Steamed Artichokes with Lemon Beurre Blanc are a fantastic appetizer for sharing, or a light first course. The lemony-buttery white wine sauce clings to each leaf, making for the most delicious bites ever.
If you’ve never steamed an artichoke, you won’t believe how easy it is.
I love serving steamed artichokes with Lemon Beurre Blanc. Even though it’s made with butter and the flavors are rich, it’s light and absolutely delectable with the texture and taste of the artichoke.
What is Lemon Beurre Blanc?
Beurre Blanc is a classic French butter sauce made of shallots, white wine and emulsified butter. It’s rich, silky smooth, and especially delicious with fish and vegetables.
Lemon Beurre Blanc is made with a combination of white wine and lemon juice, along with the butter and shallots.
How to Steam Artichokes
– Rinse the artichokes and then use a Chef’s knife to cut off about 1 inch from the top of each one, and enough off of the bottom to form a nice base.
– Remove any especially tough outer leaves. Then use kitchen scissors to cut off about ¼ inch or so from the tops of the leaves (the sharp tips).
– Fill a large pot with a few inches of water, and place a steamer basket or rack on top. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Turn the heat to low.
– Place the artichokes in the steamer basket (or on the rack), drizzle with lemon juice, cover, and steam until they’re tender, about 45 minutes. Check by pulling off an outer leaf — it should come off easily.
How to Remove the Heart from Steamed Artichokes
– Once all of the outer leaves are removed, you’ll be left with a small bundle of inner leaves that are likely pinkish-purplish in color towards the tips, and very tender.
– These leaves can usually be pulled off in one clump, leaving you with the heart full of the “choke” — the inedible fuzzy part of the plant. Use a small knife or spoon to gently scrape it out and discard it.
Recipe Tips and Substitutions
- Do you have to trim the artichokes? No, you can actually just rinse them and place them in the steamer pot as is. However, it makes for a prettier presentation and more delightful eating experience if you do.
- Of course I think steamed artichokes are fantastic with the Lemon Beurre Blanc, but you can dip the leaves into plain melted butter, hollandaise, or even eat them on their own.
- This recipe calls for approximately 1 pound artichokes, but you can use any size you like, adjusting the steaming time accordingly. The smaller the artichoke, the shorter the time. 😉
- If you don’t have a proper steamer basket, here are a few ideas for how to make one.
I hope you love these Steamed Artichokes with Lemon Beurre Blanc as much as I do.
Serve them at your next get together!
More Scrumptious Artichoke Recipes
- Grilled Artichokes
- The Ultimate Stuffed Artichoke
- Roasted Purple Artichoke Salad
- Spinach Artichoke Dip with Gruyère
Steamed Artichokes with Lemon Beurre Blanc are a fantastic appetizer for sharing, or a light first course. The lemony-buttery white wine sauce clings to each leaf, making for the most delicious bites ever.
*Serves 2 as a first course and 4 as a shared appetizer.
- 2 approximately 1 pound artichokes
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 5½ tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into slices
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine (such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
- salt and pepper to taste
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Prepare the artichokes. Rinse the artichokes and then use a Chef’s knife to cut off about 1 inch from the top of each one, and enough off of the bottom to form a base. Remove any especially tough outer leaves and discard them. Then use kitchen scissors to cut off about ¼ inch or so from the tops of the leaves (the sharp tips).
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Steam. Place the artichokes in the steamer basket (or on the rack), drizzle each one with 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice, cover, and steam until tender, about 45 minutes. Check by pulling off an outer leaf — it should come off easily.
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Make the sauce. You should make the sauce towards the end of the steaming time. Over low heat, melt about 1½ tablespoons of the butter in a small sauté pan. Add the shallots and cook just to soften, about 2 minutes. Then add the lemon juice and wine. Turn the heat up a bit, and let it gently simmer until all but about 2 tablespoons have evaporated. Turn the leat to the lowest setting, add the remaining pieces of butter and gently swirl the pan until it's melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Here's how.)
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Once the artichokes are cool enough to touch, gently spread the leaves apart and drizzle the sauce over and between the leaves. Serve!
Calorie count is only an estimate.
Chef Mimi says
Wonderful. I’m the only one who eats artichokes (???) so I usually just mix a little mayo with melted butter and start dipping. But your way is so much better!
valentina says
Thanks, Mimi. mayo with melted butter is delicious too! Enjoy! 3 of the 4 of us in my house like them, fortunately. 🙂 ~Valentina
angiesrecipes says
What a beautiful dish! I need to get a couple of fresh artichokes to make this…even just for that sauce!
angiesrecipes
http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com
valentina says
Thanks so much, Angie! Hope you love it. 🙂 ~Valentina
2pots2cook says
A day ago, I have heard how extremely hot weather you have these days ! I wish you stand it all, enjoying great food and drinks ! This one is definitely a keeper Valentina !
valentina says
Thank you, my friend. Yes, it’s hot, but not too bad. I’m spoiled because I have the ocean breeze close by. Though I’ll always welcome summer drinks. 🙂 ~Valentina
Gerlinde de Broekert says
My farmer’s market has beautiful artichokes. I have to try your recipe. I usually eat them with balsamic vinegar.
valentina says
Well now I must try one with balsamic! Thanks for visiting. 🙂 ~Valentina
Marissa says
Artichokes are one of my all time favorite foods, Valentina. I think I could eat one every day and be so happy! I usually dip the leaves and heart in mayo (should I admit that, haha), I definitely need to try them with Lemon Beurre Blanc!
cathy says
I adore artichokes and love your recipe for Lemon Beurre Blanc! I will be making it this weekend.
I have been cooking the artichokes in the Instant Pot and quite happy with the results.
John / Kitchen Riffs says
Love artichokes! Although it’s been a year or two since I’ve served them. Steaming is typically how I prepare them, although sometimes I’ll drop them in a bit pot of simmering water. And although I often just melt butter, love the idea of lemon beurre blanc. Good stuff — thanks.