Easy Homemade Alton Brown Pickled Beets Recipe / Sweet & Tangy

Alton Brown’s pickled beets transform ordinary root vegetables into a culinary masterpiece that tingles taste buds with unexpected zest.

These vibrant burgundy gems carry a complex flavor profile that dances between earthy sweetness and sharp tanginess.

Professional chefs and home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can create such remarkable results.

Pickling techniques elevate humble vegetables into something extraordinary, turning mundane side dishes into conversation starters.

Brine ingredients work magic, infusing deep flavors that complement salads, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards.

The preparation requires minimal effort but delivers maximum gastronomic satisfaction.

Each bite promises a burst of brightness that awakens your palate: get ready to revolutionize your approach to vegetables.

Why Alton Brown’s Pickled Beets Are a Bold Choice

• Roast and Pickle like a Pro: This recipe transforms ordinary beets into a gourmet delicacy through a clever two-step process of roasting and pickling, giving home cooks a professional-level technique that's surprisingly simple to master.
• Flavor Explosion in a Jar: The combination of rosemary-infused roasted beets, tangy vinegar, and subtle sweetness creates a complex taste profile that elevates these pickled beets from a basic side dish to a memorable culinary experience.
• Meal Prep Magic: With just over an hour of active cooking and a hands-off pickling period, these beets become a versatile condiment that can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to several weeks, making meal planning a breeze.
• Nutrition Packed Preservation: Roasting locks in the beets' natural nutrients while pickling extends their shelf life, offering a delicious way to enjoy a vegetable rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals with a gourmet twist.

Ingredients for Alton Brown’s Pickled Beets

• Beets: Sweet root vegetable with earthy flavor, preferably medium-sized and similar in shape for even roasting.
• Shallots: Delicate onion variety that adds subtle sweetness and depth to the pickling process.
• Rosemary: Fresh herb that provides aromatic and herbal notes during roasting.
• Olive Oil: Helps to coat vegetables and enhance roasting process with rich flavor.
• White Vinegar: Provides sharp acidic base for pickling and preserving beets.
• Sugar: Balances vinegar's acidity and adds subtle sweetness to the pickle.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps in preservation.
• Water: Dilutes vinegar and helps create balanced pickling liquid.
• Onion: Adds extra layer of sharpness and texture when layering with beets in jars.

Pickled Beets in a Few Easy Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients

• Beets
• Shallots
• Rosemary
• Olive oil

Toss all ingredients together until well combined.

Step 2: Roast the Vegetables

Create a heavy-duty aluminum foil pouch and cover the vegetable mixture. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a paring knife slides easily into the beets. Remove and drain the rosemary and shallots.

Step 3: Prepare the Beets

Carefully peel the roasted beets and slice them thinly. Prepare 2 clean 1-quart jars.

Step 4: Layer the Pickled Beets

Alternately layer sliced beets and onions in the prepared jars.

Step 5: Create the Pickling Liquid

• Vinegar
• Sugar
• Salt
• Water

Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.

Step 6: Finish the Pickling Process

Pour the hot pickling liquid over the layered beets in the jars. Seal the jars tightly with lids.

Step 7: Cool and Marinate

Allow the jars to cool at room temperature for 2 hours. Transfer to the refrigerator and let the beets marinate for at least 3 days before serving. The pickled beets will keep in the refrigerator for several weeks.

Smart Tips for Tangy Beets

• Select Peak-Ripened Produce: Grab firm, vibrant beets with smooth skin and bright, perky greens for maximum flavor intensity.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp mandoline or chef's knife to create uniform, thin beet rounds that absorb pickling liquid evenly.
• Master Jar Technique: Wiggle out air bubbles by gently tapping the jar and ensure lids are twisted securely to lock in tangy goodness.
• Wait and Reward: Let pickled beets mellow in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to dance and develop a complex, zesty profile.
• Clean and Prep Smart: Scrub beets thoroughly, trim ends, and work on a dedicated cutting surface to prevent color transfer and maintain kitchen hygiene.

