Easy Grilled Artichokes with Lemon Garlic Aioli
on May 12, 2025
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These Easy Grilled Artichokes are one of those impressive dishes that look fancy but are incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can transform artichokes into a smoky, charred, and delicious appetizer or side dish, perfect for the Spring and Summer season. The addition of a simple lemon garlic aioli takes it to the next level.
If you’re into grilling, you’ll also love our Grilled Lamb Chops with Charred Jalapeño Chimichurri, and for another artichoke recipe, check out our Grilled Baby Artichokes with Tarragon Aioli.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled artichokes are delicious and simple to prepare. You can mix and match with any of your favorite dipping sauces, but here we are serving with a lemon garlic aioli. This recipe is:
- Done in 30 minutes with minimal prep
- Packed with smoky, savory flavor from grilling
- A great way to use in-season artichokes
- Gluten-free with vegan-friendly swaps
- Perfect for entertaining or weeknight dinners
Recipe Ingredients
Below are the ingredients you need to make this recipe, including all our tips and substitutions.
Globe Artichokes: Meaty and tender when cooked, globe artichokes are larger in size than other artichoke varieties and provide the perfect vessel for grilling. They are steamed first and then washed in lemon juice.
For the Grilling: All you need is olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Lemon Garlic Aioli: A blend of mayo, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper is tossed together to create a simple but flavorful dip for the artichokes.
The full list of ingredients with exact quantities can be found on the recipe card below.
Tips and Substitutions
- Vegan Option: Use vegan mayo in place of regular mayo for the aioli.
- Make Ahead: Steam the artichokes in advance, then when you’re ready to serve, just warm them up on the grill.
- Storing: Store any leftover artichokes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, on your grill, or on a grill pan until heated.
- Make sure you remove the choke/furry inside part of the artichoke for the best experience.
How to Make Grilled Artichokes with Aioli
Step 1: Trim the stem and outer leaves, then snip off the leaf tips. Cut in half lengthwise and remove the fuzzy choke. Soak in lemon water to prevent browning.
Step 2: Place in a steamer basket. Cover and steam on medium-low for 15 to 20 minutes, until the leaves pull away easily.
Step 3: Combine mayonnaise, grated garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and store in the fridge until ready to use.
Step 4: Brush steamed artichokes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill cut-side down on medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes until charred. Serve with aioli and lemon wedges.
The full detailed instructions can be found on the recipe card below.
Serving Recommendations
Looking for some pairing ideas for this grilled artichoke with aioli recipe? Here are a few ideas to choose from.
- Serve your artichokes as a starter alongside Sicilian Sashimi.
- A side for Grilled Lamb Chops with Charred Jalapeño Chimichurri.
- Served alongside other appetizers and sides, such as our Double Cherry Caprese Salad Recipe.
Grilled Artichokes with Aioli FAQs
We don’t recommend that because steaming ensures the artichokes are fully tender before hitting the grill to finish cooking.
Yes! It’s naturally gluten-free, and you can make it vegan with a plant-based mayo.
Choose artichokes that feel heavy, have tightly packed leaves, and squeak slightly when squeezed.
More Appetizer Recipes
If you do make this Grilled Artichokes with Aioli recipe, leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, we would love to hear what you think! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram, we love to see what you’re making! If you’d like to stay in touch and get the latest in your inbox, sign up for our Newsletter. We can also be found on YouTube, Facebook, and Pinterest!
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Easy Grilled Artichokes with Lemon Garlic Aioli
Ingredients
Grilled Artichokes
- 4 globe artichokes
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Lemon Garlic Aioli
- ½ cup mayo
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Steam your Artichokes: Cut off the bottom stem of your artichoke with a serrated knife and remove any tough outer leaves. Using a pair of kitchen scissors, trim off the tips of the remaining leaves. Cut the artichokes in half lengthwise. Carve out the furry choke before steaming.
- Rinse the artichokes under cold water and pat dry. You can also soak your artichokes in water with half of your lemon to prevent browning.
- In a steamer basket or skillet with a steamer, fill an inch or two with water and top with your artichokes, flesh side down.
- Bring the skillet with the artichokes to a boil at medium-high heat. Cover the pot with a lid and let the artichokes steam for 15 to 20 minutes on medium-low heat, or until the leaves are tender and easily come off when pulled, or use a knife to test tenderness.
- While the artichokes are steaming, make your Lemon Garlic Aioli: In a medium bowl, mix together mayo, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush the artichokes with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Grill cut-side down for about 4 to 5 minutes, until charred.
- Arrange the artichokes on a platter with the aioli alongside. Optional to serve alongside some of your additional lemon in wedges for serving.
Notes
-
- Vegan Option: Use vegan mayo in place of regular mayo for the aioli.
-
- Make Ahead: Steam the artichokes in advance, then when you’re ready to serve, just warm them up on the grill.
-
- Storing: Store any leftover artichokes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
-
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, on your grill, or on a grill pan until heated.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
A delicious recipe for grilling season, served with a garlicky aioli!