Gingered Beet Pickles Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Make Ahead

by: Amanda Hesser

July15,2011

5

1 Ratings

  • Makes 1 quart

Jump to Recipe

Author Notes

When I was visiting my mother in Florida, she whipped up a batch of these gingered beet pickles every couple of days, and served them with sandwiches at lunch, and on burger night. They come from Matt Lee and Ted Lee's latest book The Lee Bros. Simple Fresh Southern. —Amanda Hesser

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • One 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch thick disks
  • 1 cupdistilled white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoonskosher salt
  • 1 teaspoonsugar
  • 1 1/4 poundsbeets, peeled and very thinly sliced (using a mandoline, if you have one)
Directions
  1. Pour 1 cup water into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, and add the ginger, vinegar, salt, and sugar. When the brine simmers, add the beets, and when it returns to a simmer, continue to cook for 4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, cover loosely, and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a quart-size glass container with a lid, and seal tightly. Chill further in the refrigerator for 1 hour or until ready to serve. The pickles will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.

Tags:

  • Condiment/Spread
  • American
  • Vegetable
  • Vinegar
  • Beet
  • Make Ahead
  • Summer
  • Side

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • AntoniaJames

  • dymnyno

  • mbj913

  • Butternut

  • bunditoast

Recipe by: Amanda Hesser

Before starting Food52 with Merrill, I was a food writer and editor at the New York Times. I've written several books, including "Cooking for Mr. Latte" and "The Essential New York Times Cookbook." I played myself in "Julie & Julia" -- hope you didn't blink, or you may have missed the scene! I live in Brooklyn with my husband, Tad, and twins, Walker and Addison.

Popular on Food52

33 Reviews

weshook July 4, 2017

Making this right now with golden beets from the farmers market. It smells so good; I can't wait.

AntoniaJames November 11, 2013

I made a gingered beet pickle that was similar to this, using white wine vinegar (much less harsh than distilled white) and golden beets. They're spectacularly beautiful, and so, so tasty. I roasted the beets first. I'll have to make a batch this way. The ginger sort of recedes but remains delicately perceptible. ;o)

Tomina June 18, 2013

Can you process these to store for mid-winter?

AntoniaJames November 11, 2013

I'm sure you can. I'd process in two pint jars for 15 minutes once the water comes to a boil. ;o)

dymnyno June 18, 2013

I am a big fan of pickled beets of all sorts. The picture shows the beets in a weck container. Was it sealed with a canning method or did you use the jar because it looks good? (the rubber sealer on weck jars is useless unless processed)

dymnyno June 18, 2013

I just read the rest of the comments and answers to questions about this recipe from 3 years ago and I think all my questions were answered.

William W. June 18, 2013

This is a quick pickle method, not a canning process. The weck jars are used because they're pretty! Also, pickled beets are one of my favorite pickles. Especially with hard boiled eggs and corned beef.

mbj913 February 19, 2013

just cooked and can already tell they will be great.

Butternut December 2, 2012

Any tips/tricks for peeling raw beets? Have only ever peeled them after roasting, when the skins slip right off. Any advice would be much appreciated!

Amanda H. December 2, 2012

I like using a serrated peeler for beets because it doesn't cut very deep -- otherwise you can lose a fair amount of beet.

bunditoast August 27, 2012

sardine ochazuke?

gingerroot August 27, 2012

I've been making WinnieAb's recipe, with slight variation depending on what I have on hand: http://www.food52.com/recipes/16382_sardine_ochazuke
It is delicious on its own, but I love the contrasting punch of flavor that these gingered beet pickles add.

gingerroot May 25, 2012

These are delicious. One favorite pairing is to serve these with sardine ochazuke.

AntoniaJames May 25, 2012

Oh that sounds divine! "Beet pickles" and "sardines" in the same sentence, no less, makes my mouth start to water!! ;o)

gingerroot May 25, 2012

Hi AJ! It is so good -- just adding the comment today made me want to have it tonight for dinner. It's also not a far cry from the typical pickled veggies that might accompany a traditional meal of ochazuke.

