How Long To Cook Beets In Instant Pot

ByLily

Beets take considerably less time in an Instant Pot compared to traditional boiling or roasting methods. If you want to know exactly how long to cook beets in instant pot, the short answer is 15 to 25 minutes under high pressure, depending on their size. This guide covers everything you need, from prep to serving.

Why Use An Instant Pot For Beets

The Instant Pot traps steam and cooks beets evenly from the inside out. You dont need to watch a pot of boiling water or heat up your whole kitchen with the oven. The skins also slip off easily after cooking, which saves a lot of messy peeling time.

Another plus is flavor. Pressure cooking keeps the natural sugars and earthy taste locked in. You get tender, sweet beets every time with very little effort.

How Long To Cook Beets In Instant Pot

Cooking time depends mostly on the size of your beets and whether you cut them. Here is a simple time chart to follow.

Time Chart By Beet Size

  • Small beets (1 to 2 inches wide): 12 to 15 minutes
  • Medium beets (2 to 3 inches wide): 15 to 20 minutes
  • Large beets (3 inches or bigger): 20 to 25 minutes
  • Beets cut into chunks: 10 to 12 minutes

Always add 5 minutes for a natural pressure release. This step finishs the cooking gently and keeps the beets from getting tough.

Whole Beets Vs Cut Beets

Whole beets hold more moisture and stay firm. They need more time but are great for salads and slicing.

Cut beets cook faster and work well for soups, purees, and baby food. If you cut them, keep the pieces roughly the same size so they finish at the same time.

Step By Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect beets every time.

  1. Wash the beets well under cool water. Scrub off any dirt with a soft brush.
  2. Trim the leafy tops, but leave about one inch of stem. Do not cut the root tail. This stops the beets from bleeding juice.
  3. Place a trivet or steamer basket inside the Instant Pot inner pot.
  4. Add one cup of water to the bottom of the pot.
  5. Arrange the beets on the trivet in a single layer. Do not stack them too high.
  6. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
  7. Press the Pressure Cook or Manual button and set the time based on the chart above.
  8. When the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then turn the valve to venting to release any remaining steam.
  9. Open the lid away from your face. The steam is very hot.
  10. Let the beets cool for a few minutes. The skins will slide off easily with your hands or a paper towel.

Quick Release Or Natural Release

A full quick release can cause beet juice to spray out through the valve. That is why you should always do a 5 minute natural release first. After that, a quick release is safe and saves time.

Tips For Better Results

  • Use similar sized beets in one batch so they cook evenly.
  • Do not skip the trivet. Beets sitting in water get soggy and lose flavor.
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of orange juice or a bay leaf to the water.
  • If you want firmer beets for pickling, reduce the time by 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Larger beets may need a few extra minutes. Test with a knife. It should slide in with little resistance.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

One big mistake is cutting off the root tail before cooking. This makes the beets bleed and turn pale. Another is using too little water. You need at least one cup to build pressure properly.

Some people also forget the natural release. Skipping it can leave the center undercooked even if the outside feels soft. Give the pot those extra 5 minutes and you will notice the difference.

How To Store And Use Cooked Beets

Cooked beets keep in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Slice or cube them before freezing for easy use later.

Use your cooked beets in salads, wraps, hummus, or even smoothies. They add color and a mild sweet taste to many dishes.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how long to cook beets in an Instant Pot for any size. Small beets need about 15 minutes, medium ones take 20, and large ones can go up to 25. Always add a 5 minute natural release for the best texture. With these simple steps, you can make tender, tasty beets any night of the week.

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