Quick and easy 15-minute recipe for zesty and tangy refrigerator pickled beets that are perfect for adding a crunchy and delicious side dish to any meal or charcuterie board.
Sure thing! To make 15-minute pickled beets using a kitchen hack method, you'll need these ingredients:
**<font size = ""><ul><li><b>Small beets:</b> Pickled beets that are bite-sized, firm, and fresh 4.5 ounces total weight. Choose varieties such as Chioggia (with red and white concentric rings) or golden beets (mild and nutty flavor) for visual appeal and taste.</li></font></ul><font size = ""><ul><li><b>White vinegar:</b> A primary pickling solution base provides acidity and a slightly sharp flavor to the finished pickled beets. Opt for 5% acidity white vinegar for the right balance</li></font></ul><font size = ""><ul><li><b>Water:</b> Dilutes the vinegar's acidity, making the pickling liquid palatable, yet still preservative, so don't substitute it!</li></font></ul><font size = ""><ul><li><b>Pickling salt:</b> Provides essential preserving qualities to the recipe while complementing and not competing with the beet's sweetness. Table salt can be used if pickling salt is unavailable, but watch your overall seasonings. </li></font></ul><font size = ""><ul><li><b>Brown Sugar**:</b> Helps mellow out the flavor of the vinegar's sharpness. While traditionally granulated sugar (white) sugar was called for, brown sugar adds subtle notes.</li></font></ul><font size = ""><ul><li><b>Whole allspice berries:</b> Impart warm wintery notes of a mix of cinnamon, ginger, and clove to a surprising amount of depth from just a tiny amount of allspice (less is more!)<br></li></font></ul><font size = ""><ul><li><b>Mustard seeds (yellow):</b> Bright yellow, tiny yet bold with that signature pungent spiciness, mustard seeds contribute an extra bit of heat if left whole as is.</li></font></ul><font size = ""><ul><li><b>Garlic clove peeled:</b> Just an accent flavor that builds and subtly rounds out the pickling liquids, yet without ever overpowering other flavors present!</li></font></ul><font size = ""><ul><li><b>Fresh dill sprigs:** These contribute herbal brightness, delicate anise notes, and an overall freshness of flavors!</li></font></ul></font></b>
**_All quantities for these simple, small-batch kitchen-hack quick-pickled beets are specified in the linked recipe for convenience! Enjoy! _**
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Steps
## 15-Minute Pickled Beets (Kitchen Hack Version)
**Ingredients:**
- 2 medium beets, scrubbed and trimmed
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Prep the Beets**
1. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the tops and bottoms of the beets.
2. Peel the beets with a vegetable peeler or paring knife.
3. Cut the beets into 1-inch cubes.
**Step 2: Make the Pickling Liquid**
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the red wine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, cloves, mustard seeds, and black pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar and salt have dissolved.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
**Step 3: Pickle the Beets**
1. Add the prepared beets to the pickling liquid and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Simmer the beets for 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly crisp.
**Step 4: Cool and Store**
1. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the beets cool in the pickling liquid for at least 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to fully infuse the beets.
2. Transfer the pickled beets to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
**Enjoy!**
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**Tips and Variations:**
<ul>
<li>For a sweeter pickle, add a bit more sugar to the pickling liquid; for a tangier pickle, add more vinegar.</li>
<li>Feel free to customize the spices used in the pickling liquid — whole allspice berries, coriander seeds, or juniper berries are all great options, to name a few.</li>
<li>If you don't have fresh beets on hand, you can also use pre-cooked beets; just reduce the simmering time to 5-10 minutes. </li>
<li>Pickled beets make a great addition to salads, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, and more. They're even delicious enjoyed on their own as a quick and healthy snack.</li>