Learning how to grill artichokes is easy, and will make this somewhat daunting vegetable one you’ll love to cook.
Whenever I add the words smoky or grilled to a recipe title, it automatically sounds delicious.
Though these words aren’t necessarily interchangeable, the they often go hand in hand. When you grill food it adds a nice char, and with the char, comes smoky flavors.
Using a grill, is almost like adding another ingredient.
One of my favorite things about summer is entertaining outside. Grilling becomes social — I love when everyone’s hanging out and talking with me while I’m doing my thing at the grill.
Artichokes might be one of those foods that are daunting for you to think about grilling, or maybe cooking in any fashion.
When I first worked with artichokes I didn’t know what was going on with them. They’re a flower, they have a heart, there’s a spiny part you can’t eat, you have to “trim” them — what is going on!?
Before we get into all of that, take a moment to simply admire the beauty of this unopened flower bud (which is what an artichoke is).
How to Grill Artichokes . . .
How to Grill Artichokes
Learning how to grill artichokes is easy, and will make this somewhat daunting vegetable one you'll love to cook.
Materials
- artichoke(s)
Instructions
- Wash the artichokes and then slice them in half, lengthwise.
- Next, cut the tough portion of the stems off and use kitchen scissors to snip off all of the pointy tips. (This makes for a pretty presentation and and a better eating experience.)
- Now use a paring knife and a small spoon to remove the chokes. You’ll cut almost a “V” shape around the thistles (the “choke”) at the bottom, just above the heart. Use the spoon to gently scrape any thistles that remain after you’ve used the knife.
- Put a steamer into a pot with the water level just below it. Over high heat, bring the water to a boil and then add the artichokes to the rack, sprinkle them with sea salt, and cover. Steam until they’re tender — to see if they’re done, pull a leaf from close to the center of the leaves. If is easily pulls off, they’re done. (Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the artichokes. The artichokes pictured here are quite small and took about 15 minutes.)
- Preheat your stove-top or outdoor grill and drizzle olive oil over a large baking sheet. Place the artichokes, cut side down, on the oiled baking sheet. Flip them over and season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. (Without using too much oil, be sure they are well coated.) Once the grill is very hot, place the artichokes, cut side down, on the grill. You should hear a sizzling sound — if you don’t, it’s not hot enough. Wait for the sizzle! Grill until the artichokes are nicely charred, 1 to 2 minutes.
Notes
Don’t cut the artichokes until you’re ready to get started as they’ll discolor. If they’ll be sitting out for any period of time, squeeze lemon juice over them to avoid this.
Recipes with artichokes:
- Ultimate Stuffed Artichoke Recipe
- Vegetarian Cassoulet Recipe
- Roasted Purple Artichoke Salad
- Breaded Artichoke Hearts
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Judy at Two Broads Abroad says
Great pictures, great recipes, Thanks so much.
valentina says
Thank YOU, Judy! xo
Sue/the view from great island says
Oh boy do these look incredible—what gorgeous grill marks!
valentina says
Thanks so much, Sue! 🙂
Deb says
Our local artichoke season is in full swing! This recipe would be a perfect addition to our grilling this holiday weekend!
valentina says
I love seeing artichokes everywhere these days! 🙂
Frank says
What a great tutorial, Valentina. I love grilling and I love artichokes, but I’ve never actually grilled an artichoke! Now that I know how, I may give it a try. And I’ve got three artichokes in the fridge at the moment..
Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man! says
I’ve never made artichokes, certainly never on the grill. I love to eat them, though – so I can’t explain to you why I’ve never made them!
David @ Spiced says
You make an excellent point about the grill practically being another ingredient – I love that description! We grill out all the time during the warmer months, but I can’t recall ever grilling artichokes. I need to try that sometime soon!!
valentina says
Thanks so much, David! Enjoy grilling season. 🙂 ~Valentina