15 Genius Ways to Use Leftover Pickled Beet Juice
Use leftover pickled beet juice in salad dressings, marinades, or as a vibrant natural dye for foods and crafts, enhancing flavor and color.
Don’t pour that vibrant pink liquid down the drain! Pickled beet juice is packed with flavor and nutrients. From salad dressings to cocktails, discover creative ways to transform this tangy brine into delicious recipes.
1. Make a Vibrant Salad Dressing
Pickled beet juice makes an excellent base for vinaigrettes. Its natural sweetness balances acidic notes perfectly.
Basic Pickled Beet Vinaigrette
Whisk together:
- 1/4 cup pickled beet juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
This dressing pairs wonderfully with leafy green salads featuring goat cheese, walnuts, and fresh fruit.
2. Create Pickled Pink Onions
Transform ordinary onions into a stunning condiment:
- Thinly slice red onions
- Pack into a clean jar with 1-2 sliced beets
- Cover completely with leftover beet juice
- Refrigerate for 24-48 hours
These make a beautiful topping for tacos, burgers, or grain bowls.
3. Flavorful Marinades
The acidity in beet juice tenderizes meats while adding depth of flavor.
Beet Juice Steak Marinade
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Pickled beet juice | 1/2 cup |
Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
Rosemary | 1 tbsp |
Marinate steaks for 2-4 hours before grilling.
4. Unique Cocktail Mixer
Bartenders are using pickled beet juice to create stunning drinks. Try a “Pickled Pink Martini”:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz pickled beet juice
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a pickled beet slice.
5. Flavor-Boosted Grains
Replace some cooking liquid with beet juice when preparing:
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Farro
- Couscous
The grains absorb the flavor and turn a beautiful pink hue. Pair with fresh vegetable juices for a complete meal.
6. Quick Pickled Vegetables
Use leftover juice to pickle:
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Green beans
According to Blythe’s Blog, the brine can be reused multiple times for successive batches of pickles.
7. Nutrient-Packed Smoothies
Add 1-2 tablespoons to fruit smoothies for:
- Natural sweetness
- Probiotic benefits
- Vibrant color
Pair with citrus fruits to balance the earthy flavor.
8. Flavorful Soup Base
Use beet juice to add depth to:
- Borscht
- Vegetable soups
- Cold gazpacho
The acidity brightens flavors while the color makes dishes visually appealing.
9. Creative Ice Cubes
Freeze beet juice in ice cube trays to:
- Chill drinks without dilution
- Add to water for color
- Use in future recipes
10. Homemade Mustard
Add 1-2 tablespoons to mustard recipes for extra tang and pink color.
11. Fermented Beet Kvass
This traditional probiotic drink is made by:
- Combining beet juice with water (1:1 ratio)
- Adding 1 tsp salt per quart
- Fermenting 2-3 days at room temperature
12. Vibrant Deviled Eggs
Soak hard-boiled eggs in beet juice overnight for pink exteriors. The vinegar in the brine also makes peeling easier.
13. Flavorful Braising Liquid
Use when cooking:
- Short ribs
- Chicken thighs
- Root vegetables
14. Unique Bread Dough
Replace some liquid in bread recipes with beet juice for pink-hued loaves.
15. Homemade Food Coloring
Use the natural pigments to color:
- Frostings
- Pasta dough
- Play dough for kids