Artichokes are a delicious and healthy vegetable packed with nutrients and fiber. While there are many methods to cook artichokes, using a microwave is a quick and convenient option. Microwaving artichokes helps retain their natural flavors and textures, making them a tasty addition to any meal.
To cook artichokes in the microwave, start by preparing the artichokes. Trim the stems and cut about 1 inch off the top of each artichoke. Remove any tough outer leaves and use a pair of kitchen scissors to trim the thorny tips of the remaining leaves. Rinse the artichokes under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Once the artichokes are prepared, place them in a microwave-safe dish. Add water to the bottom of the dish, about 1/2 inch deep. This will help create steam and cook the artichokes evenly. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plastic wrap.
Microwave the artichokes on high for about 7-10 minutes, depending on their size. Check the artichokes after 7 minutes by gently pulling on one of the outer leaves. If it comes off easily, they are done. If not, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until the leaves are tender and easily removed.
Note: Be careful when removing the lid or plastic wrap, as the steam will be hot. Use oven mitts or a dish towel to protect your hands.
Once the artichokes are cooked, carefully remove them from the microwave and allow them to cool slightly before serving. To eat, simply peel off the individual leaves and dip them in melted butter, mayonnaise, or a delicious sauce of your choice. As you work your way toward the center, you will reach the heart, which is a tender and prized part of the artichoke. Enjoy!
Preparation
Before cooking artichokes in the microwave, there are a few steps you need to follow to prepare them properly:
Gather the Ingredients
To cook artichokes in the microwave, you will need the following ingredients:
1 | fresh artichoke |
1 | lemon |
2 tablespoons | olive oil |
2 cloves | garlic |
1/2 teaspoon | salt |
1/4 teaspoon | pepper |
Prepare the Artichokes
Follow these steps to prepare the artichokes:
- Fill a bowl with water and squeeze in the juice of one lemon. This will prevent the artichokes from browning.
- Using a sharp knife, cut off the stem and about an inch off the top of each artichoke.
- Remove any small leaves at the base of the artichoke and trim the sharp ends of the remaining leaves using scissors.
- Using a spoon or your fingers, remove the choke, the inedible hairy part, from the center of the artichoke.
- Place the prepared artichokes in the bowl of lemon water until ready to cook.
Now that you have prepared the artichokes, you are ready to move on to the next step: cooking them in the microwave.
Gather Ingredients
Before you begin cooking artichokes in the microwave, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients:
1. Artichokes: Choose fresh artichokes with tight, compact leaves and a vibrant, green color. Aim for artichokes that feel heavy for their size and make a squeaky sound when squeezed.
Lemon: You’ll need a fresh lemon to add a bright, citrusy flavor to the artichokes and prevent oxidation.
Garlic: Use a few cloves of fresh garlic to add a savory and aromatic element to the dish.
Olive oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance the flavor of the artichokes.
Salt and pepper: Season the artichokes with salt and pepper to taste.
Water: You’ll need a small amount of water to create steam and help cook the artichokes evenly.
Note: You can also add other herbs and spices like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor of the artichokes according to your preference.
Trim Artichokes
Before cooking artichokes in the microwave, it is important to properly trim them to remove any tough outer leaves and the thorny tips. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to trim artichokes:
Step 1: Prepare a Bowl of Lemon Water
Fill a large bowl with water and squeeze the juice of one lemon into it. This lemon water will help prevent the artichoke from browning as you trim it.
Step 2: Cut the Stem
Start by cutting off the stem of the artichoke, leaving about 1 inch attached. The stem is edible and can be cooked along with the artichoke.
Step 3: Remove Tough Outer Leaves
Hold the artichoke firmly and pull off the tough outer leaves, working your way towards the center. As you remove the outer layers, you will notice that the leaves become lighter in color and more tender.
Step 4: Trim the Top
Once you have removed the tough outer leaves, use a sharp knife to cut about 1 inch off the top of the artichoke. This will remove the thorny tips of the remaining leaves, making the artichoke easier to handle and eat.
Step 5: Clean the Artichoke
Rinse the artichoke under cold water to remove any debris or dirt that may still be present. You can also gently spread the leaves apart to rinse the inside of the artichoke.
Now that you have properly trimmed the artichoke, it is ready to be cooked in the microwave. Follow the instructions on “How to cook artichokes in the microwave” to complete the cooking process.
