As the warmth of summer embraces us, grilling becomes the heart of outdoor cooking. While sizzling meats often take center stage, the grill offers an incredible platform to transform simple vegetables into culinary masterpieces. Among these, the humble beet stands out as a truly exceptional candidate for the grill, promising a flavor experience that might just change your perception of this vibrant root vegetable forever.
Beets often provoke strong opinions – you either love them or, well, you haven’t tried them grilled yet! For those of us who appreciate their earthy sweetness, grilling unlocks a new dimension of deliciousness. Forget about pickled beets; while they have their place, the raw, natural essence of a beet truly shines when kissed by flame and smoke.
There’s a reason they’re called “sugar beets,” and it’s not just a clever name. Beets are naturally rich in sugar. When these natural sugars encounter the intense heat of a grill, a magical process known as caramelization occurs. This transformation deepens their flavor, creating a wonderfully sweet, slightly smoky, and unbelievably savory profile. Think of the complex flavors in a good barbecue sauce – that’s the kind of irresistible magic we’re aiming for with grilled beets. This charring process elevates the beet from a simple root vegetable to a standout side dish or a star ingredient.
Choosing the Perfect Beets for Grilling Success
Selecting the right beets is the first step towards grilling perfection. While all sizes of beets can be grilled, your choice can significantly impact the cooking process and outcome. When I first embarked on my grilled beet journey, I opted for a mix of medium and smaller beets. While undeniably tasty, the smaller slices cooked incredibly fast – sometimes too fast, leading to unwanted charring if not constantly monitored. A momentary distraction could turn them from tender to “toast” in a flash. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: larger beets offer more control and a more forgiving grilling window.
Larger beets, typically weighing 1 pound or more, are ideal for direct grilling in slices. Their substantial size allows for a thicker cut (around ¼ inch), which handles the grill’s heat much better. Thicker slices are less prone to burning quickly and retain more moisture, resulting in a more succulent, tender-crisp texture. They also provide more surface area for that coveted caramelization and beautiful grill marks.
Aim for larger beets if possible!
For example, a golden beet weighing 1 lb 3oz and a red beet at a whopping 1 lb 14oz provide ample substance for slow, even grilling without the risk of overcooking too quickly.
Don’t fret if only smaller beets are available or if you simply prefer them. Smaller beets, or even larger ones cut into smaller pieces, can be perfectly grilled using the foil packet method. This technique, detailed further down, offers a fantastic way to achieve tender, flavorful beets without the constant vigilance required for direct grilling of delicate slices.
Mastering the Art of Grilling Beets
Grilling beets is surprisingly simple, yet yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these straightforward steps to create a delicious and visually appealing dish.
Preparation: The Foundation of Flavor
The first crucial step is preparing your beets. Begin by thoroughly washing them to remove any dirt. Then, it’s time to peel. While some prefer to leave the skin on for roasting, peeling is recommended for grilling, as it allows for better caramelization and a more uniform texture. Use a vegetable peeler or a sharp paring knife to remove the outer skin.
A note on red beets: Red beet juice is renowned for its vibrant color, which, while beautiful, can also be quite staining. To protect your hands and countertops, it’s highly advisable to wear kitchen gloves during the peeling and slicing process. Golden beets, on the other hand, offer a beautiful yellow hue without the mess, making them a popular choice for their ease of handling and equally delicious flavor.
Once peeled, slice the beets into uniform rounds approximately ¼ inch thick. Consistency in thickness is key here, as it ensures even cooking. If some slices are thicker than others, they will cook at different rates, leading to some pieces being perfectly tender while others are still firm or, worse, burnt. Aim for precision to get the best results.
Grilling the Beet Slices: Achieving Perfection
With your beets prepped, it’s time to hit the grill. Lightly brush both sides of each beet slice with olive oil. Olive oil not only prevents sticking but also aids in caramelization, contributing to that irresistible smoky-sweet flavor. A sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper can be added at this stage to enhance their natural taste.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the oiled beet slices directly onto the grates. Close the grill lid to allow for even heat distribution and cook for approximately 8 minutes per side. The closed lid helps to create a convection effect, ensuring the beets cook through while developing beautiful char marks.
Throughout the cooking process, monitor the beets closely. To check for doneness, gently squeeze a slice with your grill tongs or pierce it with the tip of a knife. The beets should feel firm but yield slightly when squeezed or pierced, indicating they are tender but still retain a pleasant bite. If they are too hard, continue grilling for a few more minutes, checking frequently.
