A beet marinade is a great way to infuse beets with flavor before roasting, pickling, or adding them to salads. Here’s a versatile and flavorful beet marinade recipe that you can use for various preparations:
Basic Beet Marinade
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar for a sharper taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme or rosemary.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness or acidity if needed by adding more honey or vinegar.
-
Marinate the Beets:
- If you’re using raw beets, peel and cut them into slices or cubes. Alternatively, you can use cooked beets.
- Place the beets in a bowl or a zip-top bag.
- Pour the marinade over the beets and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
-
Use the Marinated Beets:
- After marinating, you can roast, grill, or simply enjoy the beets as they are in salads or as a side dish.
Additional Variations
- Spicy Beet Marinade: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Citrus Beet Marinade: Substitute the balsamic vinegar with orange juice or lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
- Herbed Beet Marinade: Add fresh chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil for a different flavor profile.
Tips
- Storage: Marinated beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Roasting: If roasting marinated beets, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the beets for 30-40 minutes, or until tender. Toss them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
This beet marinade enhances the natural sweetness of the beets and adds a layer of complexity to their flavor. Enjoy experimenting with different variations to suit your taste!
