Steaming artichokes has never been easier with the help of your Instant Pot. By pressure cooking artichokes, you’ll end up with these perfectly cooked Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes with Garlic Aioli that’s great as an appetizer, side dish, or healthy snack.
Cut the stalks off of the artichokes and slice off 1 inch from the tip of the artichoke. Peel the bottom two rows of leaves. Use scissors to trim off the sharp ends of the remaining leaves, about ¾- 1 inch off each leaf.
Add the sliced lemons, smashed garlic, bay leaves, and water to your Instant Pot and insert a steamer rack. Place your artichokes stem side up inside the pot. It's ok to stack them if you’re making more than 2.
Close the lid and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes (see tips for cooking time for different sizes). When the timer goes off, hit cancel. Manually release the pressure with the pressure valve.
Remove the artichokes with tongs. Leave them whole or slice in half.
To eat, peel off each leaf and dip in aioli or your favorite sauce. (See eating tips below in notes).
Smoky Garlic Aioli
Add all of the aioli ingredients to a bowl. Mix well and set aside until ready to serve. Save time and make this a few days in advance instead.
Notes
Recipe Notes: Cook times will vary. Try 8 minutes for small or halved artichokes, 10-11 minutes for medium, and 13-15 for large. All with a manual release at the end.Eating an Artichoke: Remove the leaves one at a time from the outside and dip them in sauce. Then, scrape off the meaty light-colored part of the leaf with your teeth and discard the rough top part. After the leaves have all been removed, you’ll reach the bottom of the artichoke. Spoon out the inedible fuzzy choke, slice off the stem, and eat the meaty heart.