How to Microwave Artichokes

Once you microwave artichokes, you'll use this easy and quick cooking method over and over again. Serve with melted butter for a delicious side dish.

Recipe review

We LOVE artichokes at our house. When my kids were young, it was one vegetable that wouldn't get hidden in a napkin and tossed in the trash. Along with Crispy Oven Fries and Garlic Broiled Broccoli, artichokes still are a favorite.

But I'll admit that the globe-shaped vegetable with hardy green leaves can be intimidating. It turns out that there's a simple way to cook a whole artichoke. It's in the microwave. With just a few steps, this is the easiest way (and also the quickest) to cook artichokes.

A quick rinse and trim before being wrapped in plastic wrap is all that's needed for the prep. A spin in the microwave on High a few minutes has the artichokes on the dinner table in no time at all. This is the best way to cook artichokes.

Why you'll love microwave artichokes

This easy method for cooking artichokes is a keeper, and one you'll love for many reasons.

• Fresh, clean, and rich taste ~ If you're a fan of asparagus, you'll love artichokes. The delicious vegetable is reminiscent of springtime.
• Nutritious and low carb ~ Artichokes are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients. They can help keep your digestive system healthy and provide relief from indigestion, heartburn and nausea.
• Fast to prepare ~ Using your microwave to steam whole artichokes only takes a few minutes. It's a fraction of the time as compared to other cooking methods.

Ingredients you'll need

Gather just 3 ingredients to make the artichokes. Scroll to the recipe card for full quantities of the ingredients.

• Fresh artichokes
• Salted butter
• Lemon

How to cook artichokes in the microwave

The microwave provides the easiest way to get artichokes on your table. And it involves a very little amount of kitchen labor. This is a brief overview of the recipe. Scroll to the recipe card for the complete instructions and a step by step cooking video.

1. Rinse whole artichokes under cold water.

2. Use a sharp knife to trim off the stems and about 1 inch off the top of the artichokes. Use kitchen shears to cut off the tops of the prickly leaves.

3. Wrap the trimmed artichokes loosely in plastic wrap.

4. Microwave on High for 5 minutes.

5. Let the artichokes stand for about 1 minute. Carefully unwrap them as they are hot and will release steam.

6. Squeeze lemon juice over the artichokes and serve with melted butter.

Hint

Use the tip of a sharp knife to test if an artichoke is perfectly cooked. It should easily pierce the stem. Also the leaves easily pull off.

tip

The size of artichokes can vary. In general, smaller artichokes will cook in less time than larger artichokes.

Frequently asked questions

They're available year round, but the peak artichoke season is March through June. The large bud shaped vegetables are the meatiest during the spring months. And they're more economical too.

When shopping at the grocery store or farmers' market, the freshest artichokes should have a vibrant green color and feel heavy for their size. The leaves will be tightly packed and not look dried out. When you give an artichoke a squeeze, it should make a squeaking sound.

Pluck off one of the leaves, dip in melted butter, and tug the stem end through your teeth to draw off the tender portion of the artichoke meat. After eating the outer leaves, gently scrap out the inedible fuzzy choke to get to the artichoke heart. Cut the heart in pieces, dip in melted butter and enjoy.

Artichokes have a flavor similar to asparagus and green beans. They are mild with a slightly nutty and sweet taste. The texture is like a boiled or baked potato.

Cooked artichokes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, wrap loosely with plastic wrap. Heat for 1 minute at 60% power. Continue heating at 30 second intervals until heated through.

What to serve with artichokes

I like warm artichokes served au naturel. They are perfect with a dip in melted butter. A squeeze of lemon juice over the top is nice too.

Another favorite way to serve artichokes is cooked and chilled. They're delicious dipped in

• Tzatziki Sauce
• Caesar Dressing
• Fresh Basil Hummus.