Go Back
+ servings
Colored purplish red from the beets, quick Pickled Beets with Mustard Seeds ino a glass jar on a cutting board.

Quick Pickled Beets and Mustard Seeds

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
The sweet, earthy beets meet the bold kick of mustard seeds in every delightful bite
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Refrigerator time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 20 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 35 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sauce Pan
  • 1 Mandolin or sharp knife
  • 1 16 or 24oz sanitized jar and lid

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium sized beets, peeled
  • 1⅓ cups vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tbsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • optional: honey or sugar to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Beets

  • Peel and slice or wedge the beets. Use a mandoline for even slices or cut them into uniform pieces by hand.

Step 2: Cook the Beets (Optional)

  • For a softer texture, place the beets in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and let cool slightly. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can skip this step and use raw beets.

Step 3: Prepare the Pickling Liquid

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.

Step 4: Add the Spices

  • Add the mustard seeds, black peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaf (if using) to the pickling liquid. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Pickle the Beets

  • Place the cooked or raw beet slices into a clean jar or container. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets, ensuring they are fully submerged.

Step 6: Cool and Refrigerate

  • Allow the beets to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the jar or container and refrigerate. The beets will be ready to eat after at least 2 hours, but they taste even better after a day or two in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 35kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 317mgPotassium: 121mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg
Keyword 5-ingredient
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!