I love to make fresh microwave beets because they’re easy, fast, and gorgeous to look at! They’re incredibly versatile too, as you can add them to a salad, enjoy them for a snack, or serve them up as a side dish. I’m adding goat cheese and herbs for a flavorful side option here!
Why Make Microwave Beets
Quick and Easy
Microwaving beets cuts down on the cooking time compared to traditional methods like boiling, roasting, and even air frying.
You can have tender, fully cooked beets from fresh in as little as 10 to 15 minutes in your microwave (depending on wattage and size of your specific beets). This makes it easy to prepare them as a side for busy weeknights or for doing some last-minute meal prep!
There’s also not a lot of tending required – just pop the beets in and let them cook while you focus on your main course or other items. Plus, this method keeps your stove and oven free as well for those other dishes!
Nutrient Retention
Microwaving beets helps preserve more of their vitamins and minerals, particularly folate and vitamin C, which can be lost during longer cooking methods.
Since microwaving uses less water (versus boiling) and shorter cooking times (compared to most other methods), it helps lock in the nutrients that make beets a healthier addition to your diet.
Minimal Cleanup
Unlike boiling or roasting, which usually requires pots, pans, and/or baking sheets, steaming beets only requires a microwave-safe dish.
This makes cleanup quick and easy, reducing time spent in the kitchen and leaving less mess behind (always a win in my kitchen)!
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Microwave Beets Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds beets (about 3 medium beets)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 ounces goat cheese
- 2 tsp chopped fresh dill (or parsley)
Ingredient Tips and Notes
- You can peel your beets either before or after cooking, depending on preference (I usually do it beforehand with a vegetable peeler, but if you remove skins afterwards, you can just rub them off with your hand or a paper towel)
- Instead of the goat cheese, you can also use feta or another crumbled cheese of choice. I like honey goat cheese, but herb and plain are also great options. Alternatively, omit the cheese entirely and just enjoy plain roasted beets
- Other good herb pairings include chives, mint, tarragon, herbs de provence, basil, rosemary, or cilantro, so feel free to change it to suit your preferences
- Feel free to add some butter or olive oil to the beets along with the salt and pepper if you’d like to (though I typically do not, this is definitely personal preference). Balsamic vinegar is another good option (or balsamic glaze for added sweetness)
How to Microwave Whole Beets
- Trim the stems and roots from your beets (if they came with them on). Wash the beets thoroughly, and peel if desired (or you can peel them after cooking). Place the beets into a microwave safe bowl, and add about ¼ cup of water (you want enough to cover the base of the bowl entirely by about ½” so adjust based on dish size)
- Cover the bowl with a vented microwave safe lid, or microwave-safe plastic wrap with holes poked in it so steam can release. Make sure to check your plastic wrap for specifics. Mine is only rated for 2-3 minutes of cooking time, so I opted for a lid instead
- Place in the microwave and cook on high for 10 minutes. Check the beets to see if they pierce easily with a fork. If not, add extra time in 1-minute increments as needed (larger beets will take longer than small ones). Add extra water if it has all evaporated so the beets don’t dry out and crack
- Drain the beets, and cool for 5-10 minutes (until you can handle them without burning your hands). Peel if you did not prior to cooking, then season with salt and pepper
- Plate and top with goat cheese and dill. Enjoy! If you want to cut the beets for serving, feel free. I do like to halve them for the visual appeal, but slices or dices can make them easier to serve and eat
How to Cook Beets Without Water
If you want to avoid using water (or don’t have a large enough bowl), here’s how to do it without water:
- Pierce each beet several times with a fork, and then wrap each beet individually in microwave-safe parchment paper (make sure it says microwave safe; not all are)
- Add the wrapped beets to a microwave safe plate or dish (It makes it easier to transfer them in and out, and will catch juices that the beets give off during cooking)
- Microwave on high for 10-15 minutes until the beets give a little when squeezed (they’ll still feel firm overall, but slightly squishy)
- Cool, unwrap, and proceed as normal!
