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Instant Pot Artichokes with Creamy Herb Dip

Making whole steamed Artichokes in the Instant Pot is incredibly easy! I show you how in this easy to follow tutorial with step by step photos and even includes a creamy herb dipping sauce to serve along side! 

I have been an artichoke fan ever since I was a kid. They are great stuffed. They are great baked with tomatoes. In dips and of course grilled. But one of my biggest complaints about cooking whole artichokes is how long they take to cook. Steaming whole artichokes usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. And while I think they are totally worth the wait,  Instant Pot Artichokes cook in a fraction of the time.

Side photo of whole steamed artichoke.

How to pick out an artichoke:

If you’re like me, the very first time you decide to prepare an artichoke you’re super intimidated. And that could start with the simple question: How do I pick out a good artichoke?

There are a couple of ways to ensure that the artichoke will be good:

You want to look for an artichoke that has leaves that are closed. If the leaves are splayed out, that means that the artichoke is old. As far as color go, a ripe artichoke will be a dusty green color. A few brown spots is nothing to worry about but you don’t want one with deep purple or soft brown spots. That means the artichoke has spoiled.

Close up photo of whole raw artichoke.

How to prep a whole artichoke for steaming:

Similar to when you are steaming whole artichokes in a pot, you will need to trim the artichoke first. Trimming an artichoke could seem a bit daunting if you have never trimmed one before. But it is actually really easy to do. Let me show you just how easy it is!

Step #1:  let’s talk about the tips of the artichoke leaves. They can be a little prickly. So we want to get rid of them. To do that simply cut off the top 1/2 inch or so of the artichoke using a sharp knife.

Cutting the top of a raw artichoke with a knife.

Step #2: Next, you will want to trim the tips of the remaining leaves. A good pair of kitchen shears will do the trick here. Just use them to trim off the prickly top of the leaves.

Trimming the leaves of an artichoke with scissors.

Step #3: Cut off the stem of the artichoke so that it sits flat.

Step #4: When artichokes are cut, they will begin to oxidize and turn brown. That is why it is essential to dip then in lemon water immediately after cutting. I usually have a bowl of ice water that I have squeezed a lemon into right next to where I am cutting.

Dipping an artichoke in lemon water to prevent oxidizing.

How to make whole steamed artichokes in a pressure cooker:

You will need to place the artichokes in the steamer basket or trivet that came with your pressure cooker. Pour in a cup of water. Place the lid on and seal.

Raw whole artichoke inside an instant pot.

Cook the artichokes on high pressure for 9 minutes and then do a manual release.

DES’ TIP: Depending on the size of your artichoke timing may vary. This recipe calls for two large globe artichokes but if you were to use smaller artichokes the time might be closer to 7. You can always cook an additional 2 – 3 minutes if after the pressure is released the artichoke is too tough. 

Once the pressure has been released, carefully remove the artichoke. The artichoke is done when the leaves pull away easily.

What is the best dip for steamed  artichokes?

Finally, let’s talk dip. When you’re eating a steamed artichoke, the dip is just as important as the artichoke itself. Some people prefer butter or mayonnaise. Garlic Aioli is nice too! For this recipe, I made a quick and easy creamy herb dip that is also fab!

Artichoke leaf dipped in creamy herb dip.

Now that you know just how easy it is to make Artichokes in the Instant Pot, I’m pretty confident it’ll be your new favorite way to prepare them.

Love artichokes? Here are some more artichoke recipes:

2 Ingredient Artichoke Chicken 

Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts 

Artichoke Jalapeno Dip

Artichoke Tapendade 

Note: This post was originally posted in 2018. It was updated with new step by step photos and nutrition information in 2021.

Overhead photo of steamed artichoke with lemons.

Instant Pot Artichokes with Creamy Herb Dip

Making whole steamed Artichokes in the Instant Pot is incredibly easy! I show you how in this easy to follow tutorial with step by step photos.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Course Easy Appetizer Recipes, Side Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 201 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 2 large globe artichokes trimmed
  • lemon juice
  • water

Creamy Herb Dip

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried chives
  • 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together all ingredients for creamy herb dip and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Prep the artichokes by cutting off the top inch of the artichoke as well as the stem so the artichoke sits flat. Use kitchen shears to trim the pointed tops off the remaining artichoke leaves. Immediately dunk the artichokes in the lemon juice to help them from browning.
  • Place artichokes on a trivet (or in a steamer basket) in the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup water. Pressure cook on high for 9 minutes. Do a manual release.
  • Once the pressure is released, carefully transfer the artichokes to a serving dish and serve with creamy herb dip.

Notes

Nutrition information for estimation purposes only.

Nutrition

Calories: 201kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 22.4gFat: 5.3gSaturated Fat: 3.2gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 154mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10.2g
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: artichoke, instant pot, steamed artichoke, Vegetarian

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Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Joan Snowdy
    May 7, 2020 at 6:14 pm

    5 stars
    Before I got my IP last year, I was roasting artichokes and really love that recipe. I decided to try using that recipe in the IP for the chokes. For that, I sprinkle on minced garlic, pushing it down between the leaves, then drizzle lemon juice for added flavor and olive oil and sprinkle Lawrey’s garlic salt with parsley. Results were comparable to the roasted recipe but much more tender the way we like it. I’ve continued to do my chokes this way, either cut in half or whole… using large chokes though I prefer cutting them in half for shorter cooking time.

  • Reply
    happy wheels 2.0
    May 1, 2018 at 11:51 pm

    In honor of eating better in the new year, I lightened the sauce a bit!!

  • Reply
    Patricia @ Grab a Plate
    January 4, 2018 at 8:19 pm

    Wow does this look fabulous! I adore artichokes, and got an Instant Pot for Christmas. Can’t wait to try making these artichokes! Yum!

  • Reply
    Amy @ Little Dairy on the Prairie
    January 4, 2018 at 11:40 am

    What a creative way to use the Instant Pot!

  • Reply
    Dee
    January 4, 2018 at 9:35 am

    I haven’t had steamed artichokes in so long! Can’t wait to make these in the Instant Pot!

  • Reply
    Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
    January 3, 2018 at 7:22 pm

    I got a new IP for Christmas. Can’t wait to try artichokes in it! Yum!

  • Reply
    Jacque Hastert
    January 3, 2018 at 4:03 pm

    5 stars
    I love this appetizer! I wouldn’t be able to quit snacking.

  • Reply
    Michelle @ The Complete Savorist
    January 3, 2018 at 11:18 am

    Well I officially have a reason to want to buy an Instant Pot. This looks so simple and utterly delicious.

  • Reply
    Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes)
    January 3, 2018 at 9:22 am

    This is really genius!!

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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