Succulent artichokes with umami mayo are a delicious Spring appetizer or side. Gluten-Free.
Full disclosure: I receive commissions from purchases made through links in this post.
Known as the “lobster of the vegetable world,” globe artichokes are one of my favorite savory treats. Great for dipping, these Spring vegetables are generally steamed and served as an appetizer, side, or snack.
I cannot take credit for this recipe. I’ve been enjoying artichokes with umami mayo dipping sauce for as long as I can remember. A good family friend of ours, basically my second mom, is an amazing chef and frequently served these up as snacks for us as kids. Now, on to the good stuff…
Tips for Steaming Artichokes with Umami Mayo
Selecting Artichokes. Look for artichokes that have tightly packed leaves, are firm, and feel heavy for their size.
Prepping the Artichoke. Prepping artichokes is simple but it requires a sharp knife. Trim the stem by cutting off just the end like you would trim a mushroom. Trim the tips of the petals as well using a chefs knife to cut about 3/4″ off the top of the artichoke. If you’d like to reduce the cook time, cut the artichokes in half lengthwise.
Rub with Lemon. Rub the cut sides of the artichokes with sliced lemon (this is to keep the color more vibrant).
Steaming the Artichokes. Place enough water in a pot fitted with a steaming insert for the water to reach just below the insert but not touch the steam basket. Bring the water to a boil, squeaze the remainder of the lemon juice and place the artichokes cut-side down in the steam basket using tongs careful not burn yourself. Cover and cook 20-30 minutes depending on the size of your vegetables. Artichokes are done steaming when the leaves on the outside and inside pull away with ease.
Making the Dipping Sauce. Start with 3 Tbsp mayonnaise of choice and 2 tsp tamari (gluten free) or soy sauce. Taste and add more tamari as necessary. If you add too much tamari, just add a little more mayo until you get it right.
Substitutions. If you’re unable to find artichokes, replace them with Asparagus and steam for 3-5 minutes depending on how tender you like them. Avoiding mayonnaise? Swap it for plain Greek yogurt.
Health Talk
As a reminder, please take my advice as you would from a friend, not your doctor. I am not a doctor, dietitian, or nutritionist. However, I have a passion for health and cooking. My hope is to bring you information that will help you live a health-filled life.
One serving of this dish provides 10% of the recommended daily value (DV) for both folate and vitamin K, as well as 5%DV for magnesium, manganese, potassium, and vitamin C. Artichokes are high in magnesium, an essential mineral many of us lack. And they contain plenty of other nutrients too, including folate, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Eating artichokes helps regulate blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and promotes liver health. For more reading on the health benefits of artichokes, please read the sources cited below this post.
Equipment
FYI: I receive commissions for purchases made via links in this post
- Medium pot with fitted lid
- Steaming basket
- Tongs
Steamed Artichokes with Umami Mayo Dipping Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Succulent artichokes with umami mayo dipping sauce make an excellent Spring side or appetizer. Gluten-Free.
Ingredients
- 2 artichokes, trimmed and halved
- 3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 2 tsp tamari sauce
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Prep Steamer. Place enough water in a pot fitted with a steaming insert for the water to reach just below the insert but not touch the steam basket. Bring the water to a boil and cover until ready for use.
- Trim and halve Artichoke. Trim the stem by cutting off just the end like you would trim a mushroom. Trim the tips of the petals as well using a chefs knife to cut about 3/4″ off the top of the artichoke. If you’d like to reduce the cook time, cut the artichokes in half lengthwise. Rub the cut sides of the artichokes with sliced lemon (this is to keep the color more vibrant).
- Steam the Artichokes. Squeeze the remainder of the lemon juice into the boiling water and place the artichokes cut-side down in the steam basket using tongs careful not burn yourself. Cover and cook 20-30 minutes depending on the size of your vegetables. Artichokes are done steaming when the leaves on the outside and inside pull away with ease. Remove artichokes and using a spoon, scoop out the fibrous part just above the heart and beneath the leaves. Serve room temp. Scoop the sauce into the cavern or serve it on the side.
- Make Dipping Sauce. In a small bowl, combine 3 Tbsp mayonnaise of choice with 2 tsp tamari (gluten free) or soy sauce. Taste and add more tamari as necessary. If you add too much tamari, just add a little more mayo until it suits your taste.
Notes
Substitutions: f you’re unable to find artichokes, replace them with Asparagus and steam for 3-5 minutes depending on how tender you like them. Avoiding mayonnaise? Swap it for plain Greek yogurt.
As always, make this recipe your own and tell me about what you create in the comments.
Keywords: artichokes, spring, appetizer, side, dipping sauce, quick, easy, 5 ingredients
Resources
For more reading on the health benefits of artichokes, check out these resources below:
Healthline, Top 8 Health Benefits of Artichokes and Artichoke Extract
Nourish by WebMD, Health Benefits of Artichokes