As each batch of beet slices finishes cooking, remove them from the grill and place them on a plate. Covering the plate loosely with foil will help to retain their heat and allow them to steam gently, finishing the cooking process and ensuring maximum tenderness.
When working with exceptionally large beets, such as the 1.5 to 2-pound varieties, you might find that they command a significant portion of your grill surface. This is perfectly fine when grilled beets are your main focus. However, if you’re preparing a full grilled meal, consider the space. For smaller, more typical-sized beets, there should be plenty of room for grilling other delightful accompaniments, allowing you to create a complete and cohesive grilled feast.
Delightful Serving Suggestions
Grilled beets are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. One of the simplest and most satisfying methods is to serve them as a straightforward side dish alongside your favorite grilled meats or other vegetables. Their robust flavor complements everything from steaks and chicken to grilled halloumi or tofu.
For a more elaborate presentation, incorporate grilled beets into a vibrant beet salad. They pair exceptionally well with creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts or pecans, fresh arugula, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. The earthy sweetness of the beets, combined with these complementary flavors and textures, creates an unforgettable salad that is both refreshing and substantial.
You can also chop them and add them to grain bowls, wraps, or even blend them into a creamy hummus for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying the sweet, smoky goodness of grilled beets. Give them a try – you really can’t “beet” this simple yet elegant dish!
Grilling Beets in Foil: A Convenient Alternative
While direct grilling yields those beautiful char marks, grilling beets in foil offers a fantastic, often easier, alternative, especially when dealing with smaller beets or when you prefer a less hands-on approach. This method is particularly convenient if you’ve cut your beets into smaller, bite-sized pieces or wedges, which can be tricky to manage directly on the grill grates. Instead of chasing countless little circles around the grill, simply wrap them securely in foil.
To create a robust foil packet, use two sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Lay one sheet down, place your cut-up beet pieces in the center, and then cover with the second sheet. Fold up all the edges tightly, crimping them several times to create a secure seal all around. This robust package will prevent any beets from falling out when you flip it and will ensure the steam is trapped inside, helping the beets cook perfectly.
Cooking times for foil-grilled beets will vary based on the size of your pieces and the intensity of your grill’s indirect heat. As a general guideline, aim for at least 20 minutes for bite-sized pieces and up to 30 minutes for thicker wedges. The key is to use indirect heat, placing the foil packet away from the direct flame. To promote even cooking, remember to flip the foil package approximately every 10 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the foil packet from the grill. It’s beneficial to let it rest for about ten minutes, undisturbed. This resting period allows the beets to steam further and finish cooking through, resulting in exceptionally tender and flavorful pieces. It also gives the packet a chance to cool slightly before handling.
One distinct difference with the foil method is that you won’t achieve the classic grill marks or the intense caramelization that direct grilling provides. The result is more akin to roasted beets, steamed on the grill, offering a softer texture and a slightly less smoky flavor profile. Another minor drawback is the inability to easily “squeeze” the beets to test for doneness, as they are encased in foil. However, with practice, you’ll learn to gauge doneness by the cooking time and the general tenderness. Regardless, after the grilling and steaming process, you’ll typically be rewarded with tender, delicious beet pieces, ready to enjoy. If ever in doubt, a quick finish in the microwave can ensure perfect tenderness!
Explore More Grilling Adventures
With your grill fired up and these fantastic grilled beets on the menu, why stop there? The versatility of grilling extends far beyond just beets. Expand your culinary horizons with these delicious ideas:
- For a tantalizing main course, try these flavorful Sweet and Sour Pork Kabobs. They are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, ideal for a summer barbecue.
- Elevate your burger game with a truly iconic Juicy Lucy. This cheese-stuffed burger is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fun twist on a classic.
- Discover the joy of Grilled Pizza. The smoky flavor and crispy crust are unlike any oven-baked pizza you’ve ever had – truly a must-try!
Need more incredible side dishes to complete your grilled meal? We’ve got you covered:
- Transform a staple with a perfectly tender and fluffy Grilled Baked Potato. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying side.
- For a healthy and flavorful green vegetable, try Grilled Broccoli in Foil. The foil packet ensures tender, perfectly cooked broccoli with minimal fuss.
📖 Recipe
Grilled Beets
10 mins
16 mins
Ingredients
- 1-2 lb beets
- 1 TB olive oil
Instructions
- Peel beets and cut into ¼ inch slices.
- Brush both cut edges with olive oil.
- Heat grill to medium and place the beets directly on the grate. Close the grill and cook for 8 minutes, then flip the slices to cook the other side for another 8 minutes.
- Check for doneness and adjust times as needed.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.