Grilled Artichokes are a smoky, savory, and slightly charred twist on a classic vegetable. Steamed until tender and then finished on the grill, these artichokes develop a rich, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with dips, sauces, or a simple squeeze of lemon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled artichokes are the perfect side dish or appetizer for spring and summer meals. They’re fresh, satisfying, and much easier to make than you might think. Grilling gives them a crisp texture and a deep, roasted taste that elevates their natural flavor. Plus, they’re fun to eat—making them a great conversation starter at cookouts or dinner parties.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh artichokes
- Lemon (for rubbing and steaming)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced or sliced)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: fresh herbs (parsley, thyme) or balsamic vinegar
- Dipping sauce (aioli, melted butter, or vinaigrette)
Directions
- Trim the artichokes: Cut off the top inch, snip the pointy leaf tips, and trim the stem.
- Halve the artichokes lengthwise and scoop out the fuzzy choke with a spoon.
- Rub all cut surfaces with lemon to prevent browning.
- Steam the artichokes for 20–25 minutes, or until a knife easily pierces the base.
- Remove from steam and let cool slightly.
- Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the artichokes cut-side down and grill for 5–7 minutes until char marks appear.
- Flip and grill the outer side for another 3–5 minutes.
- Serve hot or at room temperature with dipping sauce and a squeeze of lemon.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Steam time: 25 minutes
Grill time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: About 50 minutes
Variations
- Add chopped herbs to the olive oil before grilling for extra flavor.
- Drizzle grilled artichokes with balsamic glaze or lemon-garlic butter before serving.
- Use a spicy aioli or tzatziki as a dipping sauce.
- For a smoky touch, grill over wood chips or charcoal.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese right after grilling for a savory finish.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover artichokes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them on the grill, in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or in a skillet until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the grilled texture.
FAQs
Do I have to steam the artichokes before grilling?
Yes, steaming makes them tender; grilling alone won’t cook them through properly.
How do I know when the artichokes are done steaming?
A knife or skewer should easily pierce the base, and outer leaves should pull off without resistance.
Can I prep them in advance?
Yes, steam and refrigerate up to a day ahead. Brush with oil and grill just before serving.
What kind of grill should I use?
Any grill works—gas, charcoal, or grill pan. Charcoal adds more smoky flavor.
Can I use jarred or canned artichokes?
Not for this recipe. Fresh artichokes are essential for the grilling process.
What dip goes best with grilled artichokes?
Garlic aioli, lemon butter, hollandaise, or vinaigrette all work beautifully.
Are grilled artichokes healthy?
Yes, they’re high in fiber and antioxidants, and grilling uses minimal added fat.
What part of the artichoke do you eat?
Pull off the leaves and scrape the tender portion with your teeth. The heart (base) is fully edible.
Can I grill whole artichokes without halving?
It’s best to halve them for even cooking and easier choke removal.
How do I prevent them from drying out?
Brushing with olive oil before and during grilling helps keep them moist and flavorful.
Conclusion
Grilled Artichokes are a unique, flavorful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. With a tender heart and lightly charred leaves, they make a delicious starter, side, or main when paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or adding something special to dinner, this grilled version is sure to impress.
Print
Grilled Artichoke Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Tender and smoky grilled artichokes brushed with a garlic-lemon butter, perfect as an appetizer or a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 large artichokes
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: additional lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Trim the artichokes by cutting off the top third, snipping the pointy tips, and removing the small outer leaves at the base.
- Slice artichokes in half lengthwise and remove the fuzzy choke with a spoon.
- Rub cut sides with lemon to prevent browning.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add artichokes and boil for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain and pat dry.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Brush artichokes with the garlic butter mixture.
- Place artichokes cut side down on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until grill marks appear and edges are slightly charred.
- Remove from grill, brush with more garlic butter, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Choose firm, heavy artichokes with tightly packed leaves.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like aioli or herbed yogurt for extra flavor.
- Pre-boil artichokes in advance and refrigerate until ready to grill.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 artichoke
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg