on top of the trivet. You can also use a steamer basket. For small size cook for 10-12 minutes, for medium-size beets somewhere between 15-18 minutes, and larger beets cook for 20-25 minutes.
3. Once the cooking time is up, use the 10-minute natural pressure release, and then after 10 minutes manually release the remaining pressure. Check for the doneness of the beets by inserting a knife through one of the beets. If not then cook them for a few more minutes. Carefully remove the cooked beets from the Instant Pot.
4. Once the beets have cooled, the skin can be easily peeled off with a vegetable peeler or by rubbing it off with a paper towel. Instant Pot beets can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, or as a side dish. They can also be sliced and pickled for a tasty snack

Pic Shown: Cooking beets in an Instant Pot

Instant Pot Beets Cooking Time Chart

Here's a cooking chart for Instant Pot beets based on their size:

	Size (inches in diameter)	Cooking Time (minutes)
1.	Small Beets (1-1.75 inches)	10-12
2.	Medium Beets (2-2.25 inches)	15-18
3.	Large Beets (2.5-3 inches)	20-25
4.	X-Large Beets (over 3 inches)	40+

How To Cook Beets On Stove

If you find beets have quite an intense earthy flavor then this method might be just right for you. Boiling the beets produces tender, less intense flavor beets. Beets lose some of their nutritional value and vibrant color, as the beets are boiled in hot water.

1. Wash the beets thoroughly, and trim off the stem.
2. Place the beets in a large pot and cover them with water.
3. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until fork-tender. For small to medium 20-25 minutes. For large beets 45-60 minutes.
4. Immediately remove the cooked beets from the hot water and allow them to cool.
5. Peel off the skin and enjoy beets

How To Roast Beets

Roasting the beets is yet another way of cooking beets. Roasting beets add to the sweetness and subtle flavor. Depending upon the size of the beets it can take somewhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

1. Pat dry beets with a paper towel to remove any extra moisture. Arrange the beets in a deep baking dish.
2. Drizzle some olive oil and give the beets an oil massage. Sprinkle some salt and pepper. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
3. Roast beets at 400°F until fork-tender. Depending upon the size of the beets, it can take from 30 minutes to an hour. For small to medium-sized beets, roast for 30-45 minutes. For large beets, roast for 60 minutes or until fork-tender.
4. Remove beets from the oven, and allow them to cool for 15-20 minutes. Cut the stem, and peel off the skin.

Storage

To store cooked beets, follow these steps:

Cool Completely: Allow the cooked beets to cool completely at room temperature before storing. Do not leave them at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer the cooked beets to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.

Moisture: If there is any residual moisture on the beets, dab them gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Too much moisture can lead to spoilage or the beets becoming mushy.

Avoid Cross-Contamination: When storing cooked beets, ensure they are not placed near raw meat, poultry, or seafood to prevent any potential cross-contamination.

Serving

There are endless possibilities to use the beets. I use cooked beets in salads, to make hummus, in smoothies, or dip. You can dice, chop, slice, or mash the beets. Use them to make bread dough, soups, curries, pilaf, and so on. Here some suggestions for beets:

Beet Hummus: Blend cooked beets with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to create a vibrant and nutritious beet hummus. Serve it with pita bread, crackers, or veggie sticks for a colorful and tasty appetizer.

Pickled Beets: Prepare homemade pickled beets by combining cooked and sliced beets with a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices. Let them marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Serve these tangy and flavorful pickled beets as a side or condiment for sandwiches and salads.

Beet Smoothie: Add cooked and cooled beets to your favorite smoothie recipe for a nutrient-rich and vibrant drink. Combine them with fruits like berries, bananas, and a splash of orange juice or yogurt for a delicious and colorful treat.

Beet and Quinoa Salad: Combine cooked quinoa with cooked beets, diced cucumber, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette dressing. This hearty and colorful salad works well as a standalone meal or a side dish for grilled chicken or fish.

Beet Risotto: Stir in finely diced cooked beets into your favorite risotto recipe to add a stunning color and subtle sweetness to this creamy Italian dish. Serve it as a delightful main course or a side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cooking Basics