Easy Pickled Beets Recipe May 22, 2026 by HealthyDiet RecipeWorld Ingredients 4 medium beets 1 cup vinegar 1 cup water 1/3 cup sugar 1 tsp salt Step-by-Step Recipe Step 1: Prepare the Beets Wash the beets very well to remove dirt. Cut off the tops and bottoms. Place them in a pot and cover with water. Step 2: Cook the Beets Boil for about 35–45 minutes until fork tender. Drain and let them cool slightly. Rub off the skins using your hands or a paper towel. The skins should slide off easily after boiling. Step 3: Slice the Beets Cut the beets into rounds or cubes. Place them into clean glass jars. Step 4: Make the Pickling Liquid In a saucepan, add vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir and heat for 3–4 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely. Step 5: Fill the Jars Pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets until fully covered. Close the jars tightly with lids. Step 6: Chill & Serve Let the jars cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating for the best flavor. Serve cold with salads, sandwiches, or grilled meals. Quick Q&A How long do pickled beets last? They stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Can I make them less sweet? Yes! Reduce the sugar to your taste. Do I need to peel the beets first? No, peeling after boiling is much easier.