What to Serve With Microwave Beets
Salads
Serve your beets on top of a fresh green salad with ingredients like arugula, goat cheese, walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
The sweetness of the beets pairs well with tangy and crunchy elements.
Grains
Beets make an excellent topping for grain bowls with quinoa, farro, or bulgur.
Add other roasted vegetables (I actually really like Air Fryer Beets and Sweet Potatoes in grain bowls as an example), feta cheese, and a light lemon dressing for a balanced meal.
Proteins
Pair microwave steamed beets with grilled or roasted proteins like chicken, fish, or steak.
The earthy flavor of beets complements the savory richness of meats and provides a pop of color on the plate!
My Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Breasts are a great choice!
Cheese
A simple side of steamed beets with soft cheeses like goat cheese or feta is a classic combination. The creamy texture of the cheese balances the slightly sweet and earthy taste of the beets.
You could also try other soft cheeses, like Camembert or Brie as alternative pairings (that you can serve as a spread or dip along with the beets, nuts, and honey as a topping).
Hummus or Dips
You can serve your beets with hummus or other creamy dips for a light snack or appetizer, with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables as dippers.
Roasted beet hummus, in particular, can add a fun twist to a traditional hummus platter! Check out my Roasted Beet Hummus recipe for how to make this delightful dip (just swap in your microwaved beets for my air fryer roasted ones here).
Recipe FAQs
Can I Cook Beets in the Microwave?
Absolutely. Microwave steaming fresh beats is a great way to cook them. Whole beets are ready in 10-15 minutes depending on size, and you can easily remove the skins and chop them into desired sizes after cooking.
You can also microwave canned beets (which are usually sliced). Dump them in a microwave safe bowl with some of the liquid from the can (add about ½” to the bottom of the bowl). Cook for 3-5 minutes until tender, then drain.
Are Microwave Beets Healthy?
Yes, microwave beets are generally considered healthy, as they retain most of their nutrients, especially compared to boiling. They are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals like folate, vitamin C, and potassium.
The microwave method helps preserve their natural sweetness and nutritional content.
Do You Need To Peel Beets Before Microwaving Them?
No, you don’t need to peel the beets before microwaving, though you certainly can if you prefer. The skins are generally easier to remove after cooking.
Once the beets are cooked and cooled slightly, you can easily rub off the skins using your hands or a paper towel.
How Long Do Microwaved Beets Last In The Refrigerator?
Cooked microwave beets can last up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
To best preserve their freshness, store them without dressings, toppings, or seasonings, and add those just before serving.
Can You Freeze Beets After Microwaving Them?
Yes, you can freeze beets after microwaving. Allow them to cool, remove the skins, and cut them into slices or cubes if desired.
Place the beets in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible, and store them for up to 8 months.
Do Microwaved Beets Taste Different From Boiled Beets?
Microwaved beets generally taste sweeter and more concentrated compared to boiled beets.
The microwave preserves more of their natural sugars, while boiling can dilute the flavor.
How Do You Use Microwaved Beets In Recipes?
Microwaved beets can be used in salads, smoothies, soups, and as a side dish.
They pair well with tangy cheeses like goat cheese, nuts, and balsamic vinegar for a flavorful salad, or can be served as a side dish with roasted meats for a hearty meal.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Microwave Beets
- If you don’t have a dish large enough to cook all 3 beets at once, you can use a smaller container and cook one at a time. Start with 5 minutes for a single beet (adjust cooking time in 1-minute increments as needed to account for beet size and microwave wattage)
- It’s important to cover the beets during cooking, first so that they steam and become soft, but also because they will splatter a lot during cooking, so it keeps the inside of your microwave from looking like a crime scene
- For reference, my beets were ½ pound each and took 15 minutes in a 1000W microwave to cook them all at once (and I forgot to add more water so they did crack a little). Times will vary based on beet side and microwave wattage, so adjust as needed for your particular specifics
Storing and Reheating Beets
- Store leftover cooked beets in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 4-5 days. You can also cool, cut, and freeze them (wrapped well) for 6-8 months
- To reheat beets, microwave covered on high for 45-60 seconds depending on the quantity and size (whole beets take longest, whereas slices and dices will be quicker)
Final Thoughts
I love making fresh microwave beets because they’re fast, easy, delicious, and look beautiful on the table too. Whether you’re using them to top a salad, serving them as a side dish, or even blending them into a dip or smoothie, beets are versatile, healthy, and vibrant!
