Grilled Garlic Butter Artichokes Recipe

Name: Grilled Garlic Butter Artichokes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 artichokes, halved and choke scraped out; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 shallot, chopped; 0.5 cup butter

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Original Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

2 artichokes, halved and choke scraped out
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, chopped and divided
1 shallot, chopped and divided
cup butter

Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the artichokes and season with salt and pepper. Toss in half of the chopped garlic and shallot. Boil for about 30 minutes, or until a fork easily inserts into the stem of the artichokes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Preheat an outdoor grill to low heat.

Step 3: In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the remaining chopped garlic and shallot. Cook just until fragrant, then remove the pan from heat.

Step 4: Place the artichoke halves on the preheated grill. Brush the artichokes with some of the melted butter mixture. Grill for 5 to 10 minutes, occasionally brushing with more butter, until the artichokes are lightly toasted.

Step 5: Serve the grilled artichokes with the remaining garlic butter as a dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	254
Total Fat	23g
Saturated Fat	15g
Cholesterol	61mg
Sodium	823mg
Total Carbohydrate	12g
Dietary Fiber	5g
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	3g
Vitamin C	11mg
Calcium	52mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	361mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Grilled Garlic Butter Artichokes are a delicious and flavorful dish that has become a popular choice for grilled vegetable enthusiasts. These artichokes, with their smoky charred exterior and rich, buttery interior, offer a wonderful combination of savory and fresh flavors. But beyond the delicious taste, theres a fascinating history, regional twist, and a few interesting facts about this iconic dish.

History of Grilled Artichokes

The artichoke has a long and rich history, originating in the Mediterranean region. Its cultivation can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was prized not only for its culinary uses but also for its medicinal properties. Artichokes were considered a luxury food in ancient times, often served to royalty. Grilling, on the other hand, is a much more modern technique, but when paired with the earthy, slightly bitter flavor of artichokes, it creates a unique culinary experience. Garlic butter, another Mediterranean delight, adds a creamy richness that enhances the natural flavors of the artichoke.

Regional Variations

While grilled artichokes are a common dish in many Mediterranean countries, California is one of the regions where they are particularly beloved. In fact, California produces over 70% of the artichokes grown in the United States, with the coastal town of Castroville known as the "Artichoke Capital of the World." In the U.S., grilled artichokes are often served as a side dish or appetizer, especially during barbecues. In Italy, grilled artichokes are typically prepared with fresh herbs like rosemary, olive oil, and lemon, sometimes with a splash of vinegar, reflecting the Italian love for simple, fresh ingredients.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Grilled artichokes differ significantly from other methods of preparing artichokes, such as steaming or boiling. Steamed artichokes are often served with a dipping sauce, but they lack the smoky, charred flavor that grilling imparts. The process of grilling also adds texturecrispy edges and caramelized bitsunlike the softer, more delicate texture of boiled artichokes. What sets grilled garlic butter artichokes apart is the rich, savory garlic butter that infuses the vegetable, offering a decadent flavor profile that is unlike the more restrained flavors of traditional preparations.

Where Are They Typically Served?

Grilled garlic butter artichokes are often found in restaurants specializing in Mediterranean or Californian cuisine. They are commonly served at casual summer barbecues, outdoor parties, or family gatherings. In regions with a Mediterranean influence, such as Southern California or coastal parts of Italy, this dish is frequently enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish. They can also be served as a unique addition to a tapas spread or as part of a larger meze selection. The combination of smoky grilled flavor and creamy garlic butter makes them an ideal pairing with seafood, grilled meats, or fresh salads.

Interesting Facts

The artichoke is a thistle, and the edible part we enjoy is actually the flower bud of the plant.
California artichokes are a global commodity, with over 40,000 tons harvested annually in the U.S. alone.
Artichokes are a good source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins like C and K, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
The process of grilling artichokes not only enhances their flavor but also reduces some of the bitterness, making them more palatable for people who may be sensitive to strong flavors.
Grilled artichokes can be made even more flavorful by experimenting with different marinades, such as adding balsamic vinegar, lemon zest, or herbs like thyme and oregano.

Grilled Garlic Butter Artichokes are more than just a tasty dishthey're a way to bring people together around the grill, celebrating the richness of Mediterranean flavors with every smoky bite. Whether you're enjoying them in California or preparing them in your backyard, these artichokes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

FAQ about Grilled Garlic Butter Artichokes Recipe

Leftover grilled artichokes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them on the grill or in the oven at low heat for about 10 minutes.

Yes, you can freeze grilled artichokes. For best results, blanch the artichokes before grilling, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to use, thaw them in the fridge and reheat in the oven or grill.

Yes, you can substitute the regular butter with ghee or vegan butter for a different flavor. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may slightly change, but it will still complement the artichokes well.

Boiling the artichokes first is recommended to ensure they are fully cooked and tender before grilling. However, if you prefer, you can steam them or microwave them until tender and then proceed with grilling.

In addition to the garlic butter dipping sauce, you can try lemon aioli, balsamic vinegar and olive oil, or a creamy herb dip such as ranch or sour cream with dill.

To make the recipe spicier, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture or serve the artichokes with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo or chili-lime sauce.

Yes, you can grill artichokes on a gas grill. Be sure to use indirect heat, and you may want to place the artichokes on a piece of aluminum foil to prevent burning and ensure even grilling.

The best way to remove the choke is to cut the artichoke in half, then use a spoon or a grapefruit spoon to scrape out the fuzzy, inedible part. Be careful not to remove too much of the tender heart.

If your artichokes fall apart, they may have been overcooked. To prevent this, try reducing the boiling time to 20-25 minutes instead of 30 minutes, or steam the artichokes instead of boiling them.

