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Learn to perfectly steam artichokes of all sizes using this simple recipe for Instant Pot Artichokes!
While most people don't shy away from purchasing jarred or canned artichoke hearts to make things like Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip, many are intimidated by whole artichokes.
Let me let you in on a little secret. Whole artichokes happen to be one of the easiest things you can make--especially when you use the Instant Pot!
Just like my recipe for Instant Pot Corn on the Cob and Instant Pot Green Beans, the Instant Pot uses moist heat to steam the artichokes. As the artichokes steam, the leaves become tender and open up, making them super easy to peel and enjoy!
And if you haven't given artichoke leaves a try, it is time to change that with this easy recipe! Perfectly cooked with a flavor similar to asparagus, steamed artichokes are perfect as a side dish or appetizer and are super easy to make.
Prepare Artichokes
Yes, preparing an artichoke is a bit more time consuming than peeling carrots, BUT it is really quite easy and so worth the effort. Work one at time and then place each prepared artichoke in a bowl of lemon water, so that the artichokes won't brown. And keep in mind we will remove the choke of the artichoke AFTER it has been cooked.
- Cut off the big stem and then cut off just the top just to reveal what looks like a little flower. Be sure to rub the top of the artichoke with the lemon, help prevent the artichoke from browning.
- On the end of each leaf is a little thorn, which is just the plant's natural protection against its little predators. Simply cut off the tip of each leaf using kitchen shears.
Add Aromatics
To prepare the Instant Pot for steaming the artichokes, pour water and salt into the bottom of the inner pot and place a rack of trivet into the inner pot. You want your artichokes to sit above the water, so they steam and not boil. While you technically only need water to steam artichokes, adding salt and lemon will help create a flavorful environment an impart flavor to your artichokes. Other great options for aromatics would be sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, or tarragon or peeled garlic cloves.
Pressure Cook According to Size
The cooking time should be determined by the size of the artichokes, so it is important you select artichokes that are similar in size.
- Small Artichokes: 8 minutes on High Pressure
- Medium Artichokes: 13 minutes on High Pressure
- Large Artichokes: 18 minutes on High Pressure
Do a Quick Pressure Release
If you have been using my Instant Pot Recipes, you know I'm a big fan of letting pressure release naturally for most recipes. But when you're cooking something delicate like artichokes, it is best to do a quick release of pressure so that you don't overcook the artichokes. To safely do a quick release of pressure, you want to stand back from your venting knob so you don't get burned and use a long utensil to knock the venting knob from the sealed to venting position.
Remove the Choke from the Artichokes
The choke of an artichoke is the fuzzy, hair-like layer in the center of an artichoke that you should not eat. You have a couple options for removing the choke from the artichoke, making it safe to enjoy.
- Simply pull the leaves off (and enjoy) until you get to the center. Once you're down to the center of the leaves, you can cut the artichoke in half and then use a spoon to scrape out or cut the choke away from the heart of the artichoke.
- Alternatively, gently loosen and pull out the center leaves from the whole artichoke. Use a spoon scoop out and remove the thistle. This option make for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions for Artichokes
The meat on the artichoke leaves is insanely delicious, especially when dipped into melted butter, seasoned olive oil, or mayonnaise. To enjoy, tightly grip the top of the artichoke leave (the side that your removed the thorn from.) Place the other side of the artichoke in your mouth and pull through your teeth to remove the soft flesh from the petal.
You can use the artichoke hearts for any recipe calling for artichoke hearts. Just keep in mind you may not have much to work with if you steamed small artichokes.
More Instant Pot Staple Recipes
- Instant Pot Beans
- Instant Pot Butternut Squash
- Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
- Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
- Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
- Instant Pot Chicken Breast (Fresh or Frozen)
If you enjoyed this recipe for Instant Pot Artichokes, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Instant Pot Artichokes
Video
Ingredients
- 4 medium artichokes , trimmed
- 3 small lemons
- 1½ cups cold tap water
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
Instructions
- Cut 1 lemon into slices. Cut the remaining 2 lemons in half. Place the lemon slices in a large mixing bowl and fill with cold water.
- To prepare the artichokes for cooking, work one at at time to cut off the stem and the tip of the artichoke. Rub the exposed leaves of the artichoke with a cut lemon. Use kitchen scissors to snip off the spikey tip of each leaf. Once prepared, place the artichoke in the lemon water to keep from browning.
- Place the trivet into the bottom of the instant pot. Add 1-½ cups of cold tap water into the inner pot along with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 sliced lemon. Place the trimmed artichokes, cut-side down, on the trivet.
- Seal the lid. Move the release valve to the "sealing" position. Small: 8 minutes on High PressureMedium: 13 minutes on High PressureLarge: 18 minutes on High Pressure.
- After pressure has been released, do a quick release of pressure immediately to stop the cooking process. To do this, use a long utensil and carefully knock the venting knob from the sealing to the venting position. Stand back to prevent being burned by the steam.
- Once the pressure has been released, open the lid and remove the artichokes to a platter or cutting board.
- To serve, serve the leaves with melted butter for dipping. Once you get to the choke, discard. Alternatively, cut the artichoke in half, and scoop out the choke using a spoon. Or spread the larger petals out to expose the center petals. Remove the smaller petals by twisting clockwise to expose the fuzzy choke. With a spoon, carefully remove the fuzzy top layer without scraping away the artichoke heart.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is seriously the best way to make artichokes!! Easy and they turn out so perfectly!!
So happy you found this recipe easy to follow 🙂
Delicious
I love the ease of making this in the instant pot! Easy clean up and so delicious!
Thanks, Mel! I love how easy it is myself 🙂
My mom made artichokes all the time when I was growing up, but your Instant Pot method is absolutely fool-proof and so much easier than the way she always cooked them. My whole family thought these artichokes were amazing. They made an otherwise ordinary dinner feel fancy!
I absolutely LOVE hearing this, Samantha! I personally love how easy they are to make myself.