Cooking Process
Prepare the artichokes by cutting off the top 1/4 of the leaves using a sharp knife. Trim the stems so that the artichokes can sit flat.
Next, rinse the artichokes under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Place the prepared artichokes in a microwave-safe dish and add water to the dish until it reaches about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in height.
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent open for steam to escape.
Microwave the artichokes on high for approximately 7-10 minutes, or until the leaves are tender and easily pulled off.
Use caution when removing the dish from the microwave as it will be hot. Let the artichokes sit for a few minutes before serving.
When serving, you can optionally drizzle the artichokes with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Prepare Microwave-safe Dish
To cook artichokes in the microwave, it is important to use a microwave-safe dish. This will ensure that the artichokes are cooked properly and that the dish does not get damaged in the microwave.
Here is how you can prepare a microwave-safe dish for cooking artichokes:
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1 | Choose a microwave-safe dish that is large enough to hold the artichokes. A glass or ceramic dish is usually a safe choice. |
2 | If necessary, trim the stems of the artichokes so that they will fit comfortably in the dish. |
3 | Place the artichokes in the dish, making sure they are not overcrowded. If you are cooking multiple artichokes, leave a little space between them. |
4 | Add enough water to the dish to cover the bottom. This will create steam and help the artichokes cook evenly. |
5 | You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of salt to the water for added flavor. |
By following these steps and using a microwave-safe dish, you can ensure that your artichokes are cooked to perfection in the microwave. Enjoy!
Add Water and Seasonings
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1/2 cup of water. Place the artichoke upright in the bowl with the stem facing down. This will allow the steam to penetrate the layers of the artichoke effectively.
Next, drizzle the artichoke with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy taste.
If desired, you can also add garlic cloves, bay leaves, or thyme sprigs to the water for additional flavor. These seasonings will infuse the artichoke as it cooks in the microwave.
Once you have added the water and seasonings, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate or vented microwave cover. This will help to create a steaming environment inside the bowl, ensuring that the artichoke cooks evenly.
Now you are ready to cook the artichoke in the microwave.
Water | 1/2 cup |
Olive oil | drizzle |
Salt and pepper | to taste |
Lemon juice | squeeze |
Garlic cloves | optional |
Bay leaves | optional |
Thyme sprigs | optional |
Microwaving
To cook artichokes in the microwave, follow these steps:
Step | Description |
---|---|
1 | Trim the artichokes by removing the stems and top third, and cutting off the thorny tips of the outer leaves. |
2 | Place the artichokes in a microwave-safe dish. |
3 | Add water to the dish, filling it about 1/4 of the way. |
4 | Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. |
5 | Microwave the artichokes on high for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender. |
6 | Let the artichokes sit in the microwave for a few minutes before removing them, as they will continue to cook. |
7 | Once they are cool enough to handle, serve the artichokes with melted butter or your favorite dipping sauce. |
Q&A
Can you cook artichokes in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook artichokes in the microwave. It is a quick and easy way to prepare them.
What is the best way to cook artichokes in the microwave?
The best way to cook artichokes in the microwave is to trim the stem, remove the tough outer leaves, cut off the top, and place them in a microwave-safe dish with a little water. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and microwave on high for about 5-7 minutes per artichoke, or until they are tender.
How long does it take to cook artichokes in the microwave?
The cooking time for artichokes in the microwave depends on the size of the artichokes and the power of your microwave. Generally, it takes about 5-7 minutes per artichoke on high power. For larger artichokes, you may need to increase the cooking time.
Are microwaved artichokes as tasty as boiled artichokes?
Microwaved artichokes can be just as tasty as boiled artichokes. The microwave helps to retain the natural flavors and nutrients of the artichokes. However, the taste may vary depending on the cooking method and personal preference.
Can I cook frozen artichokes in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook frozen artichokes in the microwave. Follow the same steps for cooking fresh artichokes in the microwave, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Frozen artichokes may take a little longer to cook.
Can I cook artichokes in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook artichokes in the microwave. It is a quick and easy method to prepare them.
What are the steps to cook artichokes in the microwave?
To cook artichokes in the microwave, first, trim the stem and remove any tough outer leaves. Then, cut the top portion of the artichoke and use a spoon to scoop out the fuzzy choke. Next, place the artichoke in a microwave-safe dish with a little water. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and cook on high for about 5-8 minutes or until the artichoke is tender. Let it cool before serving.