Pickled beets are a versatile side dish that can complement a variety of meats. The tangy, sweet flavor of pickled beets pairs well with rich, fatty meats like beef, pork, lamb, and certain types of fish. The beets’ bright color also makes them an attractive addition to a meat-focused meal. When choosing what meat to serve with pickled beets, consider the preparation method and flavor profile of the dish. Heartier braised or roasted meats work well with the intensity of pickled beets. The beets’ acidity helps cut through the richness. Leaner meats like chicken or turkey breast can also pair nicely with pickled beets to add moisture and flavor. The key is balancing the meat’s texture with the pickled beet’s taste and texture.
Meat That Goes Well with Pickled Beets
Beef
Beef makes an excellent pairing for pickled beets. The rich, beefy flavor stands up to the tangy sweetness of the beets. Lean cuts of beef like filet mignon or sirloin work well since the acid in the pickled beets helps cut through the richness. Fattier cuts like ribeye, brisket, or short ribs also complement pickled beets nicely. For braised beef dishes like pot roast or beef bourguignon, adding some pickled beets to the plate brightens up the heavy stew. Grilled or roasted beef dishes also get a kick from the contrast of charred meat with the bright pickled beets. Even something as simple as sliced roast beef with pickled beets on bread makes a great combination.
Pork
The savory umami of pork is another excellent match for pickled beets. Pork chops, ham, bacon, or pork roasts pair deliciously when served alongside pickled beets. The sweet and sour punch of the pickled beets cuts through fattier cuts of pork like shoulder or belly. Leaner pork loin gets a boost of moisture and flavor contrast from the beets. Pork goes well with stronger pickling spices like clove, allspice, mace, and star anise. So pickled beets with these spices complement pork especially well. Braised pork dishes, pork medallions, stuffed pork chops, or even just a roasted pork loin all taste wonderful with pickled beets.
Lamb
Lamb is another savory, robustly flavored meat that pairs beautifully with pickled beets. The tangy sweetness helps to balance the rich, earthy taste of lamb. Leg of lamb, lamb chops, lamb shanks, rack of lamb, lamb stew – they all get a pop of flavor when served with pickled beets on the side. Lamb goes well with spicy pickling spice blends using hot peppers, turmeric, coriander and warming spices. Pickled beets made this way can really enhance the flavor of lamb.
Chicken and Turkey
Lean poultry meats like chicken and turkey breast also complement pickled beets nicely. The moisture from the brining liquid helps keep typically mild chicken and turkey from drying out. Roast chicken or turkey with pickled beets makes a classic combination. Grilled chicken breasts or turkey cutlets go well with a tangy beet slaw as a topping. Even gentle poaching or pan searing get a boost of flavor when the poultry is served over a bed of pickled beets. For darker meat, the sweet and sour punch helps to contrast the richer flavor. Chicken thighs or legs pair nicely with pickled beets for maximum taste and texture contrast.
Fish
Pickled beets can also pair surprisingly well with certain types of fish. The tangy sweetness helps to accent the delicate flavor of mild white fish like cod, halibut, flounder or tilapia. The vibrant color of the beets also livens up simply prepared fish fillets. Salmon and tuna hold up well to the intensity of pickled beets too. The oily richness of the fish is nicely offset by the acidity of the beets. Cold pickled beets paired with hot grilled or pan seared fish make an excellent combination. Pickled beets also complement smoked fish like trout or mackerel. The smoky flavor isn’t overpowered by the sweet, vinegary beets.
Serving Suggestions for Pickled Beets and Meat
Here are some recommended ways to serve pickled beets with various meats:
As a Condiment
Serve pickled beets as a condiment or garnish directly on top of, or alongside the meat. The beets add pops of flavor, acidity, texture and color contrast.
- Chilled pickled beets on a roast beef sandwich
- Pickled beet slices atop grilled salmon
- Diced pickled beets as a garnish for pork medallions
- Pickled beet strips on a charcuterie board with sliced meats
As a Salad
Incorporate pickled beets into meat-focused main dish salads. The beets add sweet tanginess and color to balance hearty meats.
