This Grilled Artichokes with Lemon Dill Aioli is our favorite way to prepare and serve artichokes
With an abundance of plump artichokes at the farmer’s markets they are a seasonal favorite! You will fall in love with the flavor that grilling adds to artichokes.
When paired with our Lemon Dill Aioli it takes them to an entirely new level. Let’s get grilling!
Jump to RecipeArtichokes fresh from the garden
How to steam and grill artichokes – step by step preparation:
This grilled artichoke recipe is easy to make. Before we grill the artichokes we have to steam or boil them. The trick is doing most of the cooking prior to putting them on the grill.
Just follow these easy steps:
- Wash your artichokes under running water.
- With a large chefs knife cut the artichoke in half. This helps the steam penetrate the center so they cook quickly and evenly.
- Cut off the sharp pointed ends of the leaves and trim the stem down. (Cutting the leaves is optional)
- Boil or steam the artichokes and cook until the artichokes are fully tender, but not too soft.
- Here’s how to boil:
- In a large pot bring water and a large pinch of salt to a boil. Use enough water to cover artichokes
- Add artichokes, cut side down, and immediately reduce to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and cook until leaves can be pulled off easily.
- Here’s how to steam:
- Add a steam rack to a pot of lightly boiling water.
- Place the artichokes onto the rack, reduce heat, cover, and let steam until tender.
- Boiling the artichokes will take about 30 minutes until fully cooked, but steaming might take a little longer.
- Drain artichokes well. With a spoon, clean out the fuzzy choke, which is not edible, and discard it. (see photo 2 below)
- In a separate bowl mix olive oil, garlic, and pepper and give them a nice “garlic bath”. Using a basting brush, brush both sides of the artichoke with the mixture. (see photo 4 below)
Prepped and cooked artichokes Garlic covered artichokes
How to grill artichokes:
Here’s how to finish the artichokes on the grill:
- Set temperature on the grill to medium heat.
- Place artichokes, cut side down, on the grill and cook about 4 – 5 minutes, or until they show light grill marks.
- Turn and cook an additional 3 – 5 minutes.
Keep an eye on them so they do not over grill. To test if they are done poke a knife into the stem and it should easily give in. Remove from the grill and serve with the Lemon Dill Aioli (recipe below).
How to make Lemon Dill Aioli:
Artichokes are great straight off the grill, but we love them with our tasty Lemon Dill Aioli. You can make the aioli in just 2 minutes while the artichokes are steaming.
The lemon dill aioli can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days until ready to serve. Remove and serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients for Lemon Dill Aioli:
- Mayonnaise
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Fresh or dried dill
It’s easy to make: just combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and dill in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
How to serve grilled artichokes:
To serve the grilled artichokes with lemon dill aioli, simply present them on a plate or platter, with the dipping sauce alongside.
This simple presentation makes it easy for you to focus on any other cooking you need to do. We love to serve them alongside our Pan Seared Scallops
Are Artichokes healthy for you?
Artichokes have the added benefit of being low in calories (just 20 calories per half) and they are high in anti-oxidants.
If you prep the artichokes ahead of time be sure to rub the cut edges with lemon, or another acid, like white vinegar. This keeps them from browning. We are California based so we live for ‘choke season and knowing they are healthy makes us even happier. Here’s a good resource to see all the benefits of artichokes from the California Artichoke Advisory Board
Great main dishes for pairing with artichokes:
- Chimichurri Shrimp or Chimichurri Steak
- Grilled Lamb Chops with Pomegranate Glaze
- Chili Lime Pork Tenderloin
- Jerk Chicken
Looking for other great side dishes?
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Grilled Artichokes with Lemon Dill Aioli
Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Steamer basket
- Grill
Ingredients
Artichokes
- 2 large Artichokes, trimmed and cut in half stem to tip
- ½ cup Olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Black pepper
Lemon Dill Aioli
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 3 Tablespoons Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dried Dill (or 2 Tablespoons Fresh Dill)
Instructions
Prepare the Artichokes:
- To steam the artichokes, start a large pot, filled about 2 inches full of salted water, to boil. Heat BBQ to medium heat
- Trim artichokes by cutting off the sharp tips off of the leaves, and trim the stem. Cut the artichokes in half stem to tip, and clean out the fuzzy artichoke center.
- Steam, covered, in lightly salted water for about 30 minutes, cut side down, in a steamer basket.
- Remove the fuzzy choke center with a spoon
- Mix olive oil, garlic, and pepper together in a small bowl. Remove artichokes from the pot and drain. Coat all over with olive oil mixture. Grill for about cut side down about 4 to 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Turn and cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Do not over cook. If the artichokes are done you will be able to easily pierce the stem.
- These artichokes can also be cooked indoor on a grill pan
Lemon Dill Aioli
- Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and dill in a small serving bowl and mix well. Add more to taste, if desired. Set aside until ready to serve.Can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated.
Serving:
- Remove artichokes from the grill and place on a plate or shallow serving dish, together with the lemon dill aioli and serve. Can be served hot or at room temperature. Cut in quarters for appetizers.
Notes
- Steamed artichokes can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated prior to grilling
- Lemon Dill Aioli can be prepared up to 2 days ahead of time, refrigerated, and then served. Let aioli come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Christina
These are phenomenal. Easy and delicious. This is the only way I prepare artichokes anymore.
Maike
I’ve always struggled to make artichokes, too. But with this recipe, they turned out perfectly. The lemon aioli was delicious and so easy to make.
Anjali
I love grilled artichokes and this aioli just takes them to the next level!!
Anita
This is the perfect simple artichoke recipe for people who have never prepared an artichoke before. 🙂
georgie
gorgeous recipe, I’ve never been able to make artichoke before. This looks absolutely beautiful, can’t wait to try it!