With summer in full swing, a lot of cooking happens on the grill. But that doesn’t mean just meat. Many vegetables are both easy and delicious when grilled. One such is the beet.
Beet love
For many people, beets seem to fall into either the “love” or “hate” category. For me, I SUPER love (new category) beets (but not pickled, because I just don’t think you should do that to a perfectly good vegetable).
You’ve heard of sugar beets, right? They’re called that for a reason: Beets are naturally sweet, due to their high sugar content. But here’s the magic: sugar + heat = caramelization = scrumptious flavor produced by char grilling (think barbeque sauce, for example). That is the magic of grilled beets.
Finding a good sized beet for grilling
When I decided to grill beets, I purchased a small bunch – one medium and a couple smaller sized beets. They were delicious, but the smaller slices cooked very quickly. Too quickly. I walked away from the grill for a moment and bang! the smallest slices were toast. So I went to a different grocery store, hoping to find something “a little bigger.”
I think I succeeded!
The golden beet weighed 1 lb 3oz.
The red beet was a whopping 1 lb 14oz.
If you can only find (or prefer) smaller beets, and would like to grill them in foil, I have included directions for that method right after the recipe card below.
How to grill beets
Prep
Grilling beets is very easy. First, peel them.
Note: The red beet juice can be very messy and tends to stain, so I always wear gloves for this step. The golden beets don’t have this problem, which is probably why they’ve become so popular.
Once peeled, cut the beets into slices, about ¼ inch thick.
Grill the beet slices
Then brush each side of the slices with olive oil, and place on the hot grill. I like to cook these over medium heat on a closed grill for about 8 minutes per side. While cooking, give the slices a little squeeze with the grill tongs to check for “doneness”: either pierce with a knife or squeeze with your tongs. When cooked the slices will still be firm but “give” slightly when squeezed. As I remove the cooked slices, I put them on a plate and cover with foil to retain the heat allowing the pieces to cook through.
Now, with two ginormous sized beets like I had, it took up pretty much my entire grill surface. But with normal-sized beets there should be plenty of room for other yummies you will be making to go with those grilled beets.
Ready to serve
The two main ways I serve grilled beets is either as a simple side to go with other grilled food, or as part of a beet salad, which is delicious!
Give this a try. You can’t “beet” it!
Grilled Beets
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.
How to grill beets in foil
Sometimes, grilling beets in foil is an easier approach. I like to use foil when I have smaller beets and would rather just cut them into small pieces. It’s too much work to keep track of a ton of little circles on the grill LOL. Instead, cut the beets up into equal sized pieces and wrap in foil.
I make the cooking “package” with two sheets of foil. Place the cut-up beets in the center of one sheet, then cover with the other sheet. Fold up the edges a couple times to make a very secure edge, all the way around. You want to be able to flip it without all your beets falling out!
Cooking times will vary some according to the size of your pieces. In general, I cook for at least 20 minutes on indirect heat for bite-sized pieces and up to 30 for wedges. Flip the foil package at least every 10 minutes to promote even heating.
I like to remove the foil packet and let it rest for ten minutes to cool slightly. This also lets the beets steam/finish cooking undisturbed.
Of course, you won’t get the grill marks/caramelization on the beets when using foil. It’s more like you are making roasted beets on the grill. The only other disadvantage to this method is you can’t easily give a “squeeze” to test for doneness. However, after cooking on the grill and letting the beets steam a little, I typically have tender and delicious beet pieces, ready to eat. My backup plan? The microwave. 😀
More grilling ideas
While you’ve got the grill fired up, try some Sweet and Sour Pork Kabobs!
And to make your burgers a little more interesting, try a Juicy Lucy!
Plus, everyone should try Grilled Pizza. So good!
Need more sides? Try a grilled baked potato or grilled broccoli. Delish!
OMGGG! Beets are so good and so good for you! Plus, with this recipe, I bet it would be easy to replace this in a traditional hamburger! I am going to try that. Thank you for the recipe, Sula!
Love the idea of eating it like a burger! You’ll need to find a humungous one like I did!
Ok…so I want to like beets…this recipe may just help! Thank you!
It could work!!
Delicious! Nothing better than simple recipes.
Sometimes simple really is the best!
I love finding grilling recipes that aren’t just meat. There are so many things to grill but sometimes I forget that and just focus on traditional meats for grilling. Well, forget no more. Saving this recipe for later.
I think we all tend to do that. But veggies need some grill love too!! LOL
Came back for more! Thank you for the new recipe!
You’re welcome! 🙂
So easy, but yet so tasty. I love this recipe.
Yes, so perfect for summer!
Beet-tastic
Couldn’t have said it better myself 🙂
Good!
Exactly!
Can’t wait to try this with the grilling season approaching!
Yes we all need lots of options for grilling season!
I LOVE beetroot, so this recipe is right up my alley, yum!! It looks too easy also. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, I love it too – they are delicious this way!
Such a great side dish – love the flavour the grill gives the beets!
Yes, that caramelization is so amazing!
Grilled beets are perfect for a summer time cook out, so excited to try this!
Yes, and kind of fun to have that “different” factor, you know?
I do really like beets and grill quite a few other veggies but have never thought to grill beets – must give them a try!
If you like beets at all, give grilling a try!
Yum, beetroot is my favourite so this is right up my alley. I can see these being used on salads or on burgers. Can’t wait to try, thanks for sharing!
They’re my favorite too! I hope you enjoy some soon!
I love the flavour of grilled beets! Can’t wait to give this recipe a go!
If you like beets, you will LOVE them like this!
My husband and I love this recipe! It’s so delicious and tasty! Can’t wait to make this again!
It’s one of those things you can keep repeating without getting tired of it!
Lovvvve these grilled beets. This recipe is so easy…thanks for always bringing the AWESOME into my kitchen and to my grill 🤩
You are so welcome and thank you!
I never thought to grill beets but that’s such a great idea!! I have a salad recipe with roasted beets that would be even better with grilled beets instead….
Oh yes, they are fantastic in a beet salad!
Perfect for summer! Let’s grill!
Right?!?