Orange Pickled Beets
Bright and tangy orange pickled beets combine sweet, tart, and aromatic flavors, making a vibrant side dish or garnish perfect for salads and festive meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil sugar, white cider vinegar, tarragon vinegar, orange juice, and whole cloves until the syrup becomes quite thick. Remove the cloves.
- Use a small round cutter to cut the beet slices into tiny circles.
- Let the beet slices stand in the syrup for 48 hours, then drain and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange zest to the syrup while boiling. If you don't have tarragon vinegar, white wine vinegar can be a suitable substitute. Ensure the beets are sliced evenly for uniform soaking in the syrup. If using fresh beets, boil and peel them first before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
These Orange Pickled Beets make a vibrant addition to salads or as a delightful side dish. They pair beautifully with roasted meats, especially chicken or pork. For a unique twist, serve alongside Chicken Livers In Mushrooms for a rich, contrasting flavor experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pickled beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors will continue to develop over time. To serve, simply drain and enjoy cold; there’s no need to reheat as they are best served chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Pickled Beets contains roughly 173 calories, with 4g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh beets instead of canned?
Yes, fresh beets can be used! Boil them until tender, then peel and slice before adding to the syrup. This will enhance the flavor and texture of your pickled beets.
How long do the pickled beets need to sit?
The beets should sit in the syrup for at least 48 hours for optimal flavor absorption. The longer they sit, the more intense the flavors will be, so feel free to let them marinate for several days.
What can I do with leftover pickling syrup?
The leftover syrup is packed with flavor! Consider using it as a salad dressing base or drizzling it over roasted vegetables. It can also be used to marinate other vegetables or meats for a tangy twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).