Refrigerator Pickled Beets

Refrigerator Pickled Beets are a tangy and zesty addition to any meal, adding a burst of flavor and color to your plate. The combination of earthy beets and tangy pickling brine creates a delightful treat that you can enjoy at any time. Whether you serve them as a side dish, on a salad, or as a snack, these pickled beets are sure to please your taste buds. In this article, we’ll share a simple and quick recipe for Refrigerator Pickled Beets, complete with a table sheet format of ingredients to make your pickling process a breeze.

Refrigerator Pickled Beets: Ingredients

Before we start pickling our beets, let’s gather all the essential ingredients for making Refrigerator Pickled Beets. Refer to the table sheet format below:

Preparing the Beets

Cleaning the Beets

Wash the beets thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel.

Cooking the Beets

Trim the tops and roots of the beets, leaving about an inch of stem attached. Place the beets in a pot of boiling water and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

Cooling and Peeling the Beets

Remove the beets from the boiling water and allow them to cool. Once they are cool enough to handle, use your hands to peel off the skin. The skin should come off easily.

Slicing the Beets

Slice the cooked and peeled beets into thin rounds or wedges, depending on your preference.

Pickling the Beets

Preparing the Pickling Brine

In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, kosher salt, peppercorns (if using), and bay leaves (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.

Adding the Onions and Garlic

Add the sliced red onion and garlic cloves to the pickling brine. Let them simmer for about 2-3 minutes until they become slightly tender.

Combining the Beets and Brine

Place the sliced beets in a clean glass jar or airtight container. Pour the hot pickling brine over the beets, making sure they are fully submerged.

Cooling and Refrigerating

Allow the pickled beets and brine to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the jar or container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to let the flavors meld.

Serving and Enjoying

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Refrigerator Pickled Beets as a side dish with grilled meats, on top of salads, or as a tasty addition to a charcuterie board.

Storage Tips

Store the pickled beets in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. As they are refrigerator pickles, they are not meant for long-term shelf storage.

FAQs about Refrigerator Pickled Beets

Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?

Yes, you can use white vinegar as a substitute for apple cider vinegar. However, apple cider vinegar provides a slightly fruity and milder flavor.

Can I add other spices to the pickling brine?

Absolutely! You can customize the pickling brine by adding spices like cloves, allspice, or cinnamon for additional flavor complexity.

Can I use canned beets instead of fresh beets?

While fresh beets are recommended for this recipe, you can use canned beets if fresh ones are not available. Drain and rinse the canned beets before using them.

Can I use a different type of onion?

Yes, you can use yellow or white onions instead of red onions, although red onions add a lovely color to the pickled beets.

Can I reuse the pickling brine?

You can reuse the pickling brine for a second batch of pickles. Simply reheat the brine and pour it over a fresh batch of cooked beets.

Can I make the pickled beets spicy?

If you prefer spicy pickled beets, you can add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the pickling brine.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully pickled delicious Refrigerator Pickled Beets that are ready to be enjoyed with your favorite dishes. The combination of tender beets and tangy pickling brine is sure to tantalize your taste buds and add a burst of flavor to your meals. So, make a batch of these delightful pickled beets and keep them in your refrigerator for a delightful and tangy treat!