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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    How to Microwave Artichokes

    Modified: Jan 21, 2025 · Published: Feb 13, 2024 · by Amy Casey · This post may contain affiliate links · 13 Comments

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    a cooked artichoke with melted butter.
    artichoke cooked in the microwave
    microwave artichokes, lemons and melted butter.

    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.

    2 cooked artichokes with lemon.

    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.

    a cooked artichoke with lemon and some leaves removed.
    Jump to:
    • why you'll love microwave artichokes
    • ingredients
    • how to cook artichokes in the microwave
    • frequently asked questions
    • what to serve with artichokes
    • more recipes like this one
    • Recipe

    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

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

    2 artichokes, butter and a lemon.
    • 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.

    washing an artichoke.

    1. Rinse whole artichokes under cold water.

    a trimmed artichoke.

    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.

    plastic wrapped artichoke.

    3. Wrap the trimmed artichokes loosely in plastic wrap.

    2 artichokes in the microwave.

    4. Microwave on High for 5 minutes.

    cooked artichoke on a cutting board.

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

    cooked artichoke with melted butter.

    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.

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

    frequently asked questions

    When are artichokes in season?

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

    How do you pick fresh artichokes?

    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.

    How do you eat an artichoke?

    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.

    What do cooked artichokes taste like?

    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.

    How do you reheat cooked artichokes?

    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.

    2 cooked microwave artichokes with melted butter and lemon wedges.

    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 or Fresh Basil Hummus.

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      Roasted Carrot and Parsnip Fries
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    If you make these artichokes in the microwave recipe, be sure to give it a rating and/or comment below. Take a photo and tag @amycaseycooks on Instagram. Thank you!

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    Recipe

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    microwaved artichokes.

    How to Microwave Artichokes


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 4 reviews

    • Author: amycaseycooks
    • Total Time: 7 minutes
    • Yield: 2 servings 1x
    • Diet: Vegetarian
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    Description

    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.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 2 large artichokes
    • 1 lemon, cut in wedges
    • ¼ cup butter, melted

    Instructions

    1. Prep the artichokes: Rinse artichokes in cold water. Trim off stem and 1 inch off the top of each artichoke. Also trim the sharp points off each of the leaves. Wrap the artichokes loosely in plastic wrap.
    2. Cook the artichokes: Transfer to the microwave. Cook on High for 5 minutes. The artichokes will be ready when a knife easily pierces the stem. If the artichokes aren't finished cooking, continue cooking at 30 second intervals until they are done.
    3. Rest and unwrap: Remove artichokes from the microwave. Let sit for 1 minute. Unwrap carefully as the artichokes are very hot and will release steam.
    4. Serve: Place the artichokes on separate plates. Serve with melted butter and lemon wedges.

    Notes

    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.

    Nutritional information is an estimate and based on the ingredients and cooking methods used in this recipe.

    • Prep Time: 2 minutes
    • Cook Time: 5 minutes
    • Category: side dish
    • Method: microwave
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 artichoke and 1 tablespoon butter
    • Calories: 242
    • Sugar: 1.9 g
    • Sodium: 283 mg
    • Fat: 18.7 g
    • Saturated Fat: 11.7 g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
    • Trans Fat: 0 g
    • Carbohydrates: 18.1 g
    • Fiber: 9.1 g
    • Protein: 5.6 g
    • Cholesterol: 49 g

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @amycaseycooks on Instagram so we can all admire your work 🙂

    artichoke with lemon
    close up of 2 artichokes
    cooked artichoke
    bin or artichokes at grocery store

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    Comments

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      Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    1. Rosary De Filippis

      May 06, 2025 at 7:58 am

      Thanks Amy for making one of my favorite foods so EASY to cook!

      Reply
      • Amy Casey

        May 06, 2025 at 8:53 am

        You're so welcome! My kids loved artichokes when they were growing up. This was an easy way to make them for dinner.

        Reply
    2. Cindy

      September 14, 2024 at 1:42 pm

      doesn't anyone clean the fuzzy part out of the artichokes anymore? Easiest to trim the leaves ~ cut the whole artichoke in half ~ scoop out the fuzzy part ~ lay the halves (cut side down) in about 1/2" water in the microwave on high.

      Reply
      • Amy Casey

        September 16, 2024 at 1:18 pm

        That's another method to use to clean and cook artichokes. Just not the one for this recipe.

        Reply
    3. Suzie Stephenson

      June 30, 2024 at 6:43 am

      Basil sounds like something we would like or sage and thyme! Suzie

      Reply
    4. Erin

      February 18, 2024 at 2:00 pm

      This was so easy! I won't use other methods again. I always screwed them up somehow! My doctor told me to eat more artichokes, and this will make it much more manageable. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Amy Casey

        February 19, 2024 at 1:23 pm

        Great! This is a super easy way to make artichokes.

        Reply
    5. Molly Kumar

      February 18, 2024 at 1:31 pm

      This was so easy to follow n got the job done in minutes & mess free. Saving to make again.

      Reply
      • Amy Casey

        February 19, 2024 at 1:38 pm

        I'm big on easy recipes with little clean up. This dish checks those boxes.

        Reply
    6. Lauren

      February 17, 2024 at 12:00 pm

      This was the easiest way to make artichokes. They turned out perfect and tasted great!

      Reply
      • Amy Casey

        February 18, 2024 at 10:51 am

        I love to hear this Lauren! I'm so glad you enjoyed the easy recipe.

        Reply
    7. G. Mears

      July 24, 2021 at 7:55 pm

      Your microwave must be weak. Brought my one ‘choke home. Prepped from your instruction. At 12 min. I smelled something burning. The choke was green. But I pulled it. Burnt the inside to a black crisp. Nothing salvageable. 15 min was way too much.

      Reply
      • Amy Casey

        July 28, 2021 at 2:46 pm

        So sorry to hear you had trouble with my recipe. The instructions are for 5 artichokes so cooking 1 artichoke for that amount of time is too long. A single artichoke would take about 5 or so minutes.

        Reply

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    Personal chef Amy Casey.

    I'm Amy Casey and welcome to Amy Casey Cooks! I have a lifelong love of food and 20 years experience as a personal chef while cooking for over 300 clients. I share my tested, tried and true easy recipes, cooking and kitchen tips, and videos so you can make restaurant quality meals in your own kitchen. More about my culinary journey.

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