The artichokes are done boiling when you can easily insert a fork into the base of the stem or the heart. If the artichoke is tender, it’s ready to be grilled.

Comments

Laura Thompson

11/23/2022 02:14:49 AM

I really enjoyed these. I consulted my cookbook for guidance on preparing the artichoke before boiling it - I removed the choke, discolored leaves, cut off the top inch, and snipped the tips off the remaining leaves.

Tyler Clark

10/26/2024 10:55:47 PM

These turned out amazing! This was my first time cooking artichokes, and I found it much simpler to remove the choke after boiling them. Since I didn't have charcoal on hand, I opted to bake them in the oven for approximately 6 minutes on each side at 350°F. I also decided to enhance the flavor by adding extra garlic and pepper.

Jennifer Walker

03/16/2023 03:49:30 AM

These turned out absolutely delicious, and I'm thrilled I decided to make them. I boiled them for approximately 20 minutes; I believe 30 minutes would result in them becoming too fragile on the grill. Following the advice of previous reviewers, I increased the quantity of the basting sauce by adding extra shallots, garlic cloves, olive oil, and butter. I also incorporated some lemon juice and a few drops of Red Hot sauce. Don't forget to use foil on the grill! Thank you, the grilled taste is outstanding!

Raymond Lopez

06/30/2023 03:22:04 AM

Rewritten review: Amazing Recipe! I tried cutting artichokes in half for the first time to remove the choke before cooking, and the results were fantastic! Cooking them this way turned out much better than keeping them whole. Instead of boiling, I steamed the artichokes for 20 minutes and then grilled them with garlic, which added a delicious flavor. I also loved the idea of trying variations with fresh lemon, vinegar, pesto, or sundried tomatoes in the future. I highly recommend this recipe and look forward to making it again, experimenting with different flavors along the way.

Jacob Rodriguez

02/18/2025 08:45:28 PM

I usually steam artichokes, so boiling them made the heart feel too soggy. Next time, I'll steam them for 30 minutes before grilling to see if that makes a difference.

Patricia Hill

05/15/2024 10:46:21 AM

These were amazing! I couldn't locate any shallots, so I substituted with extra garlic, and the results were outstanding. We ended up using all the butter on the artichokes, so I improvised and made a delicious dip by combining mayonnaise with pesto. Highly recommended!

Justin Evans

09/12/2023 12:17:30 AM

A delightful departure from traditional steamed artichokes! I thoroughly enjoyed this dish. However, I encountered some issues with the artichokes becoming a bit too delicate after cooking, which made grilling a bit challenging. Nonetheless, the taste was fantastic. Next time, I'll reduce the boiling time to achieve that perfect grilled texture. The inclusion of shallots and garlic in the dipping sauce was a wonderful touch. I also added a few drops of Tabasco to the sauce at the end. Absolutely delicious!

Kevin Garcia

06/14/2023 03:27:45 PM

Oh my goodness!! These were the best artichokes I've ever had. I added extra shallot and garlic, making the butter extra thick. It was absolutely amazing!!! UPDATE: I added a hint of smoked sea salt last time. I forgot it this time and it felt like it was lacking something. If you can, definitely add some sea salt, it enhances the flavor!

Elizabeth Rodriguez

12/29/2022 12:58:45 AM

Great foundational recipe! I skip the butter and opt for a light brush of olive oil instead, as we enjoy pairing it with a sour cream dill sauce rather than melted butter for dipping.

Ronald Diaz

05/01/2024 01:13:48 AM

I prepared this dish for the first time in 2016 to familiarize our foreign exchange student with artichokes. To truly appreciate its deliciousness, it's important to know that for 5 months she ate every meal with a side of ketchup, not because she disliked the food, but because she was afraid she wouldn't enjoy it. As she started to trust my cooking, it was truly rewarding to witness her culinary horizons expand. This artichoke recipe impressed her, as well as everyone else I've served it to since then. Well, almost everyone... My own children had a different opinion, but let's not delve into that.

Catherine Green

04/04/2025 07:40:53 PM

I tried this recipe using the very first artichoke from my husband's garden, so the preparation was quite an event. When he finished eating, I anxiously asked for his opinion... He hummed and simply said it was TOO GOOD! I have to admit - it was absolutely fabulous.

Barbara Carter

08/24/2024 12:02:43 AM

Average taste, nothing special.

George Davis

03/01/2023 03:56:16 AM

I decided to top my portions with some butter before digging in, and let me tell you, it was absolutely DELICIOUS! The extra effort with the butter was definitely worth it. This will be our go-to way of enjoying artichokes from now on.

Michael Rodriguez

01/28/2025 09:58:11 PM

First of all, I must admit that I had never tried artichokes before, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give them a chance. This recipe has completely won me over, leaving me craving more. I can definitely see myself making this dish again and again.

Lisa Miller

03/22/2025 11:32:25 AM

Fantastic! The name of this recipe is absolutely spot on! These treats are amazing!

Emily Miller

06/13/2024 05:56:18 AM

Review update: The dish was decent, but unfortunately, it was quite messy and didn't quite measure up to stuffed artichokes. I found it a bit lacking and was left somewhat disappointed. Additionally, the flavor of the heart wasn't as delightful as when the artichoke is steamed.

Sharon Nelson

12/07/2023 01:33:54 PM

Thank you, Ninakooks! I have experimented with other artichoke recipes in the past, but they all ended up tasting like straw or bark. Your recipe, in addition to being simple, is both visually appealing and delicious. I prepared it for guests and they were impressed by the amazing flavor and beautiful presentation. Grilling truly makes a difference in this dish. If I could give this recipe 10 stars, I definitely would!

Diane Collins

03/04/2025 03:43:16 AM

These were absolutely delicious! I've prepared them both on the grill and on the stove. Make sure to use foil when grilling!

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