Pickled Beets Recipe by Alton Brown with a Vibrant Finish

Alton Brown’s pickled beets revolutionize the humble root vegetable with a symphony of tangy brilliance.

These crimson jewels burst with an unexpected flavor complexity that transforms ordinary meals into culinary adventures.

Brining magically coaxes out hidden dimensions of sweetness and sharpness from simple ingredients.

Delicate yet bold, these pickled beets add vibrant character to any plate they grace.

Home cooks can easily master this technique that elevates vegetables from bland to spectacular.

With just a few basic ingredients, you can craft a condiment that sparkles with gourmet sophistication.

Prepare to dazzle your taste buds and impress dinner guests with this game-changing recipe that turns everyday vegetables into extraordinary bites.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 100 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients in Alton Brown Pickled Beets

• Beets: Select firm, smooth-skinned beets without soft spots or blemishes.
• Shallots: Choose plump, tight-skinned shallots with no green sprouts.
• Rosemary: Pick fresh, vibrant green sprigs with strong aromatic fragrance.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil for richer flavor.

• Vinegar, Water: Select clear, distilled white vinegar for clean, crisp taste.
• Sugar: Use granulated white sugar for balanced sweetness.
• Salt: Pick kosher or sea salt for pure, clean mineral flavor.

• Glass Jars: Use clean, sterilized mason jars with tight-fitting lids for proper sealing.

Equipment List for Alton Brown Pickled Beets

• Oven: Needed to roast beets and vegetables at 400°F.
• Large bowl: Used for mixing ingredients and tossing vegetables.
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil: Helps create a protective pouch for roasting.
• Paring knife: Checks beet tenderness during roasting.
• 1-quart jars: Perfect for storing and pickling beets.
• 2-quart saucepan: Ideal for preparing pickling liquid.
• Cutting board: Helps slice beets and vegetables safely.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean, thin beet slices.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure liquid ingredients.
• Tongs: Great for handling hot vegetables and jars.
• Jar lids: Seals pickled beets for preservation.

How to Prepare Alton Brown Pickled Beets

Roast and Pickle Beets

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab some fresh beets, shallots, and rosemary, then drizzle with olive oil. Toss everything together so each piece gets a nice coating.

• Create a Flavor Packet

Wrap your veggie mix in a cozy aluminum foil pouch. Slide it into the oven and let the magic happen for about an hour. You’ll know it’s done when a knife glides through the beets like butter. Fish out the rosemary and shallots once finished.

• Prepare Your Preservation Jars

Gently peel the roasted beets and slice them into delicate rounds. Get your clean glass jars ready for the pickling adventure.

• Build Your Pickling Base

Whip up a zesty liquid by combining vinegar, sugar, salt, and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then take it off the heat.

• Assemble and Seal

Layer your beet slices and onions in the jars, then pour the hot pickling liquid over them. Seal the jars tight, trapping all those incredible flavors inside.

• Let the Flavors Dance

Let the jars cool down at room temperature for a couple of hours. Then tuck them into the refrigerator and let the beets soak up all the tangy goodness for at least three days. These pickled beets will hang out in your fridge, ready to jazz up any meal, for several weeks.

Tips to Improve Alton Brown Pickled Beets

• Roast with Precision: Choose fresh, firm beets without bruises or soft spots for the best pickling results. Smaller beets tend to be more tender and absorb flavors faster.
• Customize Your Spice Blend: Experiment with additional spices like whole cloves, star anise, or black peppercorns to create unique flavor profiles. Each spice will add depth and complexity to your pickled beets.
• Slice with Care: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform, thin beet slices that will pickle evenly and look beautiful in the jar. Consistent thickness ensures perfect texture and appearance.
• Storage and Serving Secrets: Store pickled beets in sterilized glass jars to maintain freshness and prevent contamination. These tangy treats pair wonderfully with charcuterie boards, salads, or as a zesty side dish for grilled meats.

Serving Ideas for Alton Brown Pickled Beets

• Serve with Rustic Charm: Spread these tangy pickled beets on a charcuterie board alongside creamy goat cheese and crisp crackers for a delightful appetizer experience.
• Pair with Hearty Mains: Top grilled chicken, roasted pork, or savory sandwiches with these zesty beets to add a vibrant burst of flavor and color to your meal.
• Create Salad Sparkle: Chop the pickled beets and toss into fresh green salads, grain bowls, or mix with feta cheese for a refreshing and nutritious side dish that pops with taste.
• Gift with Love: Package these homemade pickled beets in decorative jars with a ribbon, creating a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift that showcases your culinary skills.

Storing Alton Brown Pickled Beets

• Preserve Freshness: Store pickled beets in airtight glass jars, ensuring a tight seal to maintain quality and prevent contamination.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Keep jars in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, where temperature remains consistently cool and stable.
• Maximize Flavor Potential: Allow pickled beets to marinate for at least 3 days before enjoying, letting the ingredients meld and develop a rich, tangy taste.
• Extended Storage Solution: Properly sealed and refrigerated, these pickled beets will stay delicious for 4-6 weeks, providing a quick and tasty condiment for multiple meals.

Vibrant Alton Brown Pickled Beets Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Alton Brown’s pickled beets recipe brings tangy sweetness to classic preserving techniques. Quick refrigerator pickles deliver zesty flavor you can enjoy with salads, sandwiches, or as a simple side dish.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) beets, cleaned with 1-inch stem remaining
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 large shallots, peeled
• 2 cups (480 ml) tarragon chive vinegar
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• 2 tsps olive oil
• 1 ½ tsps kosher salt
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Roast Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F and gather whole beets, shallots, rosemary, and olive oil in a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly coating ingredients with oil.
2. Foil Packaging: Encase the vegetable medley in heavy-duty aluminum foil, creating a tightly sealed steam-friendly pouch that guarantees even roasting.
3. Beet Transformation: Roast the vegetable packet for one hour until beets surrender to a paring knife’s gentle pressure, indicating perfect tenderness.
4. Skin Removal: Once slightly cooled, peel beets using fingers or knife, revealing their vibrant interior.
5. Pickling Preparation: Slice peeled beets and onions into delicate, consistent rounds, layering them strategically within two sterilized glass jars.
6. Liquid Infusion: Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and water in a saucepan, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil before cascading the hot pickling liquid over the vegetable layers.
7. Preservation: Seal jars tightly, allow cooling at room temperature for two hours, then refrigerate for a minimum of three days to develop a rich, complex flavor profile.

Notes

• Roast with Care: Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a steam-sealed packet, preventing moisture loss and ensuring perfectly tender beets.
• Slice Precisely: Cut beets into thin, uniform rounds for consistent pickling and an appealing presentation that absorbs flavors evenly.
• Patience Pays Off: Allow pickled beets to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 days, giving time for flavors to develop and intensify.
• Temperature Matters: Boil pickling liquid thoroughly before pouring over beets to guarantee proper preservation and flavor infusion.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg