Grilled Artichokes are delicious and so easy! Get the how-to on artichoke grilling below, plus my favorite sauce to serve them with.
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Growing up, we spent a couple of weeks every summer on the California’s Central Coast. As we’d pull off the Pacheco Pass on Highway 152, my grandparents would declare it was time to play “Name That Crop.” We’d drive for the next hour with my cousins and I screaming in the back seat: “Strawberries!” “Brussels Sprouts!” “Spinach!” “ARTICHOKES!” To this day, I swear I can spot an artichoke plant from a half-mile out.
California grows 99% of the artichokes produced in the United States. Almost all U.S. artichokes are produced in the central part of the state's coastline.
Artichokes are hand harvested. Crews march through the field steadily cutting the mature bulbs and tossing them into huge fabric backpacks held open by metal frames. Harvesters have to know what they are looking for: under ripe artichokes won’t have much edible meat, and overripe globes will be purple and woody in the center. Crews will walk through the same field three or four times. That’s after someone has walked through first to cut long-stemmed artichokes for florists and high-end restaurants.
I know some folks choose to serve artichokes with mayonnaise or aioli, and they are welcome to. In my opinion, red pepper vinaigrette is the best partner for grilled artichokes – I’d probably pour it on a 2×4 and eat it if I wouldn’t get splinters in my teeth. It’s also my favorite salad dressing, so don’t be afraid to make a double batch and show the lettuce in your fridge some red pepper love.
Once you've mastered grilling artichokes, try my friend Nicole's Whole Roasted Artichoke recipe! Try this CA Grown stuffed artichoke too!
PRO TIP: you can steam the artichokes in advance and keep in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Easy And Delicious Grilled Artichokes Recipe
Ingredients
For the artichokes:
- 2-4 large artichokes
- 2 lemons
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Kosher salt & ground black pepper
- Olive oil
For the vinaigrette:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large shallot, minced
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 4 Tbsp. cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 Tbsp. honey
- ¼ cup finely chopped basil
- 2 large roasted red bell peppers, seeded and peeled
- ½ cup olive oil
Instructions
For the grilled artichokes:
- Fill a large bowl with cold water. Squeeze the juice from one lemon into the water, and throw the rind in too. Then cut the artichokes in half lengthwise, clean out the centers and place halves into the bowl of lemon water to prevent them from turning brown.
- In a large steamer over salted water, steam artichoke halves for 20-25 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare basting mixture of garlic, juice of the other lemon, and olive oil. Preheat grill.
- Brush the artichokes with a coating of the garlic dip, and place them on the preheated grill. Grill the artichokes for 5 to 10 minutes, basting with dip and turning frequently, until the tips are a little charred. Serve immediately, or hold at room temperature for up to an hour.
For the vinaigrette:
- Add peppers to food processor and puree. Stir in garlic, shallot, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, basil and spices; pulse to combine. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil until emulsified.
- Makes 2 cups
Notes
Nutrition
photo by James Collier
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Artichokes:
Yes, but the results are are much better if you boil or steam first.
Yes, artichokes are healthy food, full of fiber and minerals.
Grilled artichokes can be served as an appetizer or side dish, and these can be eaten room temperature, chilled or warm. They are delicious with a side of dressing or melted butter.
Nicole says
Grilled artichokes are my favorite!!
K.C. Cornwell says
Mine too!