Tammy @. December 15, 2011

I love everything about beets. Even as a young girl I would ask for the can...it wasn't until my farmer's market days as a new mom, that I discovered the beauty of a fresh one. Thanks for sharing!

Spork July 29, 2011

delicious and easy....just watch out for the ginger slices!

fo July 22, 2011

i want to make some just to line them up on the shelf and look at them, how beautiful!

aargersi July 22, 2011

I made a batch of these last night with golden beets. They are about the prettiest thing I have ever seen! I may have eaten a few while still warm ....

fo July 22, 2011

so hard not to, i agree!

kerry F. July 21, 2011

Do you know if I could use raw apple cidar vinegar instead?

Amanda H. July 21, 2011

Should work just fine.

Nadia H. July 19, 2011

I just made these with the last spring beets I pulled today. Wonderfully crisp and tasty. One little remark: when I handle raw beets a lot, like here slicing them with a mandoline, I always wear disposable gloves. There are so many situations where I cannot avoid getting my hands really dirty in the garden, so in the kitchen I do everything to make sure you cannot tell from my hands the next day what I have been cooking... - The beet greens toughened in the summer heat so I don't have any to try the other recipe right now but I definitely will in the fall.

borntobeworn July 18, 2011

I made this last night and took them to work to share. They were a huge hit! Since it made 2 jars, I gave one to a friend to share with her family (since it says they will only last 2 weeks in the fridge). I generally don't like pickled beets that you find on salad bars because of the texture and taste but these are awesome! My guy doesn't usually like beets so we'll see if he's a convert :) He never used to like beet greens either and he loved those!

zabiene July 18, 2011

do we have to cook the beets or do we use them raw?

zabiene July 18, 2011

ok it's a stupid question :-)
cook for 4 minutes and afterwards the pickle will tender the beets?

Amanda H. July 18, 2011

Not a stupid question! The 4 minutes plus pickling will cook the beets enough. They should be a little crisp. But make sure you slice them thinly. If they're thicker than 1/8-inch, you might want to simmer for 5 or 6 minutes.

innoabrd July 17, 2011

I love beets...don't cook them enough they're one of two foods (the other being avocado) my wife generally can't stand. Pickles, however, I can hoard for myself!

thirschfeld July 15, 2011

I will be making these, I like to pickle beets with lovage too, and then I do the classic as well. Looks like this Winter will have three kinds of beets in store for us.

Droplet October 26, 2011

I love lovage,too. For pickled things my grandmother used to use a plant that is a very close relative to the lovage, but is slightly different. The leaves are slightly larger (shaped exactly the same) and the stems are thicker (still shaped the same and still have that hollow structure). My grandmother did not speak english so I have been trying to figure out what the name of that plant might be. Any clue?

Sashinka November 25, 2012

Could that be Sorrel?

G. C. November 5, 2015

You might look into a plant called "Alexanders". It has a flavor somewhat similar to lovage/celery.
Gizelle

AntoniaJames July 15, 2011

To die for. Simply to die for. I don't usually buy or cook beets in the summer (as I typically eat them all winter), but I'm making an exception for these. I adore pickles of all kinds, and these sound positively divine. ;o)

Gingered Beet Pickles Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

Do beet pickles need hot water bath? ›

Make sure that there is adequate vinegar in your red beet pickle recipe. Scientifically research tested recipes use more than ½ cup vinegar per pint jar. Pickled beets are safe to process in a boiling water bath or atmospheric steam canner. The USDA recommends processing pickled beets in boiling water for 30 minutes.

Which beets are best for pickling? ›

Deep red or gold beet varieties provide the most robust flavors, more vibrant juices, and more tender pickled beets. As you embark on the pickled beets adventure, try some of these tried and true beet varieties to grow: 'Detroit Dark Red' 'Ruby Queen'

How long before pickled beets are ready to eat? ›

How to Store: Place the pickled beets sealed in the jar with the lid in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 weeks. Use a butter knife to help move the ingredients around once the brine is in the jar and the beets. For best flavor results, wait at least 24 hours before eating the pickled beets.

Do pickled beets need to be refrigerated after opening? ›

To enjoy them at their best and freshest, store your pickled beets in the refrigerator and plan to use them within a maximum of three months, or ideally within several weeks. Always keep an eye out for signs they've passed their prime before that though.

How long should you water bath pickled beets? ›

Quickly pour over the beets in the jars, leaving 3/4-inch headspace (the liquid should go no further than the shoulder of the jar!). Process in a boiling water bath for 12 minutes. Cool on a rack.

How long does it take to pickle beets in a water bath? ›

Place prepared jars in boiling water bath, making sure water covers jars by at least one inch. Bring back to a boil and process for 30 minutes. Remove jars from kettle using a jar lifter and let cool completely before touching.

How many pickled beets should you eat per day? ›

The oxalates found in beets can increase your uric acid level, meaning that too many beets can lead to gout. To avoid this, stick to no more than a single half-cup serving of beets per day.

What makes beets taste better? ›

Slow-roasting beets in a foil packet or covered baking dish takes away much of the earthy taste and intensifies the flavor, but you will still have a bit of bleeding and nutrient loss. Grilling beets over wood or charcoal will add a layer of smokiness.

Are jarred beets as good as fresh beets? ›

Canned beetroot are often half the cost of fresh beetroot. Having beetroot that are already cooked and ready-to-use is a time-saving benefit. With only a few exceptions, canned beetroot has about the same nutritional value as fresh beetroot.

Which is the best vinegar for pickling? ›

Most pickle recipes call for distilled white vinegar. This is the clear, colorless vinegar made by fermenting grains. It has a mellow aroma, tart acid flavor and does not affect the color of light-colored vegetables or fruits.

Is it OK to eat pickled beets every day? ›

The answer is yes! Pickled beets can offer several potential health benefits. If you want to boost your fiber intake or get more antioxidants in your diet, pickled beets may be a good option. Just remember to watch your sodium intake, as some brands of pickled beets can be high in sodium.

Can you eat too many pickled beets? ›

Too many pickled beets, however, can overload our system with sodium if the brine mixture is heavy in salt. Overall, pickled beets are versatile with a mild, earthy flavor that can be eaten as a snack, side dish, or added to salads.

How to tell if pickled beets are bad in the fridge? ›

Always keep an eye out for signs they've passed their prime before that though. Once they past the few weeks mark, be on the lookout for any changes in color, smell, or texture, or of course, any spots of mold, all of which indicate it's time to toss.

How do you know if a beet has gone bad? ›

Beetroots have gone bad if they're limp, mushy or soft.

Are pickled beets healthy? ›

Pickled beets are popular on salads or as a side or snack. These naturally sweet root veggies may have a number of health benefits, including improved digestion, physical performance, blood sugar levels, and heart health. However, you should avoid varieties with high levels of added salt or sugar.

Can you make pickles without a water bath? ›

I have used an old German dill pickle receipe forever that doesn't use a water bath. I make brine and boil, pour over prepared jars, put on heated lids and leave them to seal on their own. These are yummy and SO crisp (because of no water bath).

Do you have to water bath beets? ›

You cannot can plain beets safely using a water bath canner unless you preserve them using vinegar. If you don't have a pressure canner, you can pickle beets using a water bath canner with this recipe: Pickled Beets.

Is it safe to not water bath pickles? ›

All pickles and pickled products are subject to spoilage from microorganisms, particularly yeast and molds, as well as enzymes that affect flavor, color and texture. Processing in a boiling water-bath canner will prevent both of these problems. Standard canning jars with self-sealing lids also are recommended.

Is it better to pickle in hot or cold water? ›

The temperature can bring out flavors, which leach into the brine. She recommends using hot brine to pickle opaque vegetables or spices such as root vegetables, kabocha squash and garlic. Cold brines are useful if you're looking to preserve the texture and crunch of a vegetable.

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