Chinese Beets

Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate
A tangy and sweet pickled beet side dish with a glossy, savory-sweet glaze
Chinese Beets recipe image

This unique side dish transforms simple beets into a vibrant, glossy treat with a distinct sweet-and-sour profile. Inspired by mid-20th-century American-Chinese cuisine, it combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the sharp tang of vinegar and the umami depth of ketchup. The addition of cloves and a hint of vanilla creates a complex, aromatic flavor that is both comforting and surprising. The cornstarch creates a light, syrupy coating that clings to the tender beet slices. Perfect as a palate-cleansing accompaniment to rich meats or as a nostalgic vegetable side for family dinners. It’s quick to prepare using canned beets for convenience, making it an easy weeknight option that still feels special.

Chinese Beets

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 Calories: 671.0

Description

This unique side dish transforms simple beets into a vibrant, glossy treat with a distinct sweet-and-sour profile. Inspired by mid-20th-century American-Chinese cuisine, it combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the sharp tang of vinegar and the umami depth of ketchup. The addition of cloves and a hint of vanilla creates a complex, aromatic flavor that is both comforting and surprising. The cornstarch creates a light, syrupy coating that clings to the tender beet slices. Perfect as a palate-cleansing accompaniment to rich meats or as a nostalgic vegetable side for family dinners. It&# 226;ÂÂs quick to prepare using canned beets for convenience, making it an easy weeknight option that still feels special.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Drain the canned beets, reserving exactly 1 1/2 cups of the liquid.
  2. Place the drained beets in a medium saucepan.
  3. Add the reserved beet liquid, sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, cloves, ketchup, and vanilla extract to the saucepan.
  4. Whisk the mixture thoroughly to dissolve the sugar and cornstarch.
  5. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture bubbles and thickens into a glossy glaze.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving or refrigerating.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 671.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12.6g20%
Saturated Fat 1.7g9%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 662.3mg28%
Total Carbohydrate 133.6g45%
Dietary Fiber 18.5g74%
Sugars 107.4g
Protein 10.7g22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: beets, pickled, chinese-style, side-dish, sweet-and-sour, vinegar, ketchup, cornstarch, cloves, vanilla, canned-beets, quick-recipe, vegan, nostalgic, glazed-vegetables, easy-dinner
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