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!
Big Trouble
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!
Sula
Love the idea of eating it like a burger! You'll need to find a humungous one like I did!
Melissa Latin
Ok...so I want to like beets...this recipe may just help! Thank you!
Sula
It could work!!
Amy Chung
Delicious! Nothing better than simple recipes.
Sula
Sometimes simple really is the best!
Jess
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.
Sula
I think we all tend to do that. But veggies need some grill love too!! LOL
Jess
Came back for more! Thank you for the new recipe!
Sula
You're welcome! 🙂
Andréa Janssen
So easy, but yet so tasty. I love this recipe.
Sula
Yes, so perfect for summer!
Kelsey Peterson
Beet-tastic
Sula
Couldn't have said it better myself 🙂
Matt
Good!
Sula
Exactly!
Debbie
Can’t wait to try this with the grilling season approaching!
Sula
Yes we all need lots of options for grilling season!
Adrianne
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.
Sula
Oh, I love it too - they are delicious this way!
Alexandra
Such a great side dish - love the flavour the grill gives the beets!
Sula
Yes, that caramelization is so amazing!
Charla
Grilled beets are perfect for a summer time cook out, so excited to try this!
Sula
Yes, and kind of fun to have that "different" factor, you know?
Caroline
I do really like beets and grill quite a few other veggies but have never thought to grill beets - must give them a try!
Sula
If you like beets at all, give grilling a try!
Adrianne
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!
Sula
They're my favorite too! I hope you enjoy some soon!
Chris Collins
I love the flavour of grilled beets! Can't wait to give this recipe a go!
Sula
If you like beets, you will LOVE them like this!
Beth
My husband and I love this recipe! It's so delicious and tasty! Can't wait to make this again!
Sula
It's one of those things you can keep repeating without getting tired of it!
Traci
Lovvvve these grilled beets. This recipe is so easy...thanks for always bringing the AWESOME into my kitchen and to my grill 🤩
Sula
You are so welcome and thank you!
Emmeline
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....
Sula
Oh yes, they are fantastic in a beet salad!
Sharon Chen
Perfect for summer! Let's grill!
Sula
Right?!?
Andra
Cooking them in foil sounds tempting but the grilled ones look so delicious. Can't wait to try this 😀
Sula
Beets are truly delicious from the grill!
Cooking with Carbs
My family loves beets. I've made them many different ways before but I've never grilled them. Now that it's warming up outside I will definitely try this on the BBQ. Thank you!
Sula
I hope you have the chance to try them soon!
Nora
What a lovely idea! Will be including these grilled beets on our next grill!
Sula
Oh yes they are an easy add on when you are already grilling!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
Roast beets are so delicious, I don't know why I've never though of grilling them before. Such a great idea!
Sula
It works so well!
Ildiko
I also fall into the super love category of beet people! I’ve boiled them and roasted them but have never tried grilling them. Definitely making these!!
Sula
Oh yes, anyone who loves beets really must try these!
Emily Flint
I never thought to grill beets before but now it makes so much sense! I can't wait to get that caramelization on mine. And, I just planted a ton of beets and I hope they get as big as the one in your picture!!
Sula
LOL I hope your beets grow to be enormous!! I don't think I could wait that long!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/
Beets are very much into the "love" category for me, and I grill them every single barbeque. I'll try your method, too!
Sula
Once you've tried them on the grill, you want to have them on repeat!