How to Store Pickled Beets Safely

• Mason Jar Method: Transfer cooled pickled beets into clean, sterilized mason jars with tight-fitting lids. Press beets gently to remove air pockets and ensure maximum flavor preservation. Glass containers prevent flavor transfer and maintain crisp texture.
• Vacuum Sealing Method: Use a vacuum sealer to remove excess air, preventing oxidation and extending storage life. Pack beets in vacuum-sealed bags, removing all air to prevent bacterial growth. Ideal for long-term preservation without compromising taste or nutrition.
• Temperature Control Method: Store pickled beets consistently at 40°F or below in the refrigerator. Place jars on middle shelves away from temperature fluctuations near the door. Check seals weekly and consume within one month for optimal flavor and safety.

Flavor Variations to Try with Pickled Beets

• Citrus Splash Pickled Beets: Add orange and lemon zest to the pickling liquid for a bright, tangy flavor profile that complements the earthy beets. The citrus notes will provide a refreshing twist to the traditional recipe.
• Spicy Herb Infusion: Incorporate red pepper flakes and fresh thyme into the roasting process. The heat and herbal elements will create a more complex and adventurous pickle that tingles the taste buds.
• Asian-Inspired Pickled Beets: Replace standard vinegar with rice vinegar and add ginger, star anise, and a touch of soy sauce to the pickling liquid. This variation brings an unexpected eastern flavor profile to the classic beet preservation method.
• Smoky Maple Beet Pickles: Mix in a tablespoon of maple syrup and a dash of smoked paprika during roasting. The sweet and smoky combination will give the pickled beets a rich, nuanced taste that elevates the original recipe.

Wrap-Up on Alton Brown’s Pickled Beet Recipe

Alton Brown’s pickled beets showcase culinary artistry through simple, elegant techniques.

Roasted beets mingle with delicate shallots, creating a symphony of tangy and earthy flavors.

Kitchen enthusiasts discover an irresistible preservation method that elevates humble vegetables into gourmet delights.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, promising a memorable palate experience.

Homemade pickles become more than mere condiments – they transform into conversation-starting culinary masterpieces.

Sharing this recipe connects passionate cooks with timeless preservation traditions that honor seasonal produce’s natural beauty.

Hungry for more?

Bookmark, share, and comment to spread pickled perfection across your culinary community!

Alton Brown Pickled Beets Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s pickled beets deliver a tangy, sweet symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Crimson vegetables bathed in a zesty vinegar blend will add sparkling complexity to salads, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards you’re sure to savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) medium beets, cleaned with 1-inch stem remaining
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 large shallots, peeled

Seasoning and Spices:

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ cup (100 grams) sugar
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) tarragon chive vinegar
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
2. Combine whole fresh beets, finely chopped shallots, fresh rosemary sprigs, and extra virgin olive oil in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
3. Wrap the vegetable mixture securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil, creating a sealed pouch that allows steam to circulate while roasting.
4. Roast the vegetable packet in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until beets become tender enough that a sharp paring knife slides through effortlessly.
5. Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for safe handling.
6. Carefully peel the roasted beets, removing the skin using a paring knife or your fingers.
7. Slice the peeled beets into thin, uniform rounds using a sharp kitchen knife.
8. Layer the sliced beets and thinly sliced onions alternately in two clean 1-quart (946 milliliters) glass jars.
9. In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and water, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
10. Immediately pour the hot pickling liquid over the layered beets and onions, ensuring complete coverage.
11. Seal the jars tightly with clean lids, allowing them to cool at room temperature for 2 hours.
12. Transfer the sealed jars to the refrigerator and let them marinate for a minimum of 3 days before serving to develop full flavor.

Notes

• Refrigeration transforms raw, earthy beets into tangy, vibrant pickled delights that burst with complex flavors.
• Homemade pickling lets you control salt, sweetness, and spice intensity for a personalized condiment.
• Glass jars with tight-fitting lids prevent air exposure and preserve the crisp texture of your pickled beets.
• Seasonal beets from local farmers or your garden provide the most robust and authentic taste profile.
• Slicing beets uniformly ensures each piece absorbs the pickling liquid evenly and looks visually appealing.
• Vinegar’s acidity helps break down beet fibers, creating a tender yet crunchy pickle with deep, rich undertones.
• Experimenting with different vinegar types like apple cider or white wine can dramatically change the final flavor.
• Cool storage in the refrigerator allows pickling spices to meld and develop a more nuanced, sophisticated taste.
• Clean utensils and sterilized jars prevent unwanted bacterial growth and extend the pickle’s shelf life.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly when creating the pickling liquid, ensuring balanced seasoning.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg