The Easiest Grilled Artichokes Recipe with Lemon
A vibrant, fresh, and simple grilled artichoke recipe featuring tender artichokes infused with a zesty lemon garlic marinade. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or side, this recipe balances smoky char with bright citrus notes, ideal for summer grilling with healthy, natural ingredients.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Artichokes
- 4 firm, medium-sized fresh artichokes
Marinade
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Steaming Liquid
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 2 lemon slices
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Fresh lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary (optional)
- Chili flakes or smoked paprika (optional)
- Grated Parmesan or vegan cheese (optional)
- Vegan aioli or tahini sauce for dipping (optional)
- Prep the Artichokes: Trim the tops of the artichokes and snip off the sharp tips of the leaves carefully. Slice the stems to create a flat base, then halve the artichokes lengthwise for easier grilling and enhanced flavor absorption.
- Steam Until Tender: Fill a large pot with water or vegetable broth and add the lemon slices. Bring to a boil, then place the artichokes in a steamer basket above the liquid. Cover and steam for about 20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the Lemon Garlic Marinade: While the artichokes steam, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This marinade will add bright and savory notes to the artichokes.
- Grill to Perfection: Heat your grill to medium-high. Brush the steamed artichokes generously with the marinade and place them cut-side down on the grill. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and a smoky aroma develops.
- Final Touches and Serve: Remove the artichokes from the grill and brush again with any remaining marinade. Optionally sprinkle with fresh lemon zest and herbs before serving for a refreshing finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- Choose firm, heavy artichokes with tightly packed leaves for the best texture.
- Steaming artichokes before grilling ensures tenderness and even cooking.
- Use a two-zone grill setup to avoid burning and achieve even grill marks.
- Marinate generously with lemon and garlic to enhance flavor.
- Serve artichokes warm, fresh off the grill for best taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 artichoke half
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: grilled artichokes, lemon artichokes, summer side dish, healthy appetizer, gluten free, grilled vegetables