- Pickled beet, chicken and kale salad
- Lamb and pickled beet salad with mint
- Roast beef and pickled beet salad
- Grilled salmon salad with pickled beets
As a Side Dish
Serve pickled beets as an accompaniment to roasted, grilled, braised or pan seared meats. The beets pair as an acidic counterpoint to richness.
- Roasted chicken with pickled beets
- Braised brisket with pickled beet slaw
- Seared tuna over beet, carrot and onion pickle
- Grilled pork chops with quick pickled beets
Incorporated into the Braise or Stew
Add pickled beets to braise liquids or stews to brighten and balance the dish.
- Beef bourguignon with pickled beets
- Moroccan lamb tagine with pickled beets
- Pork shoulder braise with pickled beets
Pickling Methods for Beets to Serve with Meat
There are many ways to pickle beets to get the right flavor, texture and color to complement different meats.
Types of Pickling
- Quick pickling – Beets pickled in a vinegar brine for just 1-3 days max. Retains crunch.
- Refrigerator pickling – Beets pickled in brine and stored chilled. Retains some crispness.
- Canned pickling – Beets pickled using a hot water canning method. Very soft texture.
- Fermented pickling – Beets lactic acid fermented and stored in brine. Tangy, probiotic-rich.
Pickle Ingredients
- Vinegar – Cider, white wine, red wine, rice wine, balsamic all work.
- Water – For diluting vinegar brine to preferred acidity.
- Salt – To draw out moisture and crisp beets.
- Sugar – To balance flavor and tenderize.
- Spices – Pickling spice blends, mustard seed, coriander, bay leaf.
Beet Prep Tips
- Peel beets before pickling for more vibrant color.
- Cut into uniform pieces for even pickling.
- Blanch or roast beets first to intensify color.
- Use baby beets for quick pickles with tender texture.
Complementary Sides for Pickled Beets and Meat
Beyond the pickled beets themselves, certain sides pair nicely to make a cohesive meal.
Starchy Sides
Starchy sides like potatoes, rice or grains help soak up meat juices and contrast pickled beets:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted potatoes
- Rice pilaf
- Polenta
- Barley
- Quinoa
Bright Vegetables
Fresh, crisp vegetables add nutrition and brightness:
- Mixed greens
- Green beans
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
Earthy Mushrooms
Meaty mushrooms like:
- Cremini
- Portobello
- Shiitake
- Oyster
- Maitake
Recipe Ideas for Meat and Pickled Beets
Here are some recipe ideas combining meat with pickled beets:
Pickled Beet and Beef Stew
Hearty chunky stew with pickled beets added for tang and color contrast. Pairs well with crusty bread.
Pork Medallions with Pickled Beet Relish
Lean pork medallions pan seared and served over a quick relish of pickled beets, onion and dill.
Lamb Kofta Skewers with Pickled Beets
Grilled lamb kofta skewers paired with a quick refrigerator pickled beet raita.
Chicken and Pickled Beet Salad
Mixed greens with roasted chicken, diced pickled beets, avocado, goat cheese and pumpkin seeds.
Seared Salmon with Fermented Pickled Beet Slaw
Pan seared salmon served over tangy probiotic-rich slaw of shredded fermented pickled beets, carrots and red cabbage.
Braised Short Ribs with Pickled Beet Puree
Beef short ribs braised until fall off the bone tender, served with a vibrant puree of cooked pickled beets.
Pickled Beet and Meat Pairing Guide
This table summarizes top pickled beet and meat pairings along with recommended pickling methods:
| Meat | Beet Pickling Method |
|---|---|
| Beef Brisket | Refrigerator pickles |
| Pork Shoulder | Quick pickles |
| Leg of Lamb | Fermented pickles |
| Chicken Breast | Canned pickles |
| Salmon Fillet | Quick pickles |
Conclusion
Pickled beets offer a sweet, tangy contrast to rich and savory meats like beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, and certain fish like salmon. The vibrant color also livens up the plate. Quick pickles, canned, refrigerated, and fermented pickled beets all pair deliciously with meats of all kinds. Pickle beets using vinegar, salt and spices to draw out moisture for maximum flavor and texture. Serve pickled beets as a condiment, salad, or side dish with meat. Or add them directly to braises and stews. With so many options for pickling and pairing, pickled beets are a versatile accompaniment to just about any meat.