The microwave makes cooking so simple, and requires very little tending, which means you can focus on preparing your other dishes while they get tender! This also leaves your stovetop, oven, and air fryer open for making a protein or other sides.
Steamed beets are tender, naturally sweet, packed with earthy flavors, and even good for you. This dish is naturally vegetarian, gluten free, and vegan friendly (if you skip the cheese) so it works for a variety of different dietary needs as well.
Got an air fryer? learn more about all the amazing Air Fryer Beet Recipes you can make too!
Easy Microwave Whole Beets (Fresh Beets)
Equipment
- Lid (or microwave safe plastic wrap)
- Vegetable peeler (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds beets (about 3 medium beets)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 ounces goat cheese
- 2 tsp chopped fresh dill (or parsley)
Instructions
- Trim the stems and roots from your beets (if they came with them on). Wash the beets thoroughly, and peel if desired (or you can peel them after cooking). Place the beets into a microwave safe bowl, and add about ¼ cup of water (you want enough to cover the base of the bowl entirely by about ½” so adjust based on dish size)1 ½ pounds beets
- Cover the bowl with a vented microwave safe lid, or microwave-safe plastic wrap with holes poked in it so steam can release. Make sure to check your plastic wrap for specifics. Mine is only rated for 2-3 minutes of cooking time, so I opted for a lid instead
- Place in the microwave and cook on high for 10 minutes. Check the beets to see if they pierce easily with a fork. If not, add extra time in 1-minute increments as needed (larger beets will take longer than small ones). Add extra water if it has all evaporated so the beets don’t dry out and crack
- Drain the beets, and cool for 5-10 minutes if you need to peel them (until you can handle them without burning your hands). Season with salt and pepper½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
- Plate and top with goat cheese and dill. Enjoy! If you want to cut the beets for serving, feel free. I do like to halve them for the visual appeal, but slices or dices can make them easier to serve and eat2 ounces goat cheese, 2 tsp chopped fresh dill
Notes
- You can peel your beets either before or after cooking, depending on preference (I usually do it beforehand with a vegetable peeler)
- Instead of the goat cheese, you can also use feta or another crumbled cheese of choice. I like honey goat cheese, but herb and plain are also great options. Alternatively, omit the cheese entirely and just enjoy plain roasted beets
- Other good herb pairings include chives, mint, tarragon, herbs de provence, basil, rosemary, or cilantro, so feel free to change it to suit your preferences
- Feel free to add some butter or olive oil to the beets along with the salt and pepper if you’d like to. Balsamic vinegar is another good option (or balsamic glaze for added sweetness)
- If you don’t have a dish large enough to cook all 3 beets at once, you can use a smaller container and cook one at a time. Start with 5 minutes for a single beet (adjust cooking time in small increments as needed to account for beet size and microwave wattage)
- It’s important to cover the beets during cooking, first so that they steam and become soft, but also because they will splatter a lot during cooking, so it keeps the inside of your microwave from looking like a crime scene
- For reference, my beets were ½ pound each and took 15 minutes in a 1000W microwave to cook them all at once (and I forgot to add more water so they did crack a little). Times will vary based on beet side and microwave wattage, so adjust as needed for your particular specifics
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, size, and variety of ingredients, any sauces or toppings added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
