The Easiest Grilled Artichokes Recipe with Lemon

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by artichokes, this recipe is about to change everything. Grilled artichokes might sound fancy, but trust me, this version is easy, quick, and bursting with flavor. Imagine tender, smoky artichoke bottoms brushed with olive oil, kissed by a little heat from blackening seasoning, and finished with bright, zesty lemon juice. Serve it with garlicky toum or white garlic sauce, and you’ve got a dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough to wow your guests. You’re going to love how effortless it is to make something that tastes gourmet without all the fuss.

Recipe Origin

This recipe comes from a love of Mediterranean flavors and the simplicity of grilling. Using artichoke bottoms makes the prep much faster and approachable, while still keeping that tender, delicate texture that everyone loves about artichokes. The blackening seasoning adds a little depth and heat, balanced perfectly by fresh lemon and garlic sauce.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

A grill or grill pan, a basting brush for the olive oil, a small bowl for mixing lemon and seasoning, tongs for turning the artichokes, and a serving platter. That’s all you need to create a fancy-tasting appetizer or side dish without stress.

Why You’ll Love The Easiest Grilled Artichokes Recipe with Lemon

This recipe isn’t just about making a side dish, it’s about creating something flavorful, fresh, and versatile. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile, perfect as a starter for dinner, a snack for gatherings, or paired with grilled meats or seafood. The bright lemony flavor elevates almost any meal

Budget-Friendly, uses simple ingredients that are easy to find. Trader Joe’s artichoke bottoms save time and make this a wallet-friendly gourmet dish

Quick and Easy, ready in under 20 minutes. There’s no steaming for hours or fiddly trimming—just grill and serve

Customizable, adjust the seasoning or garlic sauce to your liking. Want it spicier? Add a dash of chili flakes. Prefer something more herbaceous? Sprinkle fresh parsley on top

Crowd-Pleasing, even people who aren’t usually artichoke fans will love these. Smoky, tangy, and garlicky, they’re hard to resist

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Pat the artichokes dry before grilling to ensure a nice sear
Brush with olive oil generously to avoid sticking and enhance browning
Grill over medium-high heat for the perfect char without burning
Juice the lemon just before serving to preserve freshness and brightness
Serve immediately with garlic sauce for maximum flavor impact

Ingredients in The Easiest Grilled Artichokes Recipe with Lemon

Here’s why each ingredient works its magic

Artichoke Bottoms, tender and ready to grill, they soak up flavors and have a delicate texture. Trader Joe’s frozen packs make prep effortless

Olive Oil, enhances the smoky flavor from the grill and keeps the artichokes moist

Blackening Seasoning, adds depth and a gentle kick of spice, perfect for balancing the mild artichoke flavor

Lemon Juice, brightens the dish and cuts through the richness, adding a fresh, tangy note

Flaky Salt, highlights the natural flavor of the artichokes and seasoning

Fresh Cracked Pepper, adds a subtle heat and aromatic bite

White Garlic Sauce or TOUM, creamy, garlicky, and irresistible. It’s the perfect accompaniment that makes each bite more indulgent

(Note, the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this smoky, zesty artichoke dish

Preheat Your Grill, medium-high heat works best. This ensures even cooking and those gorgeous grill marks

Prepare Artichokes, pat the thawed artichoke bottoms dry and place them on a plate or tray

Mix Seasoning, in a small bowl, combine half of the olive oil, blackening seasoning, flaky salt, and cracked pepper. Brush this mixture over the artichokes to coat evenly

Grill Artichokes, place artichokes cut-side down on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and grill an additional 4-5 minutes until tender and lightly charred

Add Lemon, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the grilled artichokes just before serving to enhance the flavor

Serve with Garlic Sauce, drizzle or serve alongside white garlic sauce or TOUM. The creamy garlic sauce complements the smoky, tangy artichokes perfectly

Serve and Enjoy, transfer to a serving platter, garnish with a little extra cracked pepper or parsley if desired, and dig in

Nutrition Facts

Servings, 2-4 depending on portion
Calories per serving, approximately 150-200

Preparation Time

Prep Time, 5-10 minutes
Cook Time, 10 minutes
Total Time, 15-20 minutes

How to Serve The Easiest Grilled Artichokes Recipe with Lemon

Fresh Salads, a crisp green salad pairs beautifully with smoky artichokes
Grilled Proteins, works well with chicken, fish, or lamb for a Mediterranean-style meal
Bread, serve with crusty bread to soak up garlic sauce
Vegetable Sides, roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus make a colorful, nutritious meal
As a Standalone, these artichokes are indulgent enough to enjoy on their own as an appetizer or snack

Presentation, drizzle with sauce and sprinkle flaky salt or cracked pepper for a restaurant-quality look

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Artichokes are best served fresh off the grill but can be prepped in advance. Thaw and pat dry in the fridge ahead of time
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on a grill pan or in the oven

Variations to Try

Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme for extra flavor
Use a spicy garlic aioli instead of white garlic sauce for a twist
Sprinkle grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast over the top for a cheesy touch

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead, season and prep artichokes while grill heats up
Adjust Seasoning, taste and tweak the blackening seasoning to your preferred heat level
Dietary Adjustments, serve with vegan TOUM or plant-based oil for fully vegan preparation
Double the Batch, easy to scale up for entertaining

FAQ Section

Q1, Can I use fresh artichokes instead of frozen bottoms?
A1, Yes, just steam or trim fresh artichokes first, then proceed with grilling

Q2, Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2, You can prep and season the artichokes in advance, but grill just before serving for best results

Q3, How do I store leftovers?
A3, Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on a grill pan or in the oven

Q4, Can I freeze grilled artichokes?
A4, Freezing is possible but can affect texture. Best enjoyed fresh

Q5, Can I add more spice?
A5, Yes, sprinkle chili flakes or cayenne along with blackening seasoning

Q6, Can I use another sauce instead of TOUM?
A6, Definitely, garlic aioli, mayonnaise, or yogurt-based dips work well

Q7, Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A7, Yes, just omit or reduce the blackening seasoning for milder flavor

Q8, Can I use lemon zest as well?
A8, Absolutely, zest adds a fragrant brightness that enhances the flavor

Q9, Can I grill indoors?
A9, Yes, use a grill pan or broiler if you don’t have an outdoor grill

Q10, How do I ensure artichokes are tender?
A10, Cook over medium-high heat and flip once, do not overcook as they will become mushy

Conclusion

These grilled artichokes are simple, flavorful, and feel like a treat without any complicated prep. Smoky, tangy, and garlicky, they are perfect as a side, appetizer, or snack. With a little olive oil, blackening seasoning, fresh lemon, and creamy garlic sauce, you can create a dish that tastes gourmet but is effortless to make. Fire up your grill, brush those artichokes, squeeze that lemon, and enjoy a bright, savory bite that will impress everyone at your table

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