It’s a culinary classic—tender, delicious artichokes! Steaming them on the stovetop can take forever, and using an Instant Pot can intimidate you.
But did you know there’s another way to cook artichokes? That’s right: the microwave.
Whether you’re in the mood for something light or want to whiz up a tasty side dish quickly, steaming artichoke hearts in your microwave is a surefire winner.
Keep reading for tips and tricks on how to steam artichokes in a microwave with ease (and speed!).
Forget about all that is fussing around with boiling pots of water!
Here’s how.
How To Steam Artichokes In A Microwave
Steaming artichokes in a microwave are very easy with these simple steps.
Step One: Prep Your Artichoke
Before you start, ensure your artichoke is clean and dry. You can soak it in cold water to eliminate any dirt or debris.
Then trim off the stem and any tough outer leaves near the top. If you want, you can also cut off the top inch or so of the artichoke as well.
Step Two: Steam it Up
Once your artichoke is prepped, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and fill it with a few inches of water (just enough to cover the bottom).
Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 8–10 minutes. Test by poking with a fork. If it’s soft all the way through, it’s ready!
If not, cook an additional two minutes at a time until done. Timing will vary depending on the size and type of artichoke, so check often to ensure you don’t overcook it.
Step Three: Enjoy!
Once your artichoke is cooked, please remove it from the microwave using oven mitts (it will be hot!). Let cool slightly before serving with melted butter or your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy!
Related: How to steam artichokes without a steamer.
FAQs About Steaming Artichokes
Here are some frequently asked questions about steaming artichokes.
How Long Does It Take For An Artichoke To Steam?
It depends on the size and type of artichoke. Generally, you can expect 8-10 minutes for a medium-sized artichoke.
Can I Steam Frozen Artichokes In The Microwave?
Yes! Just make sure to follow package instructions for defrosting and cooking time.
Can I Reuse The Water In The Bowl?
Reusing the water in a steam bowl is possible, but you must be mindful of how long the water has been sitting and how clean your bowl is.
If many residues have built up in the bowl, it may be better to replace the water rather than try to reuse it.
What To Serve With Steamed Artichokes?
Steamed artichokes are a low-fat, versatile side dish that can be served as-is with just some lemon and garlic or dressed up with a delicious sauce.
You can serve it with cream cheese, goat cheese, sundried tomatoes, shallots, olive oil, salt, pepper, and more.
Are Steamed Artichokes Healthy?
Steam helps to preserve most of their dietary fiber content, but it is important not to overcook them, so they stay firm and retain more of the vitamins and minerals they contain.
Regarding healthy eating habits, steamed artichokes offer a fantastic low-calorie choice packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
They are also rich in antioxidants which help boost the immune system and can even lower cholesterol levels when consumed regularly.
Conclusion
Cooking an artichoke doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming – you only need a microwave and some patience.
By following this simple guide on how to steam an artichoke in a microwave, you’ll be enjoying perfectly cooked artichokes in no time.
So what are you waiting for?